Our Chianti Retreat

We left George's haven mid-morning and began heading north to our destination in  Greve, Chianti. Even though we ended up on what was now becoming our typical "google maps detour" the drive was pleasant with beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Once we arrived at our hotel, Tenuta Di Rica ,we were all pretty much in a state of decompression and chose not to venture around the countryside and just absorb the peace and tranquility that was present among the mountainous terrain and tall pines. Our hotel, we discovered, had a marvelous past and a book to go along with it's history. I think that I was one of the few visitors that actually inquired about it's story so the current owners allowed me to keep a copy of the book which was written by it's owner from the 1940's. It was fascinating and I began to feel a connection with Mara, the author and former mistress of the estate. I could easily see why she and her husband fell in love with the once run down farm. They discovered Ricavo at the beginning or World War II in a state of disrepair and put much of their heart and souls into restoreing it's charm.

The current owner, Alexander, and his wife bought it directly from Mara some 30 years ago and have taken marvelous care of the retreat. There were a handful of guests present but you would have never known it. It was so very quite and peaceful...it was as if we had the place to ouselves.

A stroll to the garden...

The majestic timbers of Ricavo...

Groves of olive trees and grapes lined our journey to the hotel.

This was a portrait of Mara's daughter which I loved. I thought she looked just like Drew Barrymore!

Much needed decompression....

A view of the changinig colors from Papa's room.

Yeah, I could get use to this....

This was a wonderful outside kitchen for roasting meats and such.

Now that's a profile!

Our host, Alexander, had a wonderful collection of candelsticks.

Meg and I were a little disappointed when we discovered that grapes had all turned to raisins, but once you took a bite...WOW! I'll never be satified with a Sunmaid again!

Getting ready for cold weather.

Mara was a wonderful artist and this wall was full of self portraits. I like this lady...a lot!

 

Man, I make her look good. Although it doesn't take much!

Our wonderful lobby. I can only imagine the stories it could tell.

More of Mara's talent.

A view from our balcony down to the main courtyard and restaurant.

Enjoying the tale of Ricavo and a little vino.

Our wonderful host, Alexander. He was once the chef for the hotel as well, but has since retired. He still creates the menues for the restaurant and shraes little secrets like lemon sorbet with fresh basil to those guests who are willing to give it a try.

This little building was situated in a very small graveyard on the premises. Not sure who or why someone would stay here, but the old bed with it's rope woven support was fascinating to me.

Tomorrow we are off to Rome to turn in our car and catch a flight to Santorini, Greece! Ciao!