Exceptional(2)
San Martino, Certaldo, Florence and Chianti
Certaldo, Florence and Chianti, Italy
Retreat to this quiet spot high in the vine-covered hills south-west of Florence. It’s a peaceful place yet also a gateway to the best this area has to offer. Close by is Certaldo. You’ll find plenty of shops in which to stock up your holiday larder in this lively town, but it should be the first stop on your sightseeing tour, too – take the funicular up to the old walled settlement and stroll its medieval lanes. Add to your shopping list a bottle of wine made in one of the many local vineyards or from the prized wineries of Chianti Classico, a short drive away. And add to your itinerary a great day out. Where will you go Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra are just a few of the fantastic places to explore.brbrThis old stone villa is one of two properties, but a screen of trees ensures total privacy. There are plenty of wow factors here, perhaps the most stunning of which is the large pool and its sundeck, just a few steps from the house, cradled by ancient olive trees. Other lovely spots in this graceful garden include the pergola overlooking the pool, a charming location for an aperitif. And we suspect the patio behind the house, with its views of the olive grove, will become a favourite place to gather for lunch and dinner.brbrbrbrThe villa is as comfortable as it is easy on the eye thanks to a contemporary refurbishment that has allowed the original features to shine, as well as gentle country-cottage styling in a palette of pretty pastels. Downstairs is a huge living and dining area, with beautiful terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and a traditional hearth, off which open arches lead to a well-equipped kitchen. The open-plan design and the large windows and French doors make it a bright and airy space.brbrbrbrUpstairs, you’ll find four bedrooms, one of which is a suite, with bathroom, dressing area, and mezzanine sleeping quarters tucked in the eaves. A further double en-suite provides another lovely room to haggle over, while the two further bedrooms, one double, one twin, sharing a family bathroom, are located beyond a door for extra privacy. That extra touch adds ultimate flexibility, making it a great choice whatever the shape of your group. Family, friends or a mix of both, you’ll all enjoy a memorable holiday here.brbrGround FloorbrbrbrbrDiner/ LoungebrbrGlass display cabinet, sofas, armchairs, coffee table, fireplace, TV, pizza oven, desk and chair, sideboard, side table, table and chairs, laundry cupboard with washing machine, French doors to garden, garden with gazebo and a large table with chairs, wicker sofa, stool and armchair.brbrbrbrKitchenbrbrFully equipped kitchen, 5 ring gas hob, fridge/freezer, side table.brbrbrbrBathroombrbrSink, shower, bidet, WC.brbrbrbrFirst FloorbrbrbrbrBedroom 1brbrDouble bed (cannot be converted into a twin), bedside tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe.brbrbrbrEn-suite bathroombrbrSink, shower, bidet, WC.brbrbrbrBedroom 2brbrDouble bed (cannot be converted into a twin), bedside tables, chair, chest of drawers, wardrobe, mosquito screen.brbrbrbrBedroom 3brbr2 single beds (can be converted into a double), bedside table, desk, chair, mosquito screen.brbrbrbrBathroombrbrSink, shower, bidet, WC.brbrbrbrSuitebrbrbrbrLoungebrbrBench, wardrobe, stairs to the mezzanine floor.brbrbrbrEn-suite bathroombrbrSink, shower, bidet, WC.brbrbrbrMezzanine Floor (low ceiling)brbrbrbrBedroom 4brbrDouble bed (cannot be converted into a twin), bedside table.brbrBegane grondbrbrbrbrPrivate Pool:brbrLength: 12 metersbrbrWidth: 5 metersbrbrDepth: 1.3 - 1.8 metersbrbrEntrance: Roman stepsbrbrOpening times: Open all yearbrbrFenced: NobrbrFurnished: Double hammock swing sunbeds, sun loungers, pergola with a table and chairsbrbrCleansed: ChlorinebrbrDistance from villa: 25 meters