Location:Tuscany, Montalcino (Si) Year: 2022 Project and construction: Vera Luciani Dimensions: Total surface area: 130 sq m Bathing area: 100 sq m Depth: from m 1,50 to m 1,80 Phyto-purification area: 30 sqm approx. Depth 50cm/60cm Materials: Walkway/relaxation area: L1,20 m Waterproofing bio-lake: 2,0 mm thick embossed reinforced PVC Flooring: Travertine, Tuscan origin. Lighting: LED underwater spotlights Solar shower.
Description: The biopool is set among the hills and vineyards of the Val d’Orcia, on the Tenuta Col d’Orcia, the largest organic winery in all of Tuscany, producing Brunello di Montalcino. The entire estate, including vineyards, olive groves, arable land, and even the park and gardens are conducted exclusively with organic agronomic practices
We are located on the Hill of Sant’Angelo on the southwestern slope of the municipality of Montalcino, an area included in the Unesco site of Val d’Orcia, a natural park. In the distance rises Mount Amiata. It is a 7-hectare park with grouped tree essences. There is a pine forest (Pinus pinea), cork oaks (Quercus suber), holm oaks (Quercus ilex typical of the Montalcino area), cypresses (Cupressus), olive trees (Olea europaea), vines (Vitis vinifera), pomegranates (Punica granatum), shrubs such as strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo), Philirrea (Phillyrea), Elaeagnus. Teucrium, Viburnum tinus, Erica, aromatics such as Rosmarinus officinalis and thyme (Thymus). Antique and various types of roses such as Banksiae lutea rose, Chinensis Mutabilis rose. Pergolas of strawberry grapes, climbing roses and wisteria (Wisteria).
The main building is the old Orcia mill, which in times past was powered by water from the Orcia River. Corresponding to the buildings are numerous mature cypress trees three of which one in particular, centuries old that impresses with its size. Accessing the garden is a centuries-old olive tree also a natural monument of great visual impact. A few steps from the olive tree starts an avenue of grassy cypress trees. The garden, conceived as a setting for the winery for the production of Col d’Orcia’s Brunello di Montalcino wine and to enhance the surrounding landscape, is composed mainly of tall trees typical of the area. In particular, oaks (locally known as roverelle), holm oaks, cork oaks, maritime pines and cypresses. In the garden with its cypress avenue in the center, the view can sweep in all directions.
Natural swimming pool Built in a secluded area but not far from the house, with a width of about 130 square meters, it has lines reminiscent of those of a traditional swimming pool, but with a sustainable, cement- and chlorine-free construction. Travertine from a local quarry was used for both the pool edge and the plant pond and stream with waterfall. It is natural, durable, does not chip or slip, and ensures the quality of the finish, as in the stream connecting the phytoremediation and the swimming pool. A previously unlived part of the garden is now a true oasis offering refreshment on hot summer days, a point of expansion to the landscape in all seasons.
Aquatic greenery
In the phytoremediation pond, we have reproduced a natural environment, with species chosen so that the bio-lake achieves its balance. We have accompanying plants, with ornamental value, and leading plants, with water regeneration action. Here, species such as rustic water lilies In variety (Nymphaea), Iris pseudoacorus, Hibiscus, Horsetail, Carex, Calla, Acorus, Lytrum, Thalia, Scirpus, Canna indica, Butomus umbellatus (Reed) have been included.
Plants characterising the garden
A large olive tree (Olea europaea) about 300 years old, a historical avenue of cypresses about 200 years old, with a specimen from the mid 18th century (near both the farmhouse and the natural pool), oak tree over 300 years old overlooking the prized grape vines.