Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Travel :: Villa Cicolina


Today I'd like to share with you a little piece of Tuscan heaven...Villa Cicolina.  This gorgeous 16th century villa was the home of a noble family from Montepulciano until the end of the 19th century. In 2000 it was purchased by two doctors with a love for travel and they turned it into a small, luxury B&B.  From the beautiful pastel mosaic walls and ceilings to the HUGE fireplace to the antique furniture, rugs, and art, it truly was the epitome of what I always imagined as Tuscany.  We stayed in the Il Camino Junior Suite, and with it's six windows {all with a postcard view of the garden and hills}, canopy bed, and antique clawfoot bathtub, I couldn't help but let all of my worries wash away.

The grounds themselves were gorgeous.  The infinity pool was surrounded by olive trees and overlooked the rolling Tuscan countryside.  There was a small formal garden which felt as though you had stepped out of "A Midsummers Nights Dream."  It actually had a tiny chapel {literally, you could barely fit two people in it} which was absolutely lovely.  Everywhere you turned seemed to have a gorgeous little spot to cuddle up and marvel at the region's natural beauty.

After spending a few hours lounging by the pool with a book we took a cooking class, and can I tell you we had the best time ever?!  It was just Ryan and I with the chef and the hotel manager who helped cook and translate, and we learned how to make a few different Tuscan dishes that we actually ended up serving that night for dinner in the Villa's restaurant {talk about pressure!}  We made focaccia, crepes with ricotta and spinach, pappa al pomodoro {a Florentinian stew of tomatoes, bread, olive oil, basil, and Parmesan}, and apple pastries.  The class took about two hours {plus a bottle of wine} and ultimately somehow we managed to cook a delicious meal that everyone at the restaurant loved {and didn't have a clue that it was made by rookie chefs!} 

And speaking of food...breakfast was a feast of cheeses, meats, fruits, cakes, pastries, housemade juices and jams, and other Tuscan delights.  For they prepared us a picnic of Pecorino cheeses {one young, one medium, and one old}, honey, fruit {including apples and figs picked that morning from their fruit trees}, and bruschetta.  The dinner {that we cooked!} was served in a beautiful old stone stable which had been converted into a restaurant.  

After dinner we sat outside under the stars with a glass of wine, and I decided to end my night with a long bubble bath in our clawfoot bathtub.  It was one of the most magical places I have ever been and I cannot recommend it enough!  I only hope to be able to go back, sooner rather than later!

13 comments:

  1. WOW! This is amazing! I would say that this is something more than heaven! That bathtub, sun, colrs, architecture and food! This is amazing! Thanks for sharing!

    Brigita,

    http://lostinpattern.blogspot.com/

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  2. Wow!!!! Beautiful photos .. I would give anything to live there!

    Stella+Charlie

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  3. This place is absolutely a dream! I can't believe that view!
    xo TJ

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  4. good lord I feel like your amazing photos are endless!! what a view! you travel a ton... or this vacation is just a super long one? Either way, I'm super jealous!


    xx, Dana


    www.thecasualclassic.com

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  5. I love the pictures of the sunrise shining over the hills. To die for!

    http://liveitinerantly.com

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  6. That's a great place! Beautiful places!!!
    thanks for sharing...
    http://brunettelettersblog.blogspot.com/

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  7. Short and Sweet BlogOctober 16, 2013 at 12:18 AM

    The views...the pool! Ah such an amazing spot!!

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  8. Molly {Dreams in HD}October 16, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    i know, it was my absolute favorite place we stayed in italy. just wish we could have stayed for longer :)

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  9. Molly {Dreams in HD}October 16, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    thanks so much for the comment and for stopping by!

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  10. Molly {Dreams in HD}October 16, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    LOL i literally took thousands of pictures. it was a two and a half week vacation and we typically travel abroad once or twice a year but wish it was more :)

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  11. Molly {Dreams in HD}October 16, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    i know, the view was amazing! i felt like i had to pinch myself, it almost didn't feel real!

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  12. Molly {Dreams in HD}October 16, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    me too sammy!

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  13. Molly {Dreams in HD}October 16, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    thanks so much brigita!

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