Country folk might feel at home during their vacation while staying in the Il Giardino di Fontarronco farmhouse. This old country farmhouse in Tuscany, Italy may serve as a prime hotel for a vacation for those wishing to escape the pressures of everyday life. Not only will the guests enjoy a rich history of small town Italy, but they will also have all their comforts met by the hospitable Illuminati family of Val di Chiana, who manage the property.
The farmhouse originated from an 18-century hamlet, where 40 kinsmen lived until 1940. One such family was the Randellinis, who later would be come better known as the Bianchinis family. They resided in the house up until 1940, at which point they moved to a small town that sprung up after the Second World War. During the restoration of the house, a small cubical structure was added above the roof called a "Pigeon Loft," or "Dovecore." This structure, called the Leopold Structure, was named after Duke Leopold of Tuscany, who issued a ruling in 1724 that all farmhouse canons were to be made in this way. As a result of this structure, the existence of a land port in the farmhouse was uncovered during the restoration of the cellars.
The stables, farmyard animal stalls and barns date back to the early 19-century, at which point large families lived in the hamlet and became self-sufficient. Even though Valdichiana, a farming area close to the guesthouse, is now one of the most flourishing in the country, it had been marshland until the 18-century. Even today, previous residents of the guesthouse travel up the hill for a visit. They have contributed by passing down old customs and traditions of the house that would have otherwise been forgotten.
During a vacation, the Illuminati family is able to provide exceptional hospitality in their beautiful accommodation. Through its intricate details have been preserved through meticulous restoration, the farm provides rooms, apartments and suites which have been fully furnished with antiques and precious Tuscan fabrics.
The Illuminati family tells their guests of several cultural, historical and artistic sites and activities to be enjoyed. For those who prefer to be near nature, visitors may appreciate the full extent of this unique natural environment by renting out bikes and traveling along the Valdichiana roads, where old farmhouses are scattered among the hills. For others who may prefer more of a cultural perspective, there are many festivals and festivities to be enjoyed, such as the Arentine Antique Dealers Fair, the Saracens Joust, Piero della Francescas Frescoes and the Palio in Siena.
Attracting visitors worldwide on the first weekend of each month, the Arentine Antique Dealers fairs (one of the best established in the area) line the streets of downtown Arezzo. On the first Sunday of June and September occurs a centuries old military drill from the Middle Ages, which refers to the Christendoms struggle to contain the Muslim advance. This knights game, called the Saracens Joust, requires that two horseman armed with lances, challenge Buratto (a dumb saracen), King of the Indies. At the Basilica of St. Francis in Arezzo, one may admire the miracle of the cross of our Lord by Piero della Francesca. More of della Francescas frescoes may be seen at the Basilica of the Madonna del Parto in Monterchi. Also known worldwide is the semi-annual horse race which takes place on June 2nd and July 16th. This event occurs on the prestigious 17 quarters of land at the Palio in Siena.
Il Giardino di Fontarronco Guestfarm is located off the beaten track in the heart of an orchard belonging to the Illuminati Farm Estate. The farm is only eight kilometres from Arezzo and within striking distance of major Tuscan towns. It can be reached by train on the Florence-Rome line by getting off at the Arezzo station, or by car, taking the Arezzo exit and following the signs for Foiano.
For such accommodation, the prices range from 700,000 lit ($500 CDN) for an apartment per week, to 310,000 lit. ($150) per night in order to rent a suite.

For more information on availability, contact Foresteria "Il Giardino di Fontarronco," Loc. Chiana, 255 ­ Podere Giardino ­ 52048 Arezzo ­ Tel. 0575846044 ­ Fax. 0575 846045 ­ email info@foresteria.it. or visit http://www.foresteria.it/english/index2.html. The Illuminati family put every effort into making the "days in Tuscany" memorable for their guests.