Casa Colonica- near Florence, Siena, Arezzo

Large. independent apartment on two floors (= entire half of a traditional Tuscan villa !!),** with 2 private entrances (sleeps 4+1), tastefully furnished. Own garden area with 180° panoramic view [2 BR, 1 (huge) bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with seating for 6, living/dining room + sitting/TV room]. Ideally located for tourism of all types (eg. Florence , 35 min. train, Siena 45 min. scenic drive) , but also sabbaticals and creative retreats. Whilst close to all centers of interest, the Casa Colonica is serenely located on a rural hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. There is no pool, so no raucous noise. For more pictures of the villa, gardens, views and environs, as well as information on the region, see website: poggiolotuscany[dot]com. ALLERGY-SENSITIVE furnishings and appointments. **[The owners live in the other half of the villa]. INSIDE: The CASA COLONICA has been renovated with modern conveniences (including Adsl WI-FI internet) and luxury details in every room: beamed ceilings, traditional furniture, original prints. The Casa Colonica offers charm, comfort and convenience. - DOWNSTAIRS are the daytime living quarters with two arched doors on either side and windows giving out onto the garden. The sitting room has two daybeds and wicker armchairs, a SAT-TV+DVD, and a lending library with recreational reading, guidebooks and cookbooks. Flooded with afternoon sunlight, this room is a perfect place to curl up and plan your day trips, read, or enjoy an glass of wine. The downstairs also features a fully equipped kitchen to make morning espresso and practice your Tuscan cooking skills, or warm up the gourmet fare from a local "gastronomia". You will enjoy the traditional chestnut-wood cabinets and the barrel-arched brick ceiling. Through a large open arch is the living/dining room, with a large table to spread out food and maps, and wicker armchairs for relaxing, reading and enjoying an aperitif. - UPSTAIRS there are two large bedrooms with beamed ceilings, antique wardrobes, writing tables and large windows that frame views onto the gardens and the Valley of the Arno. The huge bathroom (also with beamed ceiling) features a tub/shower, a window onto the garden... and a large cotton rug for morning yoga exercises! Screens on all windows. - FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE you will also find a microwave, dishwasher and clothes washing machine, iron & ironing board. Coffee makers include: espresso pots of different sizes, french presses, and paper filters. - ALL ROOMS have large windows with views. The house has 60 cm thick walls, which means it is delightfully cool in summer and warm in the cool seasons. For extra comfort in summer there are fans in every room. Air conditioning in bedrooms. All bedroom and bath windows have screens. Banister and sturdy child gate on stairs. - OUTSIDE: Outside is an extended, rustic garden area with a panoramic view over the rolling hills and vineyards of the Valdarno. Both sunny and shady areas. Do not miss the deer that graze in the fields at twilight (sometimes on the garden bushes!). The garden features large terracotta pots of flowers (in bloom according to season), a table with chairs for dining al fresco, lounge chairs and sun umbrella - do not miss enjoying the fabulous sunsets. From Il Poggiolo you can see the Valdarno valley, the Appennine mountains, the Siena hills, and on a good day, a view all the way to Vallombrosa. - PRIVATE PARKING on the property. - LOCATION: Guests appreciate the fact that Il Poggiolo is located in the tranquility of the countryside but conveniently close to Florence, Siena, and Arezzo (30-45 minutes drive), as well at to the other major points of interest in central Italy. While a car is necessary for your stay, the center of Florence can be comfortably reached by train from Montevarchi (free long-term parking) in just 35 minutes, as can many other destinations such as Arezzo, Pisa, Assisi, Cortona... there are even direct trains to Rome! Nearby are historic sites (medieval and Renaissance towns, towers and castles). Don t miss the picturesque villages, national parks, thermal baths and, a bit farther, seaside beaches. Swimming nearby in a number of local pools (10-15 minutes drive - pool/beach towels provided in house). Excellent wine and fine restaurants in the area, as well as informal village trattorias and pizzerias. Numerous designer outlets nearby for clothes, shoes, household items, etc. Fabulous local food markets. Il PoggioloTuscany is perfectly located for day trips to all the historic attractions of Tuscany, for sports enthusiasts and gastronomic tourism, for family vacations... or just to get away from it all. - NO PETS & NO SMOKING (inside) - allergy controlled environment. - MAIN ASSETS: Convenient location for cultural tourism, fine wines and gastronomic emotions. Train service to major points of art/historic interest. Charming, comfortable and spacious accommodation. Scenic country walks and trekking (from gentle sloping dirt roads through vineyards to trails through forests and the Appenine mountain range ) Local markets for local produce (especially vegetables and fruit, wine and olive oil). Marvelous eating - from pizza parlours to five-star restaurants. Major designer outlets and malls (5 to 30 min drive). Private parking area on the property. WI-FI, Sat TV, DVD Bannister + Child Gate on stairs (not usual in Tuscany!) Recreational reading library and guide books, maps. AC in bedrooms Screens on windows (also not usual in Tuscany!). Fans provided in summer in all rooms (even though the house has 60 cm thick walls, and stays delightfully cool !) KEYWORDS: Tuscany, Villa rental, Tuscan tourism, Short Lets, Sabbatical stays, Honeymoon haven, gastronomy, slow food region, luxury appointments, holiday home, vacation in Italy, furnished gardens, panoramic views, no pets allowed, allergy-sensitive, LGBT-friendly.