• International, domestic andcommercial removals including trucking, shipping and air freighting
• Storage and packaging
• Archiving of documents (optical archiving and paper archiving)
• IT Services
• Specialised relocation of Pianos, safes
• Relocating pets
• Passport Clearance

Whether our clients require assistance with the preparation and filing of applications for business visitor visas, work and residence permits, entry clearances, entry visas, passports, visa assistance at a consular post in Italy, opening a branch office, or any other kind of Italian immigration assistance, Principal Relocation Company is able to provide timely and professional assistance for each phase of corporate immigration in the countries where it operates.

In addition to this, Principal Relocation Company also offers complete, and when necessary, personalized relocation programs throughout the countries that it services. The company’s services have been put together in order to maximize the time, energy and financial resources of our clients, thus allowing them to concentrate on having their expatriate personnel start working as soon as possible without stress or unnecessary challenges.

As several staff members are expatriates themselves, they have lived firsthand the challenges that an overseas assignment can sometimes present. With this solid business and life experience at its foundation, Principal Relocation Company is the ultimate relocation and immigration company for corporate HR to partner with.

We are a down-to-earth agency, with no registration or matching fees, and we offer complete flexibility. We know that every family, and the holidays they take, are different.

We cater for families that just need an extra pair of helping hands, and for evening babysitting, as well as families that require more full time childcare. We can also cater for families located outside of the UK, that may like a native english-speaking or Bilingual Nanny to help with their children’s language skills.

Additionally, we have Nannies with extra skills. For example we have Swimming Instructors and Lifeguarding Nannies, Sports coaches, Speech and language therapists, and even a Puppeteer, to name but a few.
We aim to make sure that your family holiday is a REAL holiday for everyone.

HISTORY

As everyone knows, Tuscany’s breathtaking scenery is largely hilly; the regions first inhabitants, the Etruscans chose hilltops as sites for settlements for their strategic position overlooking the outlying land.

La Casaccia stands on a hill containing gabbro rock and copper which was excavated by the Etruscans who built a mine with an entrance near the Church of San Biagio (built in AD 600 on top of an Etruscan tomb).

In medieval times three major communication routes led outwards from Montaiones castle: The first led to S. Miniato, the district which Montaione belonged to before being absorbed by the Florentine Republic, which had a second defence point downhill near “Le Mura” meaning the Walls which has kept its old name.

The second was the Ribaldi road which led to the communes of Castelfalfi, Vignale and Camporena, now hamlets belonging to the Montaione municipality; the Ribaldi road takes its name from rubaldi, the thieving soldiers who would sack the surrounding villages and countryside in the wake of the knights during the Middle Ages.

This area was also inhabited during the early Middle Ages at the time of the barbarian invasions; the Lombards in particular had their centre in Lucca reaching Barbialla (giving it its name), Castelfalfi and even down to Volterra.

The third road passed right by the site where our accommodation in Tuscany now stands, running along the hilltop and descending down to the river Evola to reach Tonda, was the Road of the Fortresses which sprang up to fortify the boundaries between Florence and the territory of her enemy, the Republic of Pisa.

The road is still known as “Via delle Rocche” today and a number of buildings echo its name: Rocche, Rocchine and Torrino (Fortresses, Little Fortresses and Little Tower, respectively). Our accommodation had yet to be built but there was a construction called Amarrante, some of which is still standing today, built to control the three roads.

A short distance from Amarrante was the borgo which was transformed into a villa and farm during the fifteenth century to create the residential complex where the La Casaccia accommodation in Tuscany now stands, a new dwelling built upon an old settlement. The suffix “accia” did not mean ugly as it does in modern Italian, but old.

Amarrante is an imposing building with a sixteenth-century core and a faade distinguished by a splendid stone entrance and windows. An extension was added on to the left wing and various small cottages were built at the back for the peasants. The name Amarrante comes from marra or hoe, or rather from marrante, worker using a hoe.

Marraioli were called called upon by the Podest to go and repair or pull down things and formed bands armed not only with hoes, but shovels, spades, billhooks and hatchets. They were supposed to repair fortifications and roads, or demolish them if in enemy territory. During the nineteenth century the entire La Casaccia complex belonged to the Ninci family and included a small oratory dedicated to Saint Cajetan and containing the marble funerary monuments of some of the family members.

During the early nineteen-hundreds many houses had toilets for the first time; at Borgo La Casaccia two small rooms with cast stone foundations and perforated brick walls were built on to the main house for this purpose. During this same period the entire complex was converted into a big apartment building for the families of labourers and craftsmen given its proximity to the chief town in the district. In fact, the 1901 Italian census shows that no less than 14 families comprising 63 people lived at La Casaccia during that period. The complex was inhabited until the 1960s. Abandoned and on the point of collapse a skilful restoration project imbued it with new life.

While you’re enjoying a relaxing break in the splendid garden and two swimming pools of our farmhouse, the thought of all that history will add a new dimension to your holiday in Tuscany.

THE APARTMENTS & SURROUNDINGS

All apartments are equipped with private bathroom, full kitchen and free Wi-Fi. In this way it’s possible to enjoy both charm of History and modern features. La Casaccia is surrounded by a garden of 4600 sq.mt. with the characteristic plants of the Mediterranean: Olive, Oak, Rosemary, Strawberry Mimosa, Broom, etc.

In the garden there are two pools: the biggest of 25×5 meters (depth from 1 meter to 2.20 meters) and the smallest of 15×5 meters with separate area for children (depth: 1 m/50 cm ) The garden is completed by gazebo, tables, chairs, umbrellas, barbecue and a small play area for children. About the location:

It is important to know that Borgo La Casaccia is only 1 km far from the center of Montaione (with bar/afe, shops, local products etc.), and this ensures the proximity to supermarkets, restaurants (the nearest only 300 mt.) and all necessary amenities.

The village of Montaione is in a strategic position and makes it an excellent starting point for exploring all of Tuscany: Florence and Siena are 1 hour’s drive (and reachable by train), Lucca and Pisa are 60 km far , San Gimignano and Volterra  just 30 minutes by car.

Please see ourbrochure

The courses are divided into 6 levels, depending on your knowledge of Italian language (and culture), that I’ll evaluate when you will arrive. The grammatical topics are described in the “Corsi di lingua” page.Courses program:

1- LEVEL (BEGINNER): The student is able to communicate simply and clearly in the most common everyday situations. She/he is able to use elementary grammatical structures correctly with a precise, basic vocabulary.

2- LEVEL (ELEMENTARY): The student is able to participate actively in a conversation with a correct use of basic grammar and an increasingly richer vocabulary. S/he acquires the ability to understand different voice inflections and the rhythms of the language.

3- LEVEL (PRE-INTERMEDIATE): The student acquires more confidence in his/her communications skills. Thanks to enhanced vocabulary, the student is able to express him/herself idiomatically and with a fuller understanding of the Italian reality, and to deal with work situations that require a knowledge of Italian.

4- LEVEL (INTERMEDIATE): The students are capable of participating in conversations on more complex subjects with a good mastery of the language and knowledge of linguistic elements. The students can understand the language of the media and comprehend the dynamics and development of Italian society.

5- LEVEL (UPPER-INTERMEDIATE): The student has begun a process of “personalizing” the language learning the appropriate use of idiomatic expressions. By now the student has mastered the linguistic structures and uses them confidently.

6- LEVEL (ADVANCED): The student can now handle all language situations, even at work, and discuss current issues competently and confidently. Please see website for more information: http://www.tuscanhomestay.com

TOURS

I also organize guided tours around the medieval villages of Tuscany, as well as several other places.  These are carried out by car for one person or for a small group (maximum 3 people). The tours can be all day long or half day depending on the destinations. The departure is usually from Monsummano Terme (Piazza Giusti), or from the station of Montecatini-Monsummano. If you are staying in Montecatini, I can pick you up by car at your hotel. Tours include:

• Medieval villages
• Castels tour
• Chianti tour
• Siena and San Gimignano
• Pisa
• Abetone
• Florence
• Garfagnana tour
• Cinque Terre tour

Please see my website/blog for more information on the tours I provide and client testimonials: http://tuscan-tours.blogspot.it/

Things to see/do

San Galgano: 6mins by car/6km you will find the Abbey of San Galgano and the church of Montesiepi (popular for weddings) where the legendary ‘sword in the stone’ was plunged in by Saint Galgano in 1180.  This round church was built around it to honour the Saint. For more information, please see the dedicated website: http://www.sangalgano.org/ENG/swordinthestone.htm

Terme & Thermal baths of Petriolo: 15mins by car and 20mins from the south of Siena lies the hot springs that were popular with both the Romans and the Medici family.

Remnants of the fortified Roman thermal baths dating back from 404AD can be seen above the pools.  The water is salt-sulfate-bicarbonate-alkaline-sulphurous hyperthermal (43 ° C) containing a high rate of sulfur and carbon. It is used for baths, mud, inhalations, facial masks, and is very effective in treating skin diseases, respiratory problems, orthopaedic and rheumatism problems.  Also handy for those who are healthy and wish to soften the skin.

http://www.termepetriolo.it/

The Property

Restored in 2005 by artist Carlo Pizzichini http://www.pizzichini.net, Casa d’Arte is now for sale by its current owner.  Details of the property coming soon!

Being off the beaten path yet close enough to Siena and popular tourist destinations, makes this property/village a suitable location in which to relax, discover and enjoy Tuscany.

This particular need has given birth to ‘ITALIALICIOUS’ …… Top quality Italian food and wines delivered in luxury handcrafted boxes. A unique selection of the best Pasta, Desserts, Sauces, Olive Oils and Luxury Wines linked to an express delivery service able to cover the globe within 72 hours from the moment you place your order.

Only a few clicks on the ITALIALICIOUS web site and you can: select a box, choose the products, customize it with your message and ship it whenever you want in the world! Your only job by then, will be replying to the excited thank you calls and emails from your friends!

Those who get an ITALIALICIOUS present will be so excited by the thought of how much care, time and love you spent looking for such original and unique gift. A present you comfortably and easily purchased during the little time between business meetings or from the comfort of your couch just before going to bed.

This project was born to promote the best in quality Italian food and the ability to send it around the world through its efficient express delivery service! The ITALIALICIOUS adventure starts between the little village of Vetralla (30 miles from Rome) and Pasadena, California, and is driven by the three founders: Valentino Bacocco, Stefania Mazzotta and Maureen McGillan-Sklar, together with marketing director Giorgio Onorato Aquilani. It is quickly becoming a worldwide success. Join the Party and think ITALIALICIOUS!

“The website www.italialicious.com ” explains Giorgio Onorato Aquilani “it works because it’s intuitive and very simple to use. In fact, everybody can select and customize a gift box and send it anywhere around the globe in just three easy clicks!”.

Getting the right present, even just for yourself, has never been easier and quicker than this!

Italialicious: Think – Click – Enjoy

Office in Cambridge, England: Run by Karen Roos, BA in Modern Languages and Business (Italian and French), a fluent Italian speaker, with experience of living in, and restoring and developing properties in Italy. Karen used to be on the FOPDAC (Federation of Overseas Property Developers, Agents and Consultants) committee before its merger with the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents). Karen has a life-long love of Italy and property and aims to bring you the best possible selection of properties available, whatever your budget. As well as running the agency, Karen works as a consultant and project manager for developers and is involved in several development projects.

Office in Bagni di Lucca, Lucca, Italy: Run by Luciana Gargiulo, a fully qualified and practising estate agent since 1995, licensed by the Chamber of Commerce in Italy and registered with FIAIP – the Federation of Professional Italian Estate Agents. Luciana’s husband is a well-known architect and the Italian estate agency office is shared by a team of architects, geometras and technicians so we are always able to sort out any technical issues, surveys and assist in developing and construction.

We work with colleagues and associates agents throughout Tuscany and beyond to bring you a varied selection of properties, as well as a trusted alliance consisting of Accountant Building Company Financial Institution Property Management team Currency Exchange Dealership to cover all aspects of property purchase, restoration/building and finance. If you dream of owning your own place in Tuscany, we can help you fulfil that dream, guiding you expertly through every stage. Please see our constantly updated selection of properties for sale and request further information on any that interest you. Joining our email list will inform you regularly of all new properties for sale and enable us to see what you are looking for and try to match you with suitable properties. We are increasingly involved in large commercial projects and the acquisition of building land and can source many excellent commercial propositions as soon as they come onto the market, through our wide network of contacts in Italy. We are able to assist throughout the project with both the construction and resale.

We have appeared on ‘I Want that House’ (UK TV) twice, on ‘House Hunters in the Sun’ (Irish tv) and been quoted in the Financial Times, Daily Mail, Sunday Business Post (Ireland), Living for Retirement magazine, Manchester Evening News, to name but a few. Karen has also written articles for ‘Italy’ magazine. We have also had properties featured in ‘A Place in the Sun’, ‘Grand Designs – trade secrets’ among others. Please read the Info and Services section for full details on the purchase process, viewing arrangements and much more.

I offer FREE consultations in order to help individuals and families living abroad, structure and manage their financial affairs in the most cost effective and tax efficient manner. Knowledge of local and international products and taxes enables me to deliver truly valuable and independent advice. Although moving abroad can offer tremendous career and lifestyle benefits, the life of an international expatriate or professional can create significant challenges for individual financial planning and management. Consider that many of the financial structures you establish, insurance products or personal pension plans for example, are often not fully portable or suitable in other countries or jurisdictions. Life is dynamic and one should adjust accordingly but with moving from one country to another it is not easy! Perhaps you could benefit from one of the following areas:

• Mortgages
• Foreign exchange transactions
• Worldwide Health Insurance
• Saving plans and Pension planning
• Portfolio and wealth management
• Tax and Estate planning
• Alternative investments
• QROPS
• International and Offshore Banking

For further information please feel free to contact me and ask to benefit from a free consultation. At the very least it will afford you the peace of mind that your finances are healthy and suitably structured.