There’s an undeniable poetic quality to the Italian language. “House of Art” would land on the ear with a dull thud, not at all an appropriate sensation for a beautiful little hotel in the Tuscan country about an hour’s drive outside of Siena. But Residenza d’Arte: now that’s more like it.
It’s not there just for the sound, of course. This place, already striking enough in the way only a sprawling stone farmhouse in a 14th-century Tuscan village can be, is positively brimming with arte — both indoors, with artworks liberally distributed throughout the guest rooms and public spaces, and out, where a sculpture garden joins the typically Tuscan vistas of cypress trees and olive groves.
With just eight rooms it feels almost as if it’s all yours, and the paintings aside, it’s an absolute classic: stone fireplaces, arches, exposed timbers, and picture-book views. You don’t come to Tuscany without at least thinking about food and wine, and likely consuming quite a bit of both; wine tours of Montalcino can be arranged, and a nearby restaurant offers instruction in classic Tuscan cooking — and more exotic outings like bike tours and hot air balloon rides are available as well.
Check in is from 15.00 to 21.00.
Check out is 11.30.
author watson@mouselink.net, source www.tablethotels.com
