With views across to the dormant volcano of Monte Amiata, hillsides scattered with olive trees, fresh air and oodles of sunshine, there is everything to like about staying at Potentino castle in Tuscany. It is like being invited into a private home, with activities such as wine tasting, walks and expeditions set up by your hosts.
History
This family-run estate offers views over the undulating countryside and is steeped in history, dating back to the 14th Century. In fact, the first document to mention the Castello di Potentino was dated 1042. The original foundations are probably Etruscan and over the centuries the property passed through the hands of many well-known Tuscan families of noble descent. More recently it was purchased and restored by the Greene family, who have given new life to the ancient traditions of the building.
Location
Today you can visit and stay in this slice of history. The nearest airports to the castle are Pisa (2hrs 15 minutes), Florence Peretola (2hrs 30 minutes) and Rome Fiumicino (3hrs). From the airport, you drive through the Tuscan countryside to eventually reach the wrought iron gates and drive up to this grand and ancient castle.
Style & Character
Choose between just eight historic but sympathetically refurbished rooms, packed with character, beams and luxury soft furnishings. Castello di Potentino is much more than a bed for the night, you are temporarily living in a regal and beautiful castle (Castello) in Tuscany.
Food & Drink
A self-service breakfast is offered in the old castle canteen. There is fresh fruit, a selection of cereals, local Tuscan bread and pastries and, if they have any left, some homemade cherry jam.
If you book into a course, evening meals are often arranged and included, and events are arranged such as barbecues on an open fire in one of the courtyards of the castle. Even if you are not on a course, there is often the option of sharing meals with the Greene-Horton extended family, in the dining hall and in their rustic kitchen.
If you prefer to do your own thing, Charlotte and Alexander love eating and can usually recommend you a good restaurant wherever you plan to go.
Facilities & Activities
Checkout the events programme to chose from a range of courses to suit your interests. Summer courses include yoga retreats and courses to appreciate wine and food.
There are also Tuscan pork butchery demonstrations, vineyard visits, risotto master classes, chocolate and cheese appreciation courses.
If you do not want to participate in a course, you can simply stay and enjoy the estate which consists of 102 hectares (254 acres) of land, including nine hectares of vineyards and the rest of the land being devoted to olive groves. During the day you can lounge by the castle’s pool, take a stroll into nearby town Seggiano or take a dip at the waterfalls and stream that run at the foot of the castle. Bliss.
Charlotte Horton’s South Tuscan castle is tucked away in a secret valley and is very definitely off the beaten track. This hidden gem is, however, not just a holiday destination. It is also a working winery producing sophisticated wines and distinctive olive oil. Take a trip to this magical castle, pack light and stock up with enough wine and olive oil to last you for the rest of the year. This really is the good life!
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