<h3>Arpicella Introduction</h3>
With a commanding view over central Tuscan countryside, Arpicella is a rustic style vacation home for 4 people just 1 km walk from Pienza, the jewel of southern Tuscany. Arpicella is situated in large park-like gardens with ancient holm oaks and cypresses, pines, olives and fig trees. The ground level features a covered dining area with wood-burning oven and BBQ facilities. The upper floor has a large living area with sofa group, kitchenette, table and chairs, TV and a massive fireplace. From here a corridor leads to a dining room, a spacious modern shower room, and 2 bedrooms; one has twin beds while the other offers a king sized bed.
<h3>Location of Arpicella near Pienza</h3>
Arpicella is in Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16 km drive from Montepulciano and many small towns nearby. This region is famous all the way from Dante's writings (<em>Inferono</em>) to modern day movies, such as the Gladiator and the English Patient. The house is reached by a 2 kilometer drive from Pienza on a sealed road. You drive past an ancient Romanesque church (Pieve di Corsignano) and then along a farm track lined with olive groves, hedges and stone walls. Driving thru the gates you arrive at a level parking area with space for a couple of cars.
<h3>Charms of a Rustic Farmhouse</h3>
This is one of our few houses without a pool, but thus it's well sought after by adult couples seeking a secluded and panoramic setting with a rustic farm house that is simple but elegant.  You'll know that you chose well once you gaze from this lovely house across the spellbinding Orcia Valley towards majestic Monte Amiata. An easy 20 minute walk to the famous town of Pienza is also a big asset.
<h3>Garden at Arpicella with BBQ and Pizza Oven</h3>
The extensive grounds are shaded by mature trees, and planted with flowering shrubs like labernum, rosemary and broom. During the warm season you'll enjoy the lemon trees and colorful geraniums in terracotta pots. Here are blooming roses in profusion, covering the little stone farm shed that houses a working, wood-fired pizza-oven and barbeque. The grounds are fenced in and illuminated at night. This is a peaceful setting for listening to birdsong while admiring the amazing panorama down the Orcia Valley.
<h3>Activities in Val d'Orcia</h3>
In the vicinity are a number of well marked hiking paths. This is ideal walking country, set within a nature reserve where wildlife is  protected. The region around Arpicella is the Val D’Orcia (Orcia Valley), including Pienza itself and Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano. The Amiata mountain is a popular winter ski area renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. As a result, this whole valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
<h4><strong>Distances from Arpicella</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Nearest Town: Pienza 1.4km (= 0.8 mile) on foot - 2 km by car</li>
 	<li>Local restaurants: <a href="http://th.dev.krazyit.com.au/latte-di-luna-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Latte di Luna</a>, Trattoria Fiorella, <a href="http://th.dev.krazyit.com.au/ristorante-del-falco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ristorante dal Falco</a>, Sette di Vino</li>
 	<li>Motorway A1 exit: Chiusi 30km = 40 minutes</li>
 	<li>Motorway A1 exit: Valdichiana 25km = 35 minutes</li>
 	<li>Nearby  towns: Monticchiello 9km, Montepulciano 15km, Siena 60km, Florence 120km</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Daily Rates at Arpicella</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>5 night minimum stay in High Season</li>
 	<li>3 night minimum stay in Mid and Low Season</li>
</ul>