Medieval Stone-Built Cottage Nestling Between Olive Trees

“Over the valley, down the Siena road, a right turn on to a white road, and then through pastoral countryside, we came on a most amazing sight; the borgo Sogna, brought back from ruin. This idyllic village dosing in the sun….” Frances Mayes, the best selling author in “Bringing Tuscany Home” © 2004

Located in the Tuscan Hills of Ambra is “Sogna La Vite”, a stone-built cottage nestlingb between acient olive trees, a private retreat consisting of two apartments. The garden apartment, we call it “Il Giardino” contains 4 sleeps, cosy living room with fireplace, dining area, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom, outside flagstone patio with pergola and backyard accommodates up to four adults.

You need a smaller one? Contact us for details on renting just one of these lovely apartments, such as the smaller one “La Pergola” with 2 sleeps, living room with open fireplace, kitchen, 1 bedroom and bathroom accommodates two adults.

Built in the 15th century, "Sogna La Vite" has been renovated with an eye to history: original exterior stone ovens, ancient stone floors and walls, chestnut beams and terracotta ceilings, open fireplace and interior walls have been masterfully restored; appointments and furnishings are an amalgamation of antique and new.

Next to the Chianti region, Sogna is an hour’s drive from Tuscany’s most prominent places, like Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Pienca, Montalcino, Montepulciano. For those who wish to take day trips to discover Tuscany’s historical places, Sogna offers a great starting point. Siena and Arezzo are only 30 minutes by car. Florence can be reached in an hour.

The borgo Sogna was restored carefully with all its original characteristics in 1996. You find a small chapel with its bell tower, the battlements and the paths that run through the borgo. As a guest at Sogna you can swim, play tennis, eat under the shaded pergola or just relax. Sogna is a private, 15th century medieval borgo. There are 12 houses with its own Tennis court and pool. It sits on a hill top overlooking the Ambra valley surrounded by beautiful terraces with hundreds of olive trees, as well as walnut, almond and fig trees and ancient forest

Inside Sogna La Vite’s massive stone walls, you will find a refreshing coolness on hot summer afternoons; in winter, the open fireplace and central heating will keep you cozy and warm. Satellite TV and a fully equipped kitchen care are also provided for your convenience. Spring and autumn in Tuscany offer perfect open-door temperatures. Depending on season, sun and gusto, Sogna La Vite offers sheltered terraces for whiling away a morning or afternoon. A modest pergola, directly in front of the apartment, with a southern exposure and grape vine invites you to sit and finish the last few chapters of your novel; The garden with terrace encourages you and your guests to partake in the scenic view or to take a relaxing nap in the shadow of an olive tree.

Enjoy a walk to Rapale, the neighbouring hilltop borgo in the Val d’Ambra. An amber of sunlight seems to have captured history here in the Valley, where the stones of medieval towns such as Badia a Ruoti, Cennina, Montebenichi and Bucine remain unchanged through centuries.

No less engaging than the local culture is the fact that one of the region’s largest retail outlets is only 25 minutes away by car. Here, Prada, Jill Sander, Mui Mui and Helmut Lang, among many others can be found.

A 35 minute drive will take you to The Mall, a steadily increasing complex of outlets of higher quality, where offerings from Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Emenegildo Zenga, Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana, Emanuel Ungaro, Hogan, La Perla, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod’s, Sergio Rossi, Valentino and Yves St Laurent will seduce you. In addition, you will find the outlets of Fendi, Celine, Loewe and Dolce & Gabana and many others. Sogna offers access to a true paradise for shopping addicts.


Keywords: Cottage