TOWER PENTHOUSE in small castle near Florence

IDEAL FOR QUARANTINE: ISOLATED yet walking distance from shops; we can shop for you & deliver. Ample private property (including FOREST). Convenient location, gardens, Florence in sight, peace & quiet in a 900 year old tower-villa in Chianti. Painting-like views. 360° views of Tuscan Hills all the way to Florence; sun-filled. One of a kind, spacious & super-scenic home combines magical atmosphere with space, light, character, convenience. Perfect location for an unforgettable stay. This apartment is the "hat" of a 12th century watchtower villa, in the hills south east of Florence, Italy. The apartment combines 2 apartments (which are also available separately): A) PENTHOUSE a 70square meter high-ceiling large rooms divided in two by an arch: on one side a super-equipped kitchen and dining area. Above it, a loft with full size bed. On the other side, an antique Swedish ceramic wood burning stove supplies charme and extra heat. A lounge sofa right in front of it, facing the window with view of the church bell-tower, makes for our very favorite nap location! In the niche that was once the fireplace, we have created a super cozy sleeping area with a queen size bed, surrounded by books. On the same floor, full bathroom. Above the kitchen, a loft with a cosy bedroom with full-size bed. THIS SPACE IS PRIVATE, for exclusive use of OUR GUESTS. However it is our main residence, so you will find traces of a lived-in home, all neatly stored away or available for you to use. + B) TOWER - an additional kitchenette with dishwasher. Washer/dryer. - a bedroom with a queen size bed (that can be made into 2 single beds); - a quiet, cool (with AC too!) living area ideal for retreats, with 2 single sofa-beds, which are 2 real mattresses; - a large bathroom with bathtub and separate shower. -above one flight of stairs, the "master" bedroom with queen size (A/C too) - above it all, the tower terrace, of course, with its 360 degree view! There is central heat and WIFI, as well as toys and books in English too. THIS SPACE IS PRIVATE, for exclusive use of OUR GUESTS. These 2 apartments (A + B) are connected. ABOUT THE PROPERTY 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! The estate includes one shaded garden (BBQ, hammock, pingpong table) and a sunny garden (flowers and herbs to pick) , and a small olive grove shared with the other families in the building. Without ever leaving the property, you can walk to a little forest. Local deli, freshly baked bread, cheeses, wine, great cappuccino and top butcher of the valley all right across the street, 5 minutes walk. You can also have lasagne and american breakfast (eggs and bacon) served at the local butcher. 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 recommended for evening outings and explorations of Tuscany. PS: PLEASE REMEMBER TO READ THE HOUSE RULES THOROUGHLY BEFORE BOOKING. We really care about them being respected, and they will help you enjoy the space to the fullest. Thanks! Both gardens, BBQ facility, and a Steinway Baby Grand piano! The apartment is of exclusive use of our guests, but the common areas are always open, and our guests are welcome to use and enjoy everywhere. Unlimited WIFI, free parking, village with food supplies out the driveway. Brand-new washer/dryer in the apartment (please leave 1€ per load, for detergent/softner/electricity) This villa is ideal if you play the piano and wish to practice during your vacation: there is a well tuned Baby Grand Steinway in the common area, accessible at all times. ADDITIONAL OFFERS AT THE VILLA: Take a fun hands-on COOKING LESSON (right next door, same building) where you learn how to make pasta from scratch, then stay for the meal: that includes your creations and a whole meal, including home-made dessert and unlimited wine. The bonus: beautiful views, unlimited toppings of wine, and coffee. And you don’t have to do the dishes!. Cost per person: 75€. Visa and MC welcome. (65€ for cash). If you wish to precede the class with a wine tour to a nearby winery, add 50€ pp. Detailed tour of the cantina, 4 Wines and transportation included. We live in the building and are always available to assist in case of need, or simply share a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. THE VILLAGE: The tower penthouse is the top of the villa which sits on top of the hills on top of the village...Great views and breeze, but only 5 minutes walk from the little shops: A community center/bar will serve caffe and aperitivi, with a great panoramic terrace Local deli, freshly baked bread, cheeses, wine and beer, great cappuccino and top butcher of the valley all right across the street, 5 minutes walk. no proper restaurant walking distance, but you can buy all the food you need to make your own meals, and the local butcher also offers lasagne and grilled chicken and beverages, to eat there or take home. Very nice family style trattoria only 5 minutes driving from home, serving great pizza, pasta, steak and more Italian food. Plenty of hikes start from here. TRANSPORTATION 20 minutes drive to Florence, or 30 minutes by bus. (45 to the train station) Greve 40 minutes, Prada outlet 25 minutes, Arezzo 45 minutes, Rome 3 hours. 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. The bus runs on weekdays until around 8:00 pm. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE ONLY 2 BUS RIDES COMING AND LEAVING THE VILLAGE, ON SUNDAYS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS (Christmas, New year's, Easter, June 2nd, August 15th) If in need, we can pick you up or drop you off for a small fee, when not busy with work. - ARRIVING: We live in the building and are happy to help whenever we can! But there are no doorbells in the villa, so it is important that you follow check in instructions to get to your place, and contact us if you need any help. IMPORTANT: OUR CENTURY-OLD GARDEN IS NOT A TESTED PLAYGROUND! PLEASE TAKE MAXIMUM CARE WHEN USING THE SWING, ROPES ETC. THEY ARE NOT TESTED WITH PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR USE OF THEM. - STAIRS: There are many stairs to get to the apartment, and to get from one area to the other. Please take care. - CATS: Keep door closed if you prefer to not receive feline visits. - UTILITIES: We want you to be comfortable in our home, so we have A/C and central heat. There has been a recent very steep increase in gas and heat cost, so instead of increasing our prices, we have lowered them, but ask you to pay for utilities by use. The cost depends on which apartment you are in, how cold it will be, how many hours you will stay home or go out, and how warm you like to keep the rooms. Probably somewhere between 10€ and 20€/day. - Let us know if you have any question!