Oliveta

Oliveta’s hillside position is hard to beat, offering far-reaching views of the olive groves from which the villa takes its name. Its location on the doorstep of lively Gaiole, one of the main market towns of Chianti, makes this a fantastic choice if you wish to mix rural seclusion and time spent mingling with the locals. Anyone wishing to tour the vineyards of this world-famous wine-making region will find plenty of opportunities to taste wine and olive oil at nearby cellar doors. Oliveta sleeps six to seven, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. One of the bedrooms is on the ground floor, so could suit an older or less mobile member of your group. Arched beamed ceilings and terracotta and terrazzo floors, wood-framed tapestries and pictures keep the atmosphere attractively traditional inside. In the grounds, the private pool is a lovely place to relax, surrounded by its own olive grove and fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, and there’s a small garden, set with a table and chairs, at the front of the house, too. Ground Floor Lounge-Kitchen-Diner Sofa, table and chairs, fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, stairs to first floor, doors to garden. Bedroom 1 Double bed (cannot convert to twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. First Floor Bedroom 2 Twin beds (can convert to a double), wardrobe, chest of drawers, daybed. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Bedroom 3 Double bed (cannot covert to twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers, writing desk, chair, armchair. Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Our Thoughts You could be forgiven for deliberating over whether to relax in this villa’s elegant interiors or soak up the views from the poolside garden, full of colourful potted plants and silvery olive trees. As if encouragement to linger longer outside were needed, there’s a barbecue and a covered gazebo with table and chairs for either a feast or an evening aperitivo. Yet, Siena and Florence are tempting (and easy) day trips. Notes Three bedrooms. Three bathrooms, two en-suite. Electric fans are placed in all bedrooms. Oliveta is attached to a neighbouring property and is part of a traditional cluster of houses, however it remains completely private. Fire Place: open Pool The rectangular pool has an even depth throughout and metal ladder steps leading down to the water. The paved terrace, which gives way to lawn, is well furnished with sun loungers and parasols and includes a shower area. The pool is 30 metres away from the villa. Pool size: 10m x 4m, 1.4m deep. Open mid May through October, weather permitting.