Are you a mountain biking enthusiast? These THIRDHOME properties are for you!
While some vacationers prefer to relax pool or beachside during their stay, some explorers prefer to be a little more adventurous. Keep reading to view a selection of THIRDHOME luxury properties that are located by some of the most exciting mountain biking trails in the world!
United States
From the Rockies to the Appalachians, the United States offers plenty of thrilling off-road terrains for mountain biking! Check out some of these ideal biking properties in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Colorado.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley Mountain Estate | Sun Valley, Idaho
The spectacular mountain views are just the start to what’s special about this home. The photos don’t do it justice, you must visit and see for yourself! Three sides of the house overlook large ponds, where you are likely to spot bald eagles, elk, moose, great blue heron and other local wildlife. Outside, enjoy the 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens and three smaller ponds with fountains. Offering 4 spacious bedrooms and only 8 minutes from the nearest mountain, outdoor activities couldn’t be closer! Click here for all properties located in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Big Sky, Montana
Spanish Peaks Ranch | Big Sky, Montana
Spanish Peaks Ranch is as beautiful in the summer as it is exciting in the winter. This fabulous five-bedroom, six-bathroom, 5,400 square-foot ranch offers all guests the cozy comfort and panoramic views that come with Mountain living, as well as the luxury of unique architecture and amenities. Big Sky Resort is just down the road and offers an exclusive spa that is accessible to guests as well as easy planning for outdoor activities. Click here for all properties located in Big Sky, Montana.
Bend, Oregon
This custom Northwest-style home is comprised of 8,000 square-feet with four bedrooms and seven bathrooms! Located in Bend, Oregon, with incredible views of the Deschutes River, guests are able to enjoy a luxurious stay surrounded by beautiful greenery. The expansive great room boasts a soaring stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, giving an ideal spot to unwind and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Pilot Butte and Tumalo Falls are located nearby to give guests the opportunity to bike and explore some incredible scenery! Click here for all properties located in Bend, Oregon.
Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado
Black Diamond Summit | Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado
This expansive residence is positioned on Mt. Crested Butte in the ultra-exclusive ski in/out “Summit” area and takes in unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery. From this home, you can look over the Crested Butte Resort, the town and valley! Not to mention, 17 mountain peaks are visible from almost every room in the house. In the winter time, guests are able to ski-in and ski-out, but in the summertime, guests are free to bike the beautiful trails all around wonderful Crested Butte! Click here for all properties located in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Aspen, Colorado
Luxury Family Home on The Roaring Fork River | Aspen, Colorado
This beautiful 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 5,500 square-foot family home is located in a lovely neighborhood on a private road just 15 minutes from downtown Aspen! Located right on the Rio Grande Trail, adventurous guests are able to bike or hike their way to downtown Aspen or simply explore the nature-filled trail! Click here for all properties located in Aspen, Colorado.
Canada
If you’re dreaming of mountain biking with lake views or in the incredible atmosphere of Vancouver, get ready to reserve a stay in Canada!
Saint-Donat, Canada
Lakefront Designer Home | Saint-Donat, Canada
This home is located on Lake Archambault, one of the nicest lakes in the Laurentians! This lakefront home is the perfect getaway for any guest wanting to explore the Canadian outdoors. Offering 4 bedrooms and accommodating up to 8 guests, there is plenty of room for the entire family! Saint-Donat is becoming increasingly popular among cyclists, who like to take the challenge of riding along the famous Chemin du Nordet to reach the village of Mont Tremblant! Click here for all properties located in Mont Tremblant, Canada.
North Saanich, Canada
Vancouver Island Dream | North Saanich, Canada
If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no better spot than this elegant four-bedroom waterfront home. Nestled on 5,000 square-feet surrounded by the gorgeous natural splendor of Vancouver Island, this home includes access to your own private dock! Explore the nature around the home by biking the nearby trails all around Vancouver Island. Click here for all properties located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Europe
Europe is full of unparalleled scenery from historic landmarks, to art, to incredible landscapes! Mountain bike all over Europe with THIRDHOME.
Impruneta, Italy
Villa L’Accursio | Impruneta, Italy
This historic Italian estate, located only 15 minutes from Florence, is situated on 10,000 square-feet and is surrounded by the stunning, rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Each of the 8 bedrooms is bright and spacious, featuring fabulous interiors and furniture. Bike the surrounding countryside with family or friends! Click here for all properties located in Tuscany, Italy.
Montreux, Switzerland
National Montreux Residence on Lake Geneva | Montreux, Switzerland
Located in the luxurious National Montreux Residences, this high-standing four-bedroom residence features stunning views of Lake Geneva. With miles of peaceful lakeshore and stunning 19th-century architecture, you and your guests will love exploring the charming city of Montreux! Bike the beautiful mountains around Lake Geneva, or take a bike ride down the shore. Click here for all properties located in Montreux, Switzerland.
Cadaqués, Spain
Unique Farmhouse Retreat | Cadaqués, Spain
Enjoy the peace of the Spanish countryside at this spectacular farmhouse, the oldest home in the village of Cadaqués. Just 20 minutes from town, you’ll spend your trip immersed in the stunning Cap de Creus Natural Park, surrounded by gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see. Offering 6 bedrooms and accommodating up to 12 guests, this magical residence is a dream! Click here for all properties located in Spain.
South America
Argentina is home to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges and exotic landscapes.
Uspallata, Argentina
Argentinian Mountain Refuge | Uspallata, Argentina
Uspallata is a small, delightful town in a valley in between the stunning Andean String! It is a popular destination for the adventurous traveler looking for mountainous excursions. There are 5 private vineyards on the property for guests to enjoy as well as 3 bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests. Mount Aconcagua Provincial Park is only a few miles away, which is the perfect setting for hiking and biking! Click here for all properties located in Argentina.
Ready to take your travels to a whole new level of elevation? Get ready to book your mountain biking trip today! View all availability by clicking here.
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“I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people.” – ELTON JOHN
Villa Oliveto
From the road, the house is hidden from view. Once you pass through the gate and the car tires gently roll down the unpaved rock road swinging around the bend and curving slightly toward vast olive groves and vineyards, Villa Oliveto appears. Then your gaze alternates from the villa to the opposite direction, past the orchards and hills to an impressive structure standing proudly in the distance. What is it? Yes, it is “Il Duomo di Firenze,” designed by Filippo Brunelleschi! And in the late afternoon, past farmlands and rolling hills, the glorious Tuscan light illuminates Florentine landmarks as if guided by a higher power.
To describe the villa as a charming restored farmhouse is an understatement of grand proportion. The stunning two-story property is comprised of a formal entry, fully stocked kitchen with an adjacent formal dining area, two generous entertaining areas with fireplaces on the ground and upstairs level, five bedrooms with luxury linens (two king, two queen and one twin), six baths as well as a relaxing sauna and hammam (Turkish bath).
The exterior boasts a solar-heated saltwater pool ringed by umbrellas and loungers along with two outdoor dining areas (one covered and includes a barbeque and the other located on the terrace). The Villa is bordered by large private gardens, a cobblestone patio in front transforms into a late night dance floor and adjoining olive groves.
Villa Oliveto is quiet and tranquil. No crowds. Living here is peaceful and relaxing. Hiking through the olive groves rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
The Gang of Eight
Eight adults (most new acquaintances to one another) were giddy with excitement at this auspicious gathering! For the next 7 days, we remained elated as we fully embraced “La Dolce Villa” as our Italian home. Some days we broke into small groups and scoped out the local area, chatting as we strolled under the shade of the olive trees. We met a pair of darling donkeys who were tucked away on the edge of the property. Our group quickly became fast friends. One couple began each day with a quick plunge into the pool! We enjoyed Restorative Yoga in the upstairs living room with the tall windows opens wide to let in the afternoon breeze. As the sun began to set, we gathered for Apericena under the umbrellas or vine-covered pergola and shared our daily adventures – a pre-dawn photo shoot in Florence, bike touring around Florence, visiting a winery and discovering ancient towns, museum hopping, and gelato sampling.
The evening’s escapades commenced in the chef’s kitchen which contained every conceivable gadget, pot, pan, stemware, and china. This backdrop allowed the serious cooks to create fabulous dinners while the mischievous assistants maximized merriment when grating the Parmesan Reggiano or mixing the villa’s official apéritif, “Aperol Spritz,” made of Prosecco, Aperol and soda water over ice. Pre-dinner deliberation regarding wine for the evening was serious and thoughtful. Even setting a lovely dinner table became an artful presentation with candles and wildflowers from the garden. We embraced the Tuscan reverence for preparing and sharing meals with good friends.
The villa is located in Bagno a Ripoli which overlooks the Arno Valley and the rolling hills of Tuscany. The postcard-perfect landscape includes olive groves, abundant vineyards and cypress-lined roads. Castles are sprinkled around the area like medieval jewels.
Toscana
Tuscany or Toscana is a region located in central Italy that stretches from the Apennine Alps to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The characteristic landscape is a blend of gently rolling hills leading to sharply peaked mountains that pose a barrier between Tuscany and regions to the south. People have inhabited this beautiful part of the world for thousands of years. Ruins of the ancient Etruscan civilization (which predated the Roman Empire) are scattered throughout the back roads.
Tuscany has two distinct appearances – the art cities like Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa as well as the countryside sprinkled with small towns, villages, castles, villas, and vineyards.
The word “Tuscan” evolved from “Etruscan” and now serves as a marketing modifier, a cultural indicator, and even a lifestyle choice. The word “Tuscan” influences the design, fashion, decor, epicurean lifestyle and evokes a “Bella Vita” or “good life” philosophy.
Brief History of Tuscany
Day Trips Italian Style
Before you take off on an excursion be sure to schedule time each day for “Meriggiare” which roughly means “to escape the heat of the midday sun by resting in the shade.” Savoring a scoop or two of gelato is an excellent example of Meriggiare!
And before dinner, make sure you carve out time for “Apericena” which means “pre-dinner drinks accompanied by food.”
Practice this phrase until it rolls off your tongue and then say it like you mean it! “Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco” which means “Things don’t always turn out as planned” and literally translates to “Not all doughnuts come out with a hole.” This philosophy will serve you well as you get lost in the hills on the way to your destination.
The Tuscan region is populated with small and large wineries. Best to make contact before you plan to visit. The enormous Antinori Winery and beautiful Il Borro (owned by the Ferragamo family) are two famous ones but there are many small, family owned and operated establishments that welcome visitors. And if you get lost along the way, remember … Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco!
An interesting day trip is San Gimignano or the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” where tower projects went out of control! Only 15 of the original 72 towers remain standing but they are visually impressive and the skyline is unique. It is impossible to miss Porta San Giovanni, the main gate, which was constructed in 1262. These tall towers were constructed to demonstrate the power of the wealthy townspeople. The town is a UNESCO world heritage site. No visit is complete without sampling and perhaps purchasing the local white wine, “Vernaccia di San Gimignano.”
Fiesole is where the Florentine aristocracy retired to escape the heat of the big city. This small town hides a wealth of surprises like 8th century BCE Etruscan walls, ancient Roman baths, the very hill where Leonardo da Vinci experimented with the concept of flight and a Roman amphitheater which serves as the stage for the Estate Fiesolana summer events.
If your day trips include driving, you will need to refuel yourself and your ride. Along the Autostrada you might spot the occasional red-and-white Autogrill, (Italy’s answer to fast food) and it’s worth a stop. Not only do they have everything you need, many travelers boldly proclaim that Autogrill makes the best 1 Euro espresso in Italy! Once you and your auto are full, back you go on your merry way to the marvelous countryside filled with green grass and trees merging with blue sky, violet and golden wildflowers, terracotta villas and slate farmhouses. A drive along the Tuscan back roads is a visual feast!
Sometimes you zig when you should zag! Make a mantra of these wise words from Frances Mayes in Under the Tuscan Sun, “My idea of heaven still is to drive the gravel farm roads of Umbria and Tuscany, very pleasantly lost.”
Tip – Unless you have lived in the region, do yourself and your passengers a favor – double the time your navigation system estimates the trip will take. These country roads are an adventure! And, if you happen to arrive early and find the perfect place to park, celebrate with gelato or espresso!
Florence
Fiesole is where the Florentine aristocracy retired to escape the heat of the big city. This small town hides a wealth of surprises like 8th century BCE Etruscan walls, ancient Roman baths, the very hill where Leonardo da Vinci experimented with the concept of flight and a Roman amphitheater which serves as the stage for the Estate Fiesolana summer events.
If your day trips include driving, you will need to refuel yourself and your ride. Along the Autostrada you might spot the occasional red-and-white Autogrill, (Italy’s answer to fast food) and it’s worth a stop. Not only do they have everything you need, many travelers boldly proclaim that Autogrill makes the best 1 Euro espresso in Italy! Once you and your auto are full, back you go on your merry way to the marvelous countryside filled with green grass and trees merging with blue sky, violet and golden wildflowers, terracotta villas, and slate farmhouses. A drive along the Tuscan back roads is a visual feast!
Sometimes you zig when you should zag! Make a mantra of these wise words from Frances Mayes in Under the Tuscan Sun, “My idea of heaven still is to drive the gravel farm roads of Umbria and Tuscany, very pleasantly lost.” Tip – Unless you have lived in the region, do yourself and your passengers a favor – double the time your navigation system estimates the trip will take. These country roads are an adventure! And, if you happen to arrive early and find the perfect place to park, celebrate with gelato or espresso!
Florence Pre-Dawn Photo Shoot
One morning we arrived in Florence before sunrise and well in advance of the crowds. During these quiet hours, the city of the Medici belongs to the early risers. Walking the streets you sense the city slowly waking up as townspeople ride their vespas and bicycles to work. If you walk by the Duomo at dawn, you might glimpse nuns walking quietly to their morning prayers. It is a magical city in the morning light.
A successful visit requires planning. The city of Florence is congested regardless of the time of year. Tip – Pre-purchase tickets to view Michelangelo’s David at L’Accademia and at the Uffizi as well as current exhibitions. If museums and cultural tours are your main objective, stay close to the old town so that walking or hopping a bus to your destination is easy. If you are new to Florence (and even if you visited on the cheap 20 years ago and have fond memories of lugging a backpack on public transportation in a much smaller city) stay in a central location. Yes! It will be more expensive than the outskirts. Driving in Florence is challenging, parking is stressful, costly and time-consuming. If you insist on driving, arriving in town early (before 7 am) on weekdays is a useful strategy but you pay for the luxury of in town parking. On Sundays, parking is free throughout the city which means everyone wants a parking space! So on Sunday, arrive by 9 am and prepare to walk.
Tip – Arrive at museums and “jump the line” tours 30 minutes ahead of scheduled entry time. Be prepared to stand in line anyway (just not as long). Carefully read instructions on your ticket about entry the day before. Sometimes you need to exchange your computer ticket for a different one and this will likely mean going out of your way to a kiosk. A conscientious concierge can likely get tickets and reservations for you if you plan ahead.
Closing Thoughts
There are two sides of Tuscany, the cities, and the country. Why not enjoy both? There is no place like Florence due to its unique character, though the crowds tend to be large. And the Tuscan hills have an incomparable charm derived from people who lived and died defending the fertile hills for thousands of years. Ribbons of road ramble through olive groves, vineyards, castles, palaces, and villages. Every small hamlet has a cafe to welcome visitors and locals. If you stop, you will likely create a memory.
Sharing this part of the world with close friends is a wonderful way to experience Tuscany. We hope you enjoy these images of the beautiful Tuscan region. Hopefully, they will inspire you to visit this wonderful and unique part of our world.
Ciao Bella Toscana!
As you can tell, Rick and Cheryl aren’t your average travelers. They aspire to learn and understand each place they voyage off to. Interested in learning some of their recommendations and hearing some of their spectacular stories? Click the link below to be inspired by more of Rick and Cheryl’s explorations around the world.
Check out Rick and Cheryl’s “Travel is Beautiful” blog here.
From an exquisite villa in Tuscany to an upcoming turtle hatching season in Central America, the Acheson’s make the most of THIRDHOME!
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View from our Tuscan THIRDHOME Villa
You can read more about Rick and Cheryl’s adventures at travelisbeautiful.com. Be on the lookout for the adventures at the Tuscan Villa!
THIRDHOME members have recently returned from Marrakech, Morocco, and Impruneta, Italy. Keep reading to learn about their THIRDHOME Experience.
Dar Zitouna | Marrakech, Morocco
Just outside Marrakech, you’ll find Dar Zitouna, a chic desert oasis with contemporary interiors. With room for 10 people, you won’t have trouble finding space for family and fellow travelers. Enjoy the well-appointed garden terrace, swimming pool and surrounding citrus trees, as you gaze at the towering Atlas Mountains in the distance. Spend the day in the colorful markets of Marrakech, but be sure to make it back before tea time. Traditional Moroccan tea, housekeeping and breakfast are available at Dar Zitouna, to make your stay as seamless as possible.
THIRDHOME member Phillip says, “Dar Zitouna is a beautiful villa set outside Marrakech in a very private olive grove. Our family was fortunate to have the opportunity to stay at the villa while enjoying Marrakech and the surrounding Atlas Mountains…Dar Zitouna has been a unique and wonderful experience. We are sad to leave. ” click here to read more of Phillip’s review
Historic Tuscan Villa | Impruneta, Italy
With sections of the house dating back to the 1300’s, this property comes packing some serious history. This Pre-Renaissance villa and vineyard is located in a region of Tuscany with viticulture dating as far back as 1042 A.D.! That’s some well-aged wine. But that doesn’t mean that this spacious 7-bedroom home is outdated. Gorgeously appointed rooms and amenities like the gym, sauna, pool and service staff will make you feel more than comfortable while exploring the rolling hills of Chianti. Florence is also right around the corner, making this property a perfect launching point for a full-on tour of the Tuscan countryside.
THIRDHOME members Mark and Ana say, “Our group had a FANTASTIC stay at Villa La Querce. No photos can show how beautiful this villa truly is. We were all so excited and happy upon our arrival. They greeted us with appetizers and wine!… Many of the guests will return to rent this villa, it is well worth it!” click here to read more of Mark and Ana’s review
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