LARGE, independent and charming accommodation on two floors (= originally dowager half of a Tuscan villa) with 2 private entrances (sleeps 4), tastefully furnished with antique engravings and traditional furniture. Two bedrooms, 1 (huge) bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with seating for 4, living/dining room, additional sitting/TV room. Private, furnished garden area with 180° panoramic view Ideally located for relaxation, tourism of all types (Florence 35 min. by local train, Siena 45 min. scenic drive) but also suitable for remote working and creative retreats. Whilst close to all centers of interest, the Casa Colonica at il Poggiolo Tuscany is serenely located on a rural hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. There is no pool, so no raucous noise. Experience living like a local!
Air Conditioning on both floors. For more pictures of the villa, gardens, views and environs, as well as information on the region, see website: poggiolotuscany[dot]com. ALLERGY-SENSITIVE furnishings and appointments. NO PETS allowed (sorry, not even service animals due to allergies owners). NO SMOKING in the house (in the garden it is fine). The owners live in the other, independent half of the villa, with separate entrance and garden.
INSIDE:
The CASA COLONICA has been renovated to respect traditional architecture whilst adding luxury details in every room in order to offer charm, comfort and convenience.
- DOWNSTAIRS are the daytime living quarters with two arched doors on either facade and large windows giving out onto the garden. The sitting room has a sofa and two armchairs, a SAT-TV, and a lending library with recreational reading, guidebooks and cookbooks. Flooded with afternoon sunlight, this room is a perfect place to curl up and plan your day trips, read, or enjoy an glass of wine. The downstairs also features a fully equipped kitchen to make morning espresso (3 types of coffee makers) and practice your Tuscan cooking skills, or warm up the gourmet fare from a local "gastronomia". You will enjoy the traditional chestnut-wood cabinets and the barrel-arched brick ceiling. Through a large open arch is the living/dining room, with a large table to spread out food and maps, seating for 6, and wicker armchairs for relaxing, reading and planning your next day.
- UPSTAIRS there are two large bedrooms with beamed ceilings, antique wardrobes, writing desks and large windows that frame views onto the gardens and the Valley of the Arno (= Valdarno). Air Conditioning in both bedrooms. The huge bathroom (also with beamed ceiling) features a tub/shower, a window onto the garden and a large cotton rug ... for morning yoga exercises? Screens on all windows.
- FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE you will also find a microwave, dishwasher and clothes washing machine, iron & ironing board. Coffee makers include: moka pots of different sizes, a french press, coffee filters and an espresso machine.
- ALL ROOMS have large windows with views. The house has 60 cm thick walls, which means it is delightfully cool in summer and warm in the cool seasons. For extra comfort in summer there are fans in every room in addition to AC on both floors. All bedroom and bath windows have screens. Handrail and sturdy child gate on stairs.
- OUTSIDE:
Outside is an extended, rustic garden area with a panoramic view over the rolling hills and vineyards of the Valdarno. Both sunny and shady areas. Do not miss the deer that graze in the fields at twilight (sometimes on the garden bushes!) and the wild boar with piglets in the summer. The garden features large terracotta pots of flowers (in bloom according to season), two tables with chairs for dining al fresco and lounge chairs - do not miss the fabulous sunsets! From Il Poggiolo you can see the Valdarno valley, the Appennine mountains, the Siena hills, and on a good day, all the way to Vallombrosa.
- PRIVATE PARKING on the property.
- LOCATION:
Guests appreciate the fact that Il Poggiolo is located in the tranquility of the countryside but conveniently close to Florence, Siena, and Arezzo (30-45 minutes drive), as well at to the other major points of interest in central Italy. While a car is necessary for your stay, the center of Florence can be comfortably reached by train from Montevarchi in just 35 minutes (free long-term parking)... as well as many other destinations such as Arezzo, Pisa, Assisi, Cortona... there are even direct trains to Rome! Nearby are historic sites (medieval and Renaissance towns, towers and castles). Don't miss the picturesque villages, national parks, thermal baths and, a bit farther, seaside beaches. Swimming nearby in a number of local pools (10-15 minutes drive - pool/beach towels provided in house). Excellent wine and fine restaurants in the area, as well as informal village trattorias and pizzerias. Numerous designer outlets nearby for clothes, shoes, household items, etc. Fabulous local food markets. Il PoggioloTuscany is perfectly located for day trips to all the historic attractions of Tuscany, for sports/cycling enthusiasts and gastronomic tourism, for family vacations... or just to get away from it all.
- NO PETS & NO SMOKING in the house - allergy controlled environment.
- MAIN ASSETS:
Convenient location for cultural tourism, fine wines and gastronomic emotions.
Charming, comfortable and spacious accommodation.
Train service nearby to major points of art/historic interest.
Scenic country walks and trekking (from gentle sloping dirt roads through vineyards to trails through forests and the Chianti Hills or Appenine mountain range )
Local markets for local produce (especially vegetables and fruit, wine and olive oil).
Marvelous eating : from pizza parlours to five-star restaurants.
Major designer outlets and malls (5 to Prada, and 25-45 min drive to other major malls/outlets).
Private parking area on the property.
WI-FI, Sat TV, DVD
Internet suitable for remote working.
Handrail + Child Gate on stairs (neither usual in Tuscany!)
Recreational reading library (Italian themed) and guide books, maps.
VERY Efficient AC downstairs and in bedrooms.
Screens on windows (also not usual in Tuscany!).
Fans provided in summer in all rooms (some people do not like air conditioning, and as the house has 60 cm thick walls it stays delightfully cool !)
KEYWORDS: Tuscany, Villa rental, Tuscan tourism, Short Lets, Sabbatical stays, Honeymoon haven, gastronomy, slow food region, luxury appointments, holiday home, vacation in Italy, furnished gardens, panoramic views, no pets allowed, allergy-sensitive, LGBTQI-friendly.
