Podere Cavalbianco: Sustainable Luxury on a Tuscan Hill Near Monte San Savino

Sometimes you want to Tuscany exactly as you picture it: a winding road leading uphill, cypress trees welcoming you, and then… that view. Podere Cavalbianco is perched on top of a hill near Monte San Savino, with a panoramic view of the Val di Chiana. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow your pace, because you don’t want to miss a single second of the scenery.

And the best part: Podere Cavalbianco combines that classic Tuscan atmosphere with modern comfort and a clear commitment to sustainability. Think solar energy, water collection, and smart heating—all without compromising on wellness, privacy, or style.

At a Glance: Why You’ll Want to Be Here

• Panoramic (heated) swimming pool with a view (15 x 6 m)
• Finnish sauna and a sense of wellness surrounded by nature
• Two charming apartments that you can rent separately or together
• Sustainable systems: 19 kW solar panels + battery storage, rainwater harvesting, wood chip boiler
• Charging an EV with Your Own Solar Power
• On-site activities: tastings, stargazing, cooking classes, sunrise yoga, (seasonal) truffle and mushroom experiences

Where exactly is Podere Cavalbianco located?

Podere Cavalbianco is located in the hills surrounding Monte San Savino (province of Arezzo), in the wide Val di Chiana. It’s a great location: rural and peaceful, yet close to charming villages like Lucignano, Rigomagno, and Marciano della Chiana. Ideal if you enjoy a “home-base” vacation: explore during the day, then return to your own hilltop oasis in the evening.

A History Dating Back to Roman Times

The site has a long history: there are references dating back to Roman times, partly due to its location along ancient routes through the valley. Later, the estate remained important within the region. In 1782, Podere Cavalbianco came into the possession of the Baldi family, after which the current manor house took shape during that period. In the early 1900s, the estate changed hands again and fell into disrepair for a time.

Since the early 2000s, the estate has been revitalized by the Marri-Piedimonte family, who undertook a thorough renovation with a clear focus on comfort and future-proofing. The atmosphere of days gone by has been preserved, including the old chapel.

Sustainability you don’t have to “feel,” except in terms of comfort

What I really like about the approach here is that it’s not just a green facade. The friendly owners, Alessandro and Angela, have been investing since 2022 in systems that make a real difference—and that you, as a guest, benefit from right away.

Clean Energy

• 19-kW photovoltaic system
• Battery storage (30 kW) for electricity, even when the sun isn’t shining
• Two charging stations for electric cars, powered by our own solar energy

Using Water Wisely

• Rainwater collection for garden and crop irrigation (useful during dry periods)
• A (new) spring and filtered spring water for your comfort
• Anti-Legionella System for Hygiene and Safety

Eco-Friendly Heating

• PuroWIN wood chip boiler, fueled by wood from routine forest maintenance and pruning
  (local, renewable, and efficient—without letting “burning wood” take over your whole vibe)

In short: a smaller footprint, more autonomy, and you stay warm/cool/comfortable.

Staying at Podere Cavalbianco: two apartments, one smart concept

Cavalbianco consists of two adjacent apartments that are connected internally via strategically placed doors. This allows you to:

• rent it exclusively (for privacy as a couple, family, or small group), or
• Use together as a single unit (ideal for families or groups of friends).

Moraiolo (approx. 210 m²)

• Recommended capacity: 6 + 4 people (extra beds available upon request)
• 3 queen-size beds
• 3 en suite bathrooms and 1 restroom
• Atmosphere: original terracotta floors, high white beamed ceilings, spacious and warm

Leccino (approx. 127 m²)

• Recommended capacity: 4 + 2 people (extra beds available upon request)
• 2 queen-size beds
• 2 bathrooms (1 with a bathtub, 1 with a shower)
• Atmosphere: rustic Tuscan charm, stone arched entrance, French doors opening onto the garden for sunset views

Tip for groups: Are you traveling with friends or family and want to spend time together without being on each other’s backs 24/7? Then this “two-in-one” concept is a real gem.

Wellness on a Hill: Heated Panoramic Pool & Sauna

Wellness isn’t just an afterthought here. The heated pool overlooking the Val di Chiana is the kind of place where you plan to take a quick dip and end up spending half a day there.

And then there’s the Finnish sauna: warm, simple, and exactly what you want after an active day (a hike, a bike ride, or a road trip through the villages). Bonus points for evenings spent outdoors: clear air, silence, and that typical Tuscan feeling that time stands still for a moment.

What can you do (without having to “check off” Tuscany)?

On the estate

• Tastings
• Stargazing with a Professional Telescope and Guide
• Movie Night
• Cooking Class
• Sunrise Yoga
• Olive harvest (usually October/November)
• Mushroom hunting (generally from mid-September through late January)

Hunting trips are also listed as an activity. If you want to travel sustainably and in an animal-friendly way: view this as an opportunity to set your own boundaries and always check how things are organized locally. You might just as well opt for alternatives such as stargazing, hiking, biking, and local food experiences.

In the surrounding area

• Village Hopping: Lucignano, Rigomagno, Marciano della Chiana
• Spas in the region (Val di Chiana is known for its wellness options)
• Guided tours and tastings of local delicacies
• Horseback riding, hiking trails, and bike rides

Here’s how to travel there more sustainably (without any hassle)

Tuscany is a breeze to explore with a smart combination of trains and local transportation.

• By train: Travel to Arezzo (often a convenient hub). From there, you can continue by taxi or shuttle, or (depending on your route) by regional train to Monte San Savino.
• By (electric) car: ideal if you want to visit many small villages. An added bonus: you can charge your car on-site using solar power.

Slow travel tip: Plan for at least 4–7 nights. That way, you won’t have to be out and about every day, and you’ll get the most out of the place itself.

Best time to visit

• Spring (April–June): greenery, flowers, pleasant temperatures
• Fall (September–November): warm light, quieter, harvest season (olives)
• Winter: cozy, quiet, perfect for the sauna and stargazing (though activities are often seasonal)

Sustainable Travel: Small Choices, Big Impact

When you stay here, sustainability is already built into the system. But you can make it even better by:

• use water wisely (especially during the warmer months),
• buy local products (markets, small producers),
• to sort trash and bring reusable items,
• Respect the environment (especially during hiking and nature activities).