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Comfortable Vacation Apartments in 17th Century Converted Monastery near San Gimignano in Tuscany.
One studio has handicap access and handicap bathroom.
You can relax in comfort in this ancient 17th century monastery where medieval monks once lived. The property has been recently restored, respecting the original architectural elements, and divided into 10 apartments.
You can find the pricing below in the pricing section.
The medieval town of Colle di Val d'Elsa (which means hill above the valley of the Elsa river) is close enough to walk to, 1 kilometer, (.6 miles), so you can send your early risers into town for bread for breakfast or take an evening stroll or passegiatta in the piazza with the townsfolk. Teenagers can get away and explore the town on their own. The property itself, a farm, invites exploration with 35 acres of orchards, agricultural fields, and a poplar grove. You can see the towers of San Gimignano from several points on the property.
You are in the heart of Chianti Tuscany, walking distance to the medieval center of Colle Val d'Elsa (all kinds of shops, tennis, playground, castle, cathedral). 7.5 miles to S. Gimignano, 12 miles to Siena, 17 miles to Volterra, 27 miles to Florence, 43 miles to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Colle di Val d'Elsa also offers some great shopping in the industrial outskirts with factory outlets, mostly for ceramics and glass.
The Tuscany Blue Guide says "Colle Val d'Elsa" is a small town built high up on a rocky spur on the left bank of the river Elsa. Although less well know than many other small towns in Tuscany, it is a delightful place with many interesting art treasures. The medieval upper town is particularly well preserved and its position offers magnificent views on all sides."
Recently renovated, the apartments feature typical architectural elements such as structural arches, wood rafters, brick vaults, and the red tile 'cotto or terracotta floors. One apartment still has the stone manger reflecting its former use as a barn and another one has a brick chute, called the Inferno, for the waste from olive pressings when the building was used for olive oil production.
The kitchenette's are modern, efficient, and have the essentials. There is the typical, under the counter refrigerator without freezer. If you have ice packs for your cooler that you would like frozen, your hosts will kindly put them in their freezer. There is a four burner gas stove top. One apartment has a microwave and the rest have good, counter top ovens that are great for reheating food and for baking.
The apartments share the outdoor area that includes an inviting swimming pool (23x46 feet), with bathroom and shower, and laundry room (€5/load). Each apartment has its own parking space and outdoor eating area with table, umbrella, and chairs.
Five of the apartments are accessed through a shared common room with a fireplace and sofa.
The décor and furniture is quality Tuscan in style, comfortable and casual.
If the weather turns very hot, you will also appreciate the air conditioning option. Several of the apartments are cool in all weather and never need air conditioning. For any that do, there are portable air conditioners that the owners bring to you. You will pay the additional electricity cost in that case. Furthermore the windows have screens, very unusual in Italy.
Handicap Access: There is handicap access to the single studio on the property that is set up for wheelchair use. They will open a back gate for you to drive up close to the building. The walks across the property are gravel. The studio apartment is very open and has a specially equipped handicap bathroom. |
