The vista from Il Fienile over the pool and house to the Pisan mountains Nov-07
Location: San Macario in Monte, Lucca Province, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Lucca 5; Pisa airport 12; Florence airport 45 miles) View Map
Accommodations: Farmhouse, 6 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 5 Baths (Sleeps 12-14)
Keywords: Rustic, farmhouse, villa, retreat, views, peaceful, wifi, Lucca, Pisa, Florence
DESCRIPTION
A beautiful 250 sq m (approx 2700 sq ft), newly restored, elegant interior designed 18th century farmhouse, sleeping 8+ and with stunning 180 degree south facing panoramic views over Pisa and Lucca towards Florence and Siena. Solar powered underfloor heating, air conditioned with two large terraces shaded by chestnut pergolas. Large fully equipped kitchen, dining room and living room. Four lavishly appointed double/twin ensuite bedrooms and 12 x 6m infinity pool above house. Two ancillary bedrooms and sofabed in the Soggiorno (Living Room) max the accommodation at 14 people (though we have once had 20 teenagers!). Please note accommodation for numbers in excess of 8 people is very basic (bunks in simple ancillary rooms, and sofabed). Furnishings are a tasteful mix of antique and modern furniture.
The property is set in 20 acres of olive groves, vineyards and woodland with abundant wild food (notably asparagus and fennel) in season. Quiet and private, yet less than 10 minutes drive from village amenities (including Andrea, our famed butcher who will keep many a gourmet quiet, either with his meat taken home or at his amazing value bistro, with meat presented to you straight from the butcher's chopping board!).
Please note that we have reduced our rents by some 35% in response to the economic situation; the rents shown are net of these discounts.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
A deposit of 25% of the rent is required to secure your booking.
The balance is payable 8 weeks before your arrival date. A damages deposit of €500 or 25% of the rent, if greater, is also due 8 weeks prior to the arrival date. If a booking is made less than 8 weeks before the arrival date, 100% plus the damages deposit is required to secure the booking.
If you cancel, or fail to pay the balance by the due date, all amounts paid to secure the booking are forfeited, and only the damages deposit will be returned. Damages deposits, less any deductions (including expenses) are returnable after the departure date.
Breakages will be recharged on a replacement as new cost basis.
INSURANCE
It is a condition of our contract that tenants will have taken out appropriate travel and medical insurance.
CONTRACT
All of our proposals are subject to contract
EXTRAS
In response to the recession, we have cut our rents by some 35%. Our quoted rates include these discounts. We have adopted the low cost airline approach, and re-charge all expenses we incur to tenants, as follows:
Electricity - according to meter readings (typically €100-150 pw, but air/con will increase costs significantly)
Water - €5 per day (winter); €7 per day (summer)
Gas - €40 per day (winter); €10 per day (summer) - yes, utilities in Tuscany are very expensive!
Phone (standing charge covers wi-fi) - €1.56 per day, plus call charges
Laundry - €15 per set of linen & towels issued
Cleaning on departure - €15 per head
Daily maid service (2 hours per working weekday - mandatory) - free, except for weekly rents less than €2,251: €15 per hour
Check-in/admin fee: free, except for weekly rents less than €2,251 €75 per stay
LARGER GROUPS
Surcharge of 7.5% of total rent, if at any time the number of guests staying overnight, or different number of beds used, exceeds 8.
VALUE
Even with these extras, our properties offer incredible value, compared to similarly priced alternatives.
LONGER LETS
Reductions for lets longer than 6 weeks.
OUR PRIVATE WEBSITE
More details and photos, including a detailed specification of the property including a link to our own private website, if you contact us.
WHY DO WE RECHARGE EXPENSES?
Why do we now charge nearly all expenses as extras? We have reduced our rents by some 35%. The difficult economic circumstances mean that many of our tenants wish to keep their holiday costs to a minimum. A fixed charge (included within the rent) unfairly penalises smaller groups, who would inevitably have to pay more than their fair share (especially if there has been low electricity usage).
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Air-conditioning is provided to all rooms. N.B. There are local regulations which prevent a/c reducing temperatures to those often provided by US air-conditioning systems, but our system makes a big difference when it is hot, even if not as cool as below 70F.
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace : The fireplaces may be used in winter months. Underfloor heating powered by solar energy, supplemented by gas boiler, keeps it warm enough without wood fires being essential.
- Beds
- King Bed (4) : All bedroom suites (except the Grey) may be presented as either super-king doubles or twin rooms. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower; two of the showers are walk-in. The Grey bedroom has a super-king double.
- Twin/Single Bed (8) : Alternative to 4 superking doubles, Il Fienile may be presented with up to 8 beds in 4 twin rooms, though we prefer to keep the Master Bedroom as a double and need advance notice to change it to twin (which we will only do for a letting of at least one week).
- Bunk Bed (2) : Two ancillary bedrooms offer very basic accommodation with bunks and are served by a shared ancillary shower room, adjoining the utility area
- Convertible Bed : The spacious Soggiorno (Living Room) includes a double sofabed
- Crib : We provide a cot/crib for an extra charge.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : We offer UK and Italian freeview satellite TV and radio, Italian terrestrial TV; flat screen TVs in all bedroom suites, soggiorno and kitchen share the same UK satellite channel; reception is occasionally difficult in adverse weather.
- DVD
- Video Library : We have an extensive 250+ DVD library: we hold film festivals for schools and can offer film-making courses.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : We offer an extensive collection of classic, jazz and popular music CDs
- Private Pool : Our pool is not exceptional, it is unique. Where else can you have in infinity pool designed so that, with your eyes immediately above water level, the Leaning Tower of Pisa distantly rises from the infinity point?! Approx 12m x 6m with adjoining paddling pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : We have a large (90cm/3ft wide) oven, as well as gas hob, microwave (all SMEG), American-style fridge and other modern applicances. A second kitchen is available by special arrangement with the owner.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : We provide utensils, crockery and cutlery for at least 14 people.
- Refrigerator : Large American-style fridge with ice unit
- Dishwasher : SMEG
- Microwave : SMEG
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : We can offer catering from typical Tuscan farmhouse cooking to gourmet meals, by arrangement. All for consumption in summer on our panoramic Lower Terrace or in our chestnut-beamed Dining Room in other seasons.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : We offer an electric grill pan: gas or BBQ is not possible outside in summer because of the fire risk.
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Available, but out of summer and other dry periods.
- Deck/Patio : Two terracotta-paved pergola terraces adjoin the Kitchen & Dining Room and the Soggiorno (Living Room); the Lower Terrace is used for dining, the Upper Terrace for lounging and pre-dinner drinks and antipasti
- Balcony : Balcony Terraces extend in two directions (with magnificent vistas) from the upper floor, as noted above.
- Gazebo (2) : The two Terraces feature pergolas and are further shaded by bamboo sheets
- View/Location
- Mountain View : The view is so stunning that the owner of the house (a professional photographer) is sometimes accused by guests of being a bad photographer. There is only one way to appreciate how exceptional our views are: you need to come and see them for yourself. Photographs can never do the place justice. 180 degrees from seaside hills, then over the plain of Pisa to Livorno and Elba (almost 100 miles), then to the mountains of Pisa and finally towards Siena, Chianti and Florence. Stupendous.
- Monument View : The Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistry of Pisa are distantly visible some 12 miles to the south. The walled city of Lucca and its towers are visible to the south-east
- Communications
- Telephone : We have a Vodafone (i.e. cell) based 'landline' with two portable handsets and recharge for its use (including standing charges) at cost. Please note that the 'landline' phone does not always work, but the internet services it provides normally do (adverse weather can be a problem), Because it is supplied by a cell company, internet phone call systems (e.g. Vonage) do not work on it, but Skype does work. The cost of WiFi is included in the phone's standing charge.
- Broadband Internet : We use a Vodafone mobile phone based system. Occasionally it doesn't work at broadband speeds due to weather or atmospheric conditions. The rest of the time it works faster than landline-based systems do in our area.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : We have a Vodafone wi-fi router - see under broadband internet. The password is supplied to guests.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Pets are welcome by arrangement with the owner. Additional cleaning costs may be incurred. Please note that we have been adopted by a friendly cat, but we can 'quarter' him, if this is an issue.
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : The ground floor is easily wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair access to the upper floor via a path is also possible, but requires the ability to push the wheelchair up the short, but inclined, path.
- Kid Friendly : We welcome children. The swimming pool area is enclosed by fences, walls and steep spiky-foliaged banks.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : We will not contract with anyone under 25, but of course, subject to this, welcome younger guests.
- Smoking Allowed : Smoking only outside, please.
- Smoking Not Allowed : No smoking inside, please.
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Olive harvest and olive oil production holidays, wild asparagus picking gourmet holidays, photography masterclasses, cooking courses, film-making courses.
Rate Details (In Euro)
BARGAIN WINTER: Jan 07 2012 - Mar 24 €1,500pw (was €2,100)
Wild asparagus season: Mar 25 - May 04 €2,950pw (was €4,150)
Wild flowers: May 05 - Jun 15 €3,450pw (was €6,250)
Peak season: Jun 16 - Sep 07 €4,950pw (was €8,150)
Late summer: Sep 08 - Oct 19 €3,750pw (was €4,550)
Autumn School Break: Oct 20 - Nov 16 €3,450 (was €6,550) (ask for olive harvest €)
Late autumn: Nov 17 - Dec 21 €1,950 (was €4,150)
Xmas/New Year: Dec 22 - Jan 04 2013 €5,000pw (was €5,850)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose San Macario in Monte
I have been coming to Italy since I was a teenager, which has included stays at the 15th century villa of my oldest friends, with whom I have also enjoyed many a round of Italian golf. This all introduced me to the joys of Tuscany, its history, its wonderful people and of course Italian food. In 1996 from a Tuscan beach holiday I came to San Macario to visit a friend, who had recently bought and restored a villa in the village. In late 2001 I was looking for a property in Spain on Knight Frank's website, when I accidentally clicked 'Italy' and found myself looking at a photo of a ruined farmhouse with trees growing out of it. It was the name 'San Macario' that caught my eye: I knew the place and its desirability! A month later my friend and I, accompanied by a property agent and a machete, (literally) cut our way through the undergrowth up to the property. I saw the view, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the distance, and (knowing that my friend had found a local team who could be relied upon to do restorations) had the vision...
Almost a decade later, we still have much to do, but neither I, nor my girlfriend and family (all of who originally thought I was mad) have any regrets...
The Unique Benefits at this Farmhouse
Stunning views in every season, peaceful country, and homely, relaxation, wild asparagus (and other wild foods and fruits from our orchard), our own very high quality oil (Lucca oil is at the same level as top Bordeaux claret), all wrapped into an authentically restored building, yet complemented with modern eco-efficiencies and communications systems which enable us to enjoy all the benefits of Tuscany, whilst (if ever we want or need to) remaining in contact with everything going on at home through internet and Sky TV facilities. And the 'simpatico' charms of our local management team.
Inspiration - we are all creative people and San Macario has a spirit...
The world's largest 'open air museum', and Italy's only mediaeval city with all its walls intact. Also birthplace of opera composer Puccini.
Yes, you've seen the photos, but see it with the naked eye and it leans much more than you ever expected. Must do!
The Tuscan Italian Riviera's number one hotspot. Wonderful beach facilities etc etc
The No 1 Ski resort in the Italian Appenine mountains. Easy to go for a day's skiing December-April. Wonderful mountain walks during the rest of the year.
Owner's Map of San Macario in Monte
I am a real estate developer and investor, and am also involved in publishing, media and photography. The houses we rent in Marbella, Tuscany and Cornwall are all our private homes and we invite you to enjoy them as if your home from home.
Property Photos
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- The vista from Il Fienile over the pool and house to the Pisan mountains Nov-07 - Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental
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- Il Fienile from the Infinity Pool, looking towards the Pisan Mountains Jun-10 - Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental
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- The Lower Terrace is enclosed by the two wings of Il Fienile Jun-10 - Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental
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- The Lower Terrace, with its rustic, evocative vista to Pisa, at lunchtime Jun-08
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- Like all suites, La Camera Verde (Green Bedroom) features chestnut beams Mar-08
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- The Kitchen seats up to 8 + well-equipped with oven, hob, microwave, TV Jul-06
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- The magnificent chestnut-beamed Soggiorno (Living Room) is very spacious Mar-08
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- French windows lead from the Soggiorno (Living Room) to the Upper Terrace Mar-08
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- The chestnut-beamed Dining Room is furnished with antiques and paintings Dec-08
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- Like all others La Camera Grigia (Grey Bedroom) includes a flat screen TV Mar-08
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- Like all others, La Camera Rosa (Pink Bedroom) has Busatti designer fabrics 3-08
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- Seen from the drive, Il Fienile has typical Tuscan 'mandolata' brickwork Mar-08
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- Sit in the orchard with our cat and munch wild asparagus (Spring) Apr-10
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- Il Fienile (far left), San Macario belltower and the Appenine snowfields Dec-08
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- Andrea, our wonderful butcher, sports his prosciutto. Try his bistro! Mar-07
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- Our infinity pool: there's a reflection of The Leaning Tower of Pisa Jul-06
Traveler Reviews (17)
Exceptional holiday
Guest: Sandie
(Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11
Review Submitted: 10/13/11
Lucca has to be the most perfect base for exploring Northern Tuscany and there is nowhere better to do it from than this villa. Perfect accommodation - 4 parents 4 teenagers AND Grandma all very happy. Day trips to the beach, Pisa, Volterra, San G and Florence were a breeze. Gorgeous local restaurants though to be honest we loved nothing better than the local sausage, cheese and wine on the shady terrace admiring the stunning view. William's information pack is nothing short of extraordinary and he bent over backwards to help us when our car broke down! We had a truly memorable holiday.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Gerald
Guest: Gerald
(Carmichael, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 10/11/11
We had a wonderful week with friends at Il Fienile in the Tuscany hill country. William arranged a lovely dinner for the eight of us and he also arranged some very good weather. The villa, the furnishings and the help were all first class. It does take a bit of exploring to find the villa, but once there it is delightful.
Owner response:Thank you, Gerald: we make a special effort to arrange good weather! Also, by issuing (post contract) our very comprehensive Guest Information Pack, which gives away many of our local 'secrets', we help our guests to make the most of the local amenities, and provide an ongoing support service to help you before and during your stay. Meanwhile Lucia, our marvellous cook, brimming with local specialities, continues to delight our guests at least as much as she does ourselves. Ask us for the pdf giving more details and (new!) photos... Of course, we cannot move the villa from its location, but, as the well-known Chinese proverb says: "No go up hill, no see view..." And it's only 7km from the walls of Lucca. If anyone interested in staying at Il Fienile would like more information on what our guests tell us, we can always send you scanned comments from our visitors' book, many of which are already reproduced in type below on this website. William
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with teenagers, age 55+, girls getaway.
Birthday celebration in San Macario
Guest: Judi
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11
Review Submitted: 10/10/11
'We all had a really lovely time and enjoyed our stay at Il Fienile - it was an extra special place to spend an extra special birthday. I am also grateful to William for arranging the fireworks, collecting the birthday decorations and even collecting my husband from Pisa airport'. 'If you get the chance we'd highly recommend having food prepared on site - but don't leave it to the last day of your visit - in our experience - there was enough food for the next day too!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #127449
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