CINCINNATI--()--Nestled in the historic heart of the Val d’Orcia region and lying dormant for the past few decades, the village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro has recently undergone a transformative restoration and re-emerged as a veritable destination, in its own right. Situated among some of the world’s most famous wineries and adjacent to the Origo Family’s remarkable La Foce Gardens, the project—simultaneously driven by a passion for preservation and a dedication to a buoyant and long-term future—is the labor of love of Michael Cioffi, an American lawyer and law professor who has dedicated himself to rebuilding the semi-abandoned, medieval village in a traditional and beautiful manner that is inherently sensitive to and pays homage to the Tuscan region. The painstaking restoration process, originally begun in 2004 with the acquisition of a singular building in desperate need of attention, has revived a whole village from previous neglect, culminating this summer with the highly-anticipated opening of The Hotel at Monteverdi, a collection of 3 completed villas, a newly-restored 12th Century chapel, a farm-to-table driven informal Caffè, and an exciting program of cultural events lasting all summer long.
“second-home getaway as an intellectual and cultural sanctuary.”
About The Hotel Monteverdi:
Opening its doors this August, the 7-bedroom bijoux Hotel Monteverdi will offer guests unmatched comfort, spectacular vistas of the verdant valley below, an adjoining outdoor swimming pool, and effortless guest services all within a stunning and charming cadre. In collaboration with Italian interior designer Ilaria Miani and Ernesto Bartolini of DA. Studio as principal architect, the property has brought together regional artisans utilizing craftsmanship on the brink of extinction, local stone masons and builders, and truly breathed new life into Monteverdi converting it into a "second-home getaway as an intellectual and cultural sanctuary." The use of indigenous materials and reclaimed wood were central to the meticulous and authentic reconstruction of this former pensione. Local woods, Tuscan flagstone, granite and Carrara marble give each room a distinct appearance that is authentically grounded in the spirit and humble origins of the Val d'Orcia. Working in tandem with her husband, Milan-based Ilaria Miani infused The Hotel at Monteverdi with her own tasteful and eclectic signature: a sensibility that embraces simplicity, unencumbered spaces, optimization of natural light and ubiquitously spectacular views. A restaurant will follow in early 2013.
About the Caffè Monteverdi:
Since its inception in late 2011, the Caffè Monteverdi has quickly become the village’s informal gathering spot, an anchor where guests—whether hotel, villa, or local residents—can mingle with acclaimed performers and visitors can enjoy alfresco concert performances, witness the beauty of Tuscan countryside with uninterrupted views of Mount Cetona, and of course, sample the best locally sourced wines and produce from the fertile region. Under the direction of Paolo Coluccio, a Locanda Locatelli-trained Italian chef, the Caffè Monteverdi offers a seasonally driven menu changing daily. A selection of prosciutti, salami, and other cuts from the immediate region is complemented by myriad varieties of pecorino cheeses. Guests can savor the richness of crostini combined with freshly picked off-the-vine tomatoes or chargrilled aubergines from the Caffè’s own vegetable patch. The Caffè Monteverdi’s wine bar does not leave guests for want: exceptional wines from local appellations such as Andrea Franchetti’s Tenuta di Trinoro (awarded a 97+ score by Robert Parker) is available by the glass. For the little ones, freshly squeezed orange juice is always available.
About the Villas at Monteverdi:
The Villas at Monteverdi, a collection of three villas available for rent on a weekly basis, bring together the comforts and facilities of the 21st Century while still paying homage to the buildings’ historical blueprint. Each villa is equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen where a private chef can prepare (and impart upon) guests the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine and its complexity of flavors. Ranging from the large 6 en-suite bedroom Villa Muri Antichi —perfect for a multigenerational family retreat and affording each guest the utmost privacy—to the more intimate 2-bedroom Villa San Pietro, the Villas at Monteverdi offer an ideal option for lengthier stays and excursion-based travels. The facilities of the Hotel Monteverdi will be available for all villa guests year-round.
About the Summer Season:
This summer, Monteverdi Tuscany will play host to a series of music and cultural events beginning with the Sarteano Jazz Festival on July 19th. A proud sponsor of this annual series of jazz performances, Monteverdi Tuscany’s outdoor stage and terraced setting with theatre style seating will also see performance by Giovanni Falzone Quitet, Steelwind, Blue Cows and Silvia Bolognesi Almond 4. Following on from the jazz festival and segueing into classical music and opera, Monteverdi Tuscany will also host a number of star-studded performances celebrating Incontri de Tierra Siena’s 24th season showcasing talents such as Artistic Director Antonio Lysi, Soprano Lucia Focile, the Borromeo String Quartet and Director Andrea Ciluffo, whose “The Land to Life Again’ was commissioned by Monteverdi Tuscany and Incontri in Terra di Siena. To celebrate the opening of the Hotel at Monteverdi, blues performer and favorite—Keb Mo—will join the line-up of Monteverdi’s musicians. For its second year in a row, the Artists and Scholars-in-Residence program will allow guests to spend some time with internationally acclaimed young artists, musicians and scholars.
About the Archeological Dig:
Throughout Monteverdi Tuscany’s restoration process—consistently academic in its approach—the vision is to remain true to the environ’s roots and reconnect the village to its past. An extensive archaeological dig, now led by the University of Sienna, is currently being conducted at the site and remains one of the only privately sponsored archaeological digs in Tuscany. Visitors to Monteverdi Tuscany will have a unique opportunity to observe up-close the workings of an active archaeological dig and interact with the planned archeological park to follow.
About the Website:
Featuring inspired imagery—reflecting the untouched beauty of Tuscany and the cultural heartbeat of Monteverdi— the new website (www.monteverdituscany.com) will enable returning and future guests to anticipate the beauty of the setting awaiting them, engage with upcoming events, whet their appetites with the latest specials from the restaurant, and be part of the Monteverdi’s vision. Shot by renowned French interiors photographer Bernard Touillon, the website’s imagery will immediately transport visitors to this hilltop idyll and keep them abreast of all events and developments across the village, only one click away.
About Monteverdi Tuscany
Monteverdi Tuscany, located in the medieval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, Tuscany, and equidistant from Rome and Florence, is comprised of a collection of luxury villas and a boutique hotel. The private residences and hotel are breathtakingly beautiful stone structures built on foundations dating from the 11th Century – each sensitively restored with timeless, European-style design and 21st Century amenities and guest services that include an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring Technogym equipment, flat-screen televisions, a full-service concierge, and free wireless internet. The Monteverdi experience—anchored in a philosophy of holistic wellbeing—can include private yoga classes, in-room massages and treatments, and meals prepared by a private chef. Monteverdi Tuscany is a sensory experience: from food and wine to art exhibitions and concert performances, guests can savor every dimension the village has to offer.
-- Notes to Editors--
| The lead-in rate for the Hotel Monteverdi is from €250 on a bed & breakfast basis. |
| Hotel Monteverdi has 7 bedrooms. |
| Hotel Monteverdi will open August 1, 2012 |
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50337894&lang=en
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