Description

Casa Monte Cristo nestles amongst the rolling hillsides close to the historic fortified town of Roccastrada in the Maremma (southern Tuscany).
Monte Cristo is a casale (rural dwelling) and was restored by the Florentine Architect, Marco Tossani, who has been meticulous in his attention to detail.  In summer 2001, after all the necessary permissions and first works to transform the ruin again in a typical casale of this area, inside and out, the house started to take shape. Monte Cristo was bought in 2002 by Anna and Walter. They had been searching for a long time for their home in Tuscany, and finally found their dream.

In the beginning it needed some imagination to see how their home would evolve, but both were sure that this was the place and the house they wanted.  In May 2003, they came back with a fully packed Landrover and trailer, after a long trip from Scotland, over the Alps until finally reaching Roccastrada in Tuscany.  Now they could concentrate on the interior of the house. They have paid particularly close attention to the individual elements of Tuscan architecture (and in particular that of the Maremma) and this theme has been carefully carried throughout the house.

Colour is very important in life in Tuscany and those selected reflect the often vibrant landscape which can be observed in the poppy fields, vineyards, olive groves and across the rolling hills. The theme for Monte Cristo blends warm golden hues with terra cotta and olive greens with hints of red. Anna and Walter believe that they have created a haven of peace and tranquility in this beautiful land. As the house is lying in the midst of a working olive grove and with the house ready, in October 2003 they did hard work to pick for the first time in the lifes olives with their hands from the trees.

Really excited of their work, they assisted the pressing and as a result, they could enjoy their own, delicous cold-pressed olive oil. In Spring 2004 the garden was fixed and finally that following summer, they could enjoy for the first time in three years of work, and many typcial obstacles "all'italiana", a holiday in their new home!
Anna and Walter believe that they have created a haven of peace and tranquillity in this beautiful land. The house lies in the midst of a working olive grove. With the house finally ready, in October 2003 they harvested their first crop of olives and finally enjoyed their own, delicious cold-pressed olive oil.

Just a few of the many "Things to Do" when staying at Casa Monte Cristo: sightseeing or shopping in Siena (40 minutes), Florence (90 minutes), Rome (2.5 hours). Local sightseeing in the historic townships of Roccastrada, Sassofortino, Massa Marittima and many others. Olive and grape harvesting or wine tasting. Water sports and bathing in Castiglione della Pescaia (40 minutes) or further a field in Punta Ala and Porto Ercole. Island hopping between Isola del Giglio, Giannutri, Elba, or even Monte Cristo (by special arrangement). Furthermore, one can practice diving, hillwalking and trekking though the National Parks, boar and other game hunting; horseback riding and many more delights to be explored.  In winter, skiing on the local slopes at Monte Amiata is also possible...

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