Sustainable rented house: best practices of Ichiani Villa
Wednesday, April 28, 2021,
A sustainable rental house: best practice with Ichiani Villa
The collective awareness of the impact that our standard of living is having on the Earth has led to an increasingly critical view of building for tourism and other purposes; in particular, the construction of a holiday rental home today needs to combine comfort and sustainability in a welcoming space centred on the needs of both the individual and the community, thus delineating the concept of a "sustainable rental home".
The focus on climate change and the horrors that have been wrought over the years has meant that a group, fortunately an increasingly large one, of people who are attentive and sensitive to the subject have become more and more vocal about what needs to be changed in order to be respectful of the planet, resulting in a series of best practices in almost all contexts (tourism and otherwise).
In concrete terms, when we talk about best practice for sustainable rental housing, we are referring to a method of construction and design choices that blend well with the surrounding environment and allow the exploitation of resources to optimise results while reducing waste.
For example, since 2014, the construction of houses according to the rules of green building has increased significantly, bringing Italy to 4th place in Europe; in fact, as investors/customers have greatly increased the demand for zero impact properties, real estate and tourism trends have necessarily shifted the focus on conscious and sustainable choices.
Tuscan wineries and villas for rent: a trip down the wine road
Monday, April 19, 2021,
Tuscan wineries and villas for rent: a trip down the wine road
Italian and foreign tourists have always been enchanted by the Tuscan territory with a particular interest in wine and the landscapes connected to it. Enjoying the comforts of a prestigious villa immersed in nature, taking a walk among the vineyards, getting lost in the hills, savouring the authentic flavours of the territory and discovering the most prestigious Tuscan wine cellars: a real journey into wine.
Tourism linked to the discovery of the most prestigious Tuscan wine cellars is developed along special routes, not only because of their history but above all because of the unique landscape, which has always been exalted by great artists, poets and painters, who have described and represented its most secret and special aspects.
In fact, by following the Tuscan wine routes, in addition to tasting fine wines, you can also visit important historical and artistic sites that extend far and wide throughout the region, including 14 Tuscan wine routes.
The best known is undoubtedly the STrada del Vino Chianti Colli Fiorentini which includes the entire area around the city of Florence and extends, starting from the south-west, from Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Montelupo Fiorentino (a village known throughout the world for its ceramics), Lastra a Signa, Scandicci and ends with Florence itself. The alternative itinerary, starting from the south-east, is from Ponte agli Stolli to Figline Valdarno, Reggello, Rignano, Impruneta (internationally known for its terracotta vases) and ends in Fiesole with the Cathedral of San Romolo.
Still on the subject of Chianti wine cellars, two other well-known wine routes are linked to the previous itinerary: the Strada del Vino Chianti Classico and the Strada del Vino Chianti Rùfina and Pomino.
The first represents the only 9 Tuscan municipalities that produce this type of wine thanks to a very special method of vinification, carried out over the years by various generations: Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, S. Casciano in Val di Pesa, Tavernelle Val di Pesa.
The second is perhaps one of the oldest wine-producing areas and extends north-east of Florence, in the villages between Mugello and Casentino.
To visit these areas, the ideal rental villa is definitely Villa Il Crepuscolo, in Lajatico: with a panoramic view of the lake and a children's playground, it is the perfect property for a family that loves tranquillity and wants to fully enjoy the wonders of the area.
Cooking class on vacation, the best cooking experiences
Thursday, April 8, 2021,
Cooking classes in Italy, discovering the culinary traditions of the best destinations. Learn from the locals.
It is said that knowledge of a person and culture comes above all from its cuisine: discovering the flavours, smells and gestures of the locals when cooking allows any tourist to come into contact with the beating heart of civilisation, appreciating its customs and becoming, in fact, an integral part of it.
It is no coincidence, in fact, that in this period, numerous cooking classes have been developed regarding typical dishes and culinary secrets handed down from generation to generation.
At Raro Villas, however, we are well aware that the location is an integral part of the experience and contributes, on a large scale, to making our guests live unique and magical moments. Precisely for this reason, we thought that to experience our grandmothers' cuisine at its best, there could be no better place than the ancient masserie, casolari or the splendid villas.
Imagine yourself in one of these locations. A local expert or family will show you the art of kneading pasta or handling local raw materials, making them unique and enhancing their taste. You will learn how to make arancini, handmade pasta and many other dishes for which our land is much loved.
While having fun, you will discover which traditions are linked to the culinary universe and how our mothers and grandmothers built rituals and stories that still stay with us at our table to this day.