Pagliaio sits on land that once supplied grain to the Benedictine monks of Badia Agnano - the Abbey of St. Mary - a powerful medieval monastery that controlled vast holdings across the Ambra valley from the 11th century until its suppression in 1652. The haybarn for the monks' holdings is now a comfortable two-story cottage for couples or small families.
Annemarie, the British owner who lives on the property, is mentioned in every guest review for her helpfulness with restaurant bookings, local recommendations, and arranging extras like cooking lessons, bike rentals, and horseback riding. The property has two other apartments (three total), all sharing a large 7x15 meter pool with diving board, extensive gardens with hammocks strung between the trees, and outdoor dining areas - each apartment has its own private table and seating.
The Valdambra valley between Arezzo and Siena is excellent for cycling and walking. Horse stables are in easy walking distance. Wild boar occasionally visit the grounds in the evenings. This is a budget-friendly base for exploring eastern Tuscany, not a luxury retreat - but it's clean, spacious, peaceful, and Annemarie makes sure guests feel looked after.
Pagliaio is listed under the following categories:
This cottage sits across the drive from the main house and is entered through arched glass doors into a sitting room with two bright sofas, which can double as two single beds, 1 for a child and 1 for an adult.
A short corridor leads past a shower room into an eat-in kitchen with a glass topped table for 4 with wicker chairs.
Up the wrought iron & glass staircase with natural wood steps is an additional shower room and two spacious double bedrooms where light filters through the original brickwork of haybarn windows.
The last section of the road is a well-maintained gravel track that gets slightly steep just before the turn off to the house.
Pagliaio sits in the Valdambra valley in the comune of Bucine, midway between Arezzo (25km) and Siena (35km). The medieval abbey village of Badia Agnano is immediately nearby - the church of Saints Tiburzio and Susanna (once the Abbey of St. Mary) and the remains of the old monastery walls and gatehouse are worth seeing.
Bucine (7km): Small market town with shops, services, and a tennis court. Saturday morning market for fresh produce. The comune includes several preserved medieval hamlets worth visiting - Capannole and Badia a Ruoti both have narrow alleys and old stone buildings.
Arezzo (25km, 30 mins): One of Tuscany's most underrated cities. Piero della Francesca's Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle in the Church of San Francesco is extraordinary - book ahead. The antiques market fills Piazza Grande on the first Sunday of each month (and preceding Saturday) - over 400 stalls. The Giostra del Saracino jousting tournament runs in June and September. Good train connections to Florence (1 hour).
Siena (35km, 40 mins): Gothic cathedral with striped marble interior and inlaid floors. The Palio horse race around Piazza del Campo on July 2 and August 16 (book a year ahead to attend). Torre del Mangia tower for views. The historic center is pedestrianized - park outside the walls.
Cortona (30km, 35 mins): Hilltop Etruscan town with steep streets, excellent views over the Val di Chiana, and the MAEC museum of Etruscan artifacts. Frances Mayes's Under the Tuscan Sun was set here - expect American tourists in summer.
Horseback riding: Stables within walking distance of the property - ask Annemarie to arrange.
Cycling: The Valdambra valley has quiet roads and gentle hills. Bike rentals arranged through Annemarie.
Cooking lessons: Annmarie arranges lessons with local chefs at the property - popular with guests based on reviews.
From € 233 to 347 per day
From € 1,628 to € 2,084 per week
Approximately
$ 1,905 to $ 2,438 in USD
For over 40 years, Invitation to Tuscany has personally selected and visited every villa we represent. Our team knows each property and its surroundings intimately - allowing us to help you choose the perfect home for your family or group, and to make your stay as memorable as the place itself.
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