Il BORRO (Medieval Village)

The foundations of Il Borro were laid primarily to create a baronial fortress surrounded by a moat in the feudal era. The Pazzi family - one of the most prominent aristocratic families inhabited Il Borro at this time until a fierce battle occurred between the Arezzo and Florentine Republics. (Supporting the Emperor and the Pope respectively) After admitting defeat, the pro-Arezzo Pazzi family were all hanged in the village square. (It should be remembered at this point that many of the dead in the village would have been simply pushed down a chute to the river as opposed to a burial!)
In modern history the estate was given to the Duke Alessandro dal Borro by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, then at the beginning of the last century was bought by Amadeo, Duke of Aosta, cousin to the heir to the throne of Italy. During the Second World War the Borro was invaded and occupied by the Germans who destroyed the villa with an explosion during their retreat from the British Forces. Now however Il Borro is the property of the Ferragamo Family who have carefully and faithfully restored the estate to its former glory.

Our country farmhouses, although differing in individual character, have all been restored with comfort and practicality in mind.
All farm houses are equipped with modern kitchens with washing machine, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, hob-cooker, crockery and utensils.
Luxurious bathrooms contain shower, bath, faucet units, toilet and bidet.
Bedrooms have either queen size double or two large single beds. Each house also has satellite TV, safe, telephone, hairdryer, ironing facilities and use of a swimming pool during the summer months.

BORRO AVIATORE
Sleeps: 6
Situated on the southern edge of the village this three storey detached house, with private terrace and garden, overlooks the beautiful Oreno valley. From the characteristic fitted kitchen which leads to the terrace on the ground floor, to the cosy sitting room with fireplace and three comfortable double bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper two levels: this charming house is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquillity of this unique setting whilst watching the almost magical mood changes of the dramatic countryside and wildlife in the valley below.

BORRO BERTI
Sleeps: 3
This quaint centuries old dwelling is situated just past the stone bridge that leads to the village.
Set on three floors connected by wooden stairways the house comfortably sleeps four people with one double bedroom (with bathroom) and the uppermost room holding a large single ships bed and a sofa bed. Ideal for a romantic break or the smaller family wanting to enjoy village life.

BORRO CIAPI
Sleeps: 4
Tucked away under a stone archway at the top of the village Ciapi offers a quiet little haven for visitors. With ample kitchen and sitting room area and two cosy double bedrooms and two bathrooms this apartment gives a homely atmosphere which guests will want to stay in all year round. For winter seclusion or for joining in traditional Tuscan life the apartment offers it all!

BORRO CIPRIANI
Sleeps: 4
A delightful house set just behind the Borro piazza, Borro Cipriani offers just the right balance between partaking in village life and relaxing in total privacy. This gracious apartment is comprised of an intimate sitting room, spacious modern kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and a private studio for reading or just enjoying the peace and particular light which pervades the whole house.

BORRO GUERRIERO
Sleeps:6
At the absolute heart of the village, with the entrance in the piazza is Borro Guerriero. Suitable for larger parties the house has three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a sofa bed in the sitting room.
Although at the centre of the village this house is still peaceful, sitting in the piazza on a warm evening with a glass of cold wine and chatting amiably with the locals is what life in Tuscany is all about - and this is the perfect spot for it!

BORRO LOMBARDI
Sleeps: 4
In the Borro piazza, next to the church stands this pretty little house. A cosy sitting room with fireplace leads on to the family kitchen.
Upstairs the master bedroom opens out onto a birds eye view of the piazza and adjacent is the second bedroom and two bathrooms.

BORRO MALAGNINO
Sleeps: 4
Tucked away behind the main thoroughfare is this beautiful house and garden. The gentle lines of the archways give light and a spacious feeling to the artistically designed interior.
Leading up a short flight of stone steps to a small landing we find, on the left, the master bedroom with en-suite, second twin bedroom and main bathroom, these are set on a higher level than the other rooms, portraying the original medieval architecture.
On the eastern facing side of the house are the sitting room and the kitchen, which overlooks the private fenced garden, where one can sit and watch the wildlife at work in the valley below.

BORRO NARDI
Sleeps: 3
Directly behind the Borro church on the southern edge of the village stands this delightful two-storey house. Nardi boasts a spacious private terrace which is accessed by three sets of French windows which run across the front of the house, upstairs are both single and double bedrooms and also a second sitting room containing a sofa bed.

BORRO PENNA
Sleeps: 4
Nestled on the hill going into the village this characteristic cottage sets a standard for all holiday cottages in Tuscany.
Of medium size yet cosy and homely, the house offers accommodation for four people with one double bed and two singles.
Leading from the kitchen in Borro Penna there is a delightful private garden where one can sit and watch the changing moods sweep across the nearby mountains.
This characteristic little house also has an original pizza oven for guests to create traditional Italian fare.

BORRO PRINCIPESSA
Sleeps: 4
Until recently this house was the home of an Italian princess who graced us with her presence for many years.
With two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, fitted kitchen, drawing room and the most delightful entrance onto the Borro piazza, this gorgeous apartment has the ‘pole position’ in the village and a spectacular view of village life.

BORRO RINO
Sleeps: 7
Set at the higher end of the village this picturesque two-storey house is ideal for larger families with its own private garden and outdoor eating area.
This house has three double bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs, and a studio bedroom with en-suite bathrooms downstairs.

BORRO VERDELLI
Sleeps: 6
Its position at the highest point of Il Borro affords Verdelli a most enchanting view of the valley and Loreno stream far below.
The large drawing room on the second floor has space for a study area and a large sofa bed, also on this floor are two double bedrooms, one of which boasts a reading gallery with sofa bed.
Another double bedroom and en-suite is found on the third floor giving this house sleeping capacity for eight guests.