Notes from the host
Doccione di Sotto
Charming stone cottage inmidst rustic and idyllic nature of the Tuscan mountains, with garden, pool, perfect vantage point for mountainbike and hiking, relax granted. Large well equipped kitchen, 3 bathrooms, table, chairs and loungers outside the house and plenty of space to stretch out, play, relax and sunbathing.
Very suitable for families with children or holidays with friends.
The idyllic hamlet of „Doccione di Sotto” which consists of three former farm houses, is located in a quite remote are at 850 m s.l., at the end of the Vallesanta valley. The property is situated on the border of the Casentino National Park "Foreste Casentinesi" in the midst of woods and fields.
The Casentino lies between the upper valley of the Arno and Tiber rivers and is a picturesque area rich with Roman and Etruscan churches and. Spiritual places that already served Dante as inspiration for the enchanting landscapes described in his „Divine Comedy”. It is a green oasis on the edge of the Apennines, well known for its traditional trade such as iron, wood and stone work and the production of wool. The tourism develops slowly here, so that this area is still quite quiet. The capital of the province, Arezzo, once was founded by the Etruscans and is famous for its gold manufacture.
In our sparsely populated area, you will have wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. While enjoying the nature and silence hiking or bike riding you can discover the abundant flora and fauna. The surrounding consists of mainly oak, beech or chestnut forest, bordered with tilled and fallow fields. The rivers with their refreshing water invite for swimming.
Step out the door - directly onto the bike!
Here you may experience all facets of mountainbiking: exhilarating uphill and rapid downhill tracks which will enable you to master technically challenging routes. And you always get rewarded by the beauty of the surrounding nature with panoramic views or places.
Hiking, too, starts right at the house.
The surrounding nature with its vast panoramic landscapes provide peaceful hiking trails to abandoned villages and ruins. The natural beauty of the flora and fauna offer new discoveries with the arrival of each of season. One of many different wonderful tours leads to the Franciscan monastery La Verna at a distance of 14 km.
Besides hiking, walking and moutainbiking, there are many activities to occupy the days … visiting the weekly markets in the local towns, tours of the panoramic surroundings, medieval churches (Romena), castles (Poppi) and monasteries (Chiusi della Verna, Camaldoli) to explore. Day tours to the art centres of Arezzo (1 h), Florence (2 h), Perugia (1,5 h), Assisi (2 h) Orvieto (2 h) or to the Adriatic coast, e.g. Cesenatico or Rimini (2 h) or the independent state of San Marino.
Within the summer months there are many regional cultural events like food specialities, open air cinema, concerts, theatre, expositions, circus.
A wonderful refreshing swimming hole in the local river is only 10 min. by car. Situated at the foot of Monte Penna lies the village of Chiusi della Verna; at a distance of 14 km by foot or a 30 minute drive by car. On the south side of the mountain you will find the monastery of La Verna where, according to legend, St Francis of Assisi communed with the birds and received his stigmata. It’s part of the Pilgrim’s way Camaldoli-LaVerna-Assisi.
At Poppi you will find a language school offering Italian lessons during the summer season and an excellent golf course.
Antique market at Arezzo (every 1st Sunday of the month and preceding Saturday). In autumn you can find mushrooms (e.g. porcini) and chestnuts.
