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The
historic Gualdo holding is a small agricultural and touristic
complex in the heart of the Sienese Chianti countryside, situated on the
right hand side of the high Arbia valley. The buildings date back to medieval origins and are located at an altitude of 550 Mts. above sea level, in a scenic position which gives onto wide views of the hills and valleys of the area and surrounded by the numerous olive groves, whose cultivation makes for the principal activity of these small holdings. The surrounding countryside is full of roaming forests of "Roverella" and pine trees, within which have recently been renovated the old roads and paths which allow you to enjoy pleasant strolls and walks amongst the woods. |
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A
small lake, (situated only a hundred
Mts. from the main buildings) created from the spring of natural water
which provides the Gualdo with its water supply, completes the
magnificent ecosystem of the holdings. As the valley faces towards the north east it is exposed to the frequent and pleasant summer breezes, which render the Gualdo's climate ideal even in the full summer months. Only a few minutes distance is a fully equipped riding stables, where it's possible to take excursions on horseback through the woods and countryside. In addition there is a sports complex with tennis courts available, and it's also possible to rent mountain bikes. The holdings is surrounded by ample spaces for outdoor recreation in general and has numerous terraces and patios fully equipped. |
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The
term Gualdo derives from the longobard word "wald"
which signifies the special woods, privileged and for the use of it's
sole patron. In the area of the Trebbio and Livernano castles the feudal
landowners were the counts "Guidi", hence it's probable that
the woods were their private possession, giving the origins to the name
of the Gualdo. Over the centuries the site, which is practically on the borders between the Florentine and Sienese territories, was subject to several domains and feudal lords, the evidence of which is visible in the symbols and emblems on the inside and outside of the buildings. Today the Gualdo consists of three rural buildings, with the typical characteristics of "growing" constructions, the fruit of a series of additions and integrations undertaken during the centuries, with reference in particular to the 12th and 13th centuries. |
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The apartments are fully fitted and furnished in style, with antique terra- cotta floors, beamed ceilings, wooden fixtures, and at the same time are fitted with all modern comforts. All the electrical wiring, the plumbing and the heating have been recently re-installed to the new requirements of the EC regulations. There is also a free laundry room for the use of all the apartments | |||
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| To
conclude, a brief note on the principal characteristics of the extra
virgin, sinolea,
oil, produced on the "Antico podere del Gualdo". The ideal ecosystem for the cultivation of the olives, the careful selection of the variety, the hand picking and the delicate extraction by cold press of the sinolea, confer to the Gualdo olive oil an exclusive blend of aromas and flavours. fruity, harmonious and of rare elegance. The oil is sold on the property, with a special discount for any of the guests of the Gualdo.. |
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