Location: Gaiole, Chianti Area, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Siena 25 minutes, Arezzo 40minutes, Florence 60 minutes)
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
There is only one rental unit at "Cucule"!
This private tranquil haven lies off the beaten track, in the Chianti wine region. It nestles on a hillside just below the tiny hamlet with beautiful views over a secluded valley across to a typical Tuscan hilltop village.
Our simple farmhouse, originally built in the 1800’s, has been lovingly restored, literally from ruins, using traditional Tuscan materials including chestnut beams and terracotta ceiling and floor tiles. The apartment reflects the traditional country style of the house and includes many my finds from trips to India and Africa as a textile designer, whilst having up-to-date modern appliances and high quality fixtures and fittings. From the wonderful smell of lavender and other herbs planted around the house, to the eclectic furnishings that decorate the rooms inside, Casa Cucule is truly a home.
Casa Cucule is a perfect base, for exploring the local hilltop villages nearby or the wonderful renaissance cities of Siena (35 minutes.), Arezzo (40 minutes), Florence (60 minutes), and San Gimigniano (90 minute); all of which are within easy reach. It is also a great location if you enjoy walking and trekking; there are many local country roads, tracks and marked walks to follow.
The timeless relaxing quality of the area, the personal quality of the accommodation and the ease of reaching many tourist attractions make Casa Cucule perfectly situated for solitude or exploring whatever you want your holiday to be.
Accommodation:
The private, self-contained and spacious, 60 square meter, one bedroom apartment is located on the ground floor of the left hand side of the house. It can sleep two to four people and includes a roomy double bedroom with en-suite shower room. A comfortable living space with a sitting area (sofabed), a dining area, and a fully fitted 'cooks' kitchen allow for plenty of space to lounge, cook a wonderful meal with local ingredients, or just relax and enjoy the peace.
The large private terrace area to the front and side of the apartment is comfortably furnished and is perfect for leisurely "al fresco" meals, napping on a sun lounger soaking up the Tuscan sunshine, enjoying the surrounding aromatic garden, and gazing at the stunning views beyond by day or the star lit sky at night.
Access:
Main roads, country tarmac road and then approximately three kilometers of country track road.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: Shared only with owners
- Linens Provided: swimming towels are also provided, ALL are changed on a weekly basis
- Covered Parking
- Beds
- Double Bed: 140cms; very comfortable
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite): only for viewing videos,
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided: including everything a keen cook might need.
- Refrigerator
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View: Classic Tuscan oak wooded hills are interrupted only by cypress trees, a typical Tuscan hill top village, the odd stone farm house in the distance,and vineyards.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): At no extra cost!
- Other Amenities
- Hairdryer, Extensive library of books on the Chianti area, Tuscany and Italy. Games: cards, scrabble, backgammon, and vintage 80's trivial persuit.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children: The property is not suitable for children under 10 as there are too many possibilities for them to damaged themselves
- Smoking Allowed: Smoking is tolerated, but preferable outside.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
Rate Details (In Euros)
20 March - 23 April € 680 / week
27 April - 28 May € 850 / week
29 May - 25 Jun € 950 / week
26 June - 03 Sept € 1050 / week
04 Sept - 01 Oct € 950 / week
02 Oct - 05 Nov € 850 / week
05 Nov - 17 Dec € 680 / week
18 Dec - 07 Jan(11)€ 850 / week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- A piece of tranquil Tuscany all to yourself - Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental
- Cool off and relax by the large infinity pool surrounded by fabulous scenery - Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental
- Home from home in Chianti with all modern comforts - Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy Vacation Rental
- Comfortable dining, and cooking in a well eqipped cooks kitchen
- Spacious bedroom with view to vinyards
- Delight in 'Al fresco' dining on the superb lavender terrace
- Your own private Tuscan panorama
Guest Comments (23)
First (10) of (23). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #50795
There have been 19561 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2004.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - November 08, 2009


Positive Rating
Katheryn Leszczynski , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Positive Rating
We had no idea of the peace and beauty of this sanctuary which we had booked largely by chance when we decided to holiday in Tuscany. This has been just the refuge we needed – a base to explore the hills and villages of Chianti- and a place to return each night to quiet and serenity. Thank you Susan & Ray for your warm welcome and generous hospitality
Positive Rating
Thanks for a peaceful & relaxing stay. Susan ‘s recommendations for places to eat were superb, and using Casa Cucule as a hub to explore Siena, Radda in Chianti, and the other beautiful places in this part of the world has been perfect.
Positive Rating
Where to start! After visiting the area 10 years ago I’d given my new(!) husband great expectations for our honeymoon and it exceeded all of them. Firstly thank you so much to Susan & Ray for their very warm welcome, the welcome pack was everything we needed and you made us feel right at home – even Leo, Nero et al [our shy and discreet family of cats] accepted us in the end.
Positive Rating
Our second visit and having ventured out a bit on the first visit we learnt our lesson and barely left the place this time The magic is all here – peace tranquillity and an endless succession of wild life sound effects too good to miss. Never thought the only visits out would be to the Coop (and the Osteria in Montebenichi) but it worked for us. See you again.
Positive Rating
Our second visit and we wondered how it would live up to our 1st – it did. Your hospitality is charming, when we arrived we felt like we’d reached home. The peace and tranquillity have done us the world of good. Highlights were: a fox visiting us at lunch time at the pool side, Nero [our cheeky black cat ] retuning home after missing for 3 days, the Palio heats in Siena, drinks on your balcony sharing your Tuscan experiences, a spectacular thunderstorm on our penultimate day – all previous days had been glorious sunshine.
Positive Rating
2nd time here and we’re already looking forward to the third.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful welcome! D & T (friends from Yorkshire) were right – they felt very responsible suggesting a villa in Tuscany for friends – But – they really need not have worried – it has been everything they said – AND MORE! Thank you Susan for sending us to La Bottega in Volpaia. (If you go do book a table at the front of the terrace to admire the wonderful view.)
Positive Rating
.....Most of all it was wonderful to have such a great host and hostess! Susan you thought of every detail, thanks for making our stay so wonderful.
Positive Rating
Well it is finally time to leave the delightful retreat of Casa Cucule … something we both do with fond memories of a great time that was had! Many many thanks Susan for making our stay so enjoyable and creating such a friendly inviting atmosphere in Tuscany. The touring advice and all the little extras (e.g. Welcome pack) helped to create the perfect Tuscan break; also for organising the golf in Florence – a great day was had…… The advice given by previous guests to read “Too much Tuscan Sun” at the beginning of your stay was excellent advice as it gives a great overview and ideas. We definitely hope to return to Casa Cucule in the future, next time perhaps in summer.