The Space
THE APARTMENT
This 12th tower apartment is the "hat" of a small castle in the hills south east of Florence, Italy.
Just renovated! Totally private, includes living room with 1 single sofa bed, kitchenette, a large bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
Can include 1 or 2 bedrooms, depending on your needs: one with queen size bed, right in the top of the tower; the other (optional) with 2 single beds that can be turned into a double.
And the tower terrace, of course, with its 360 degree view!
There are stairs and more stairs to get to the tower apartment, but that is what makes it so private, romantic and panoramic.
There is WIFI, and toys and books in English too.
As mentioned on some of the reviews, this place is also child friendly: toys, books, safe private gardens, a magical tower, friendly cats (optional!), babysitter available on the premises.
Also special CHILD FRIENDLY COOKING CLASS available. (See "additional offers" further below).
THE BUILDING
The estate includes one shaded and one sunny garden, and a small olive grove shared with the other families in the building.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
The tower portion dates back to 1146. The rest of the building was added on in the 1400s , 1600s and 1800s. Many lives were saved during WWII by my grandfather who risked his own, by offering hiding and shelter to total strangers in this villa. We want to continue this tradition by welcoming people from all over the world. Our children are the 6th generation in this home.
WIFI, use of washing machine and drier (with assistance, and at 2€ per load including detergent and softener). Also, ADDITIONAL OFFERS AT THE TOWER:
1) DINNER:
If you are planning a quiet evening in the tower but do not feel like cooking (or plan to return from your sightseeing right at dinner-time), we can prepare an all Tuscan simple but complete dinner to await you when you return, including wine and dessert. Cost: 20€ per person, 2 people minimum. Children 15€ each (if they don’t drink wine!). Children under 5, free
Please check for availability.
2) Take a fun hands-on COOKING LESSON where you learn how to make pasta from scratch.
Time is flexible, we like to adjust to your schedule when possible.
That comes in 3 options:
A) take the 2–hour class and walk upstairs to your own private kitchenette with your freshly made pastas, as well as 1 freshly made sauce to dress them with. Make your own dinner with your hand-made creations!
50€, for 2 people. 25€ for every additional person.
B) take the 2–hour class, and walk to your tower dining room with all of the above, plus wine, bruschetta, frittata or quiche and home-made dessert.
40€ per person.
C) - All of the above, consumed here on the premises (downstairs from the tower, same building. You can come in your slippers if you'd like!). The bonus: beautiful views, unlimited toppings of wine, and coffee. And you don’t have to do the dishes! Cost per person: 50€
Also, WIFI, free parking, BBQ in the common garden, cooking class, village with food supplies out the driveway.
We live in the building, right at your doorstep! You have all the privacy (the tower apartment is all for you, with private entrance, bathroom and kitchen etc) but we are a knock away if you need help, wish to borrow some food or kitchen utensils, or are simply in the mood to share a glass of wine or cup of tea or coffee with us, and hear the history of this place.
We may be on vacation a few weeks in the summer, or a week end here and there. When so, Majla's mother Eva, who lives on the premises, will make sure you have assistance in case of need.
THE VILLAGE
Local deli, freshly baked bread, cheeses, wine, great cappuccino and top butcher of the valley all right across the street, 5 minutes walk.
NO RESTAURANT WALKING DISTANCE, but you can buy all the food you need to make your own meals. Very nice family stile trattoria only 5 minutes driving from home, and a warm dish of pasta in the village community centre.
TRANSPORTATION
20 minutes drive to Florence, or 45 minutes by bus. Use of car not necessary if you are planning to just visit Florence during the day and simply relax and enjoy the countryside, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for evening outings and explorations of Tuscany.
Bus schedule available here at the apartment, as part of our detailed "homeguide".
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE ONLY 2 BUS RIDES COMING AND LEAVING THE VILLAGE, ON SUNDAYS
- OUR VILLA IS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY AS IT APPEARS ON THE MAP!
Standard check in time 4:00-6:00 pm
Standard check out time by 10:00 am. Both times are flexible, but please request in advance if you'd like to arrive extra early or late, or leave later. We'd love to accommodate your needs compatibly with other guests.
