Spectacular farmhouse, pool, AC near village

Scopeto is a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan hills designed for socialising and relaxing. There are two buildings - a traditional farmhouse with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and large pizza oven, and a modernised barn with two self-contained bedrooms (en suite). The property is rented as a single space - you will have complete privacy. You will have exclusive use of our new 12 x 5 metre swimming pool. All bedrooms have air-conditioning. IN HIGH SEASON, BETWEEN JUNE AND AUGUST, WE RENT SATURDAY TO SATURDAY. PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE YOU BOOK IF YOU WISH TO ARRIVE OR LEAVE ON ANOTHER DAY. THANK YOU Scopeto is at the very end of a small road and, with 270 degree views, it is completely private, but it’s also in walking distance – 500 metres – of a small village. Legoli is a classic one-horse town - a single main road, off which terraces and roads climb and lead to churches or chapels (there were six at the last count but you may well stumble across another). It owes its limited fame to Benozzo Gozzoli, a renowned 15th Century painter who created the tabernacle at the entrance to the village. The locals are proud of its frescoes, and Legoli's general vita lenta, and are often to be found discussing… well, who knows what … outside the village bar. Next to it, Michela’s Alimentari sells essential foods as well as locally produced, organic fruit and veg. Opposite is a really good restaurant, Legoli 1480 (named after the plague that brought Benozzo to the town) that serves traditional as well as more artisan Italian fare. Food is hugely important here, and locals forage for truffles, fungi and wild asparagus – abundant on our land when in season. Wild boar is always on the menu, as well as in the woods - don’t worry, they are wary! We have deer on our land, that feed in the fields below the house in the early morning and at dusk. If you are quiet you can watch them from the terraces. Last year we created a small "Orto" where we grew tomatoes, basil, zukkhini and peppers. THis year we hope to add a little more for you to use in your cooking. There are also plenty of fresh herbs to pick and use. The main house is traditional, although we have opened up the cantina to create a large, contemporary kitchen for cooking and dining. There is a range, oven, dishwasher etc. Also, a sound system and CDs you are welcome to use. We will also leave basic food items in the cupboard for guests to share (and replace if needed). There are two terraces outside the kitchen - to take the morning or afternoon/evening sun and to dine al fresco. There are additional terraces by the barn and at the pool - as well as land to walk and explore. We have 70 olive trees on our land as well as various areas to read, swing from the tress or soak up the sun. It is Scopeto’s terracing and nooks and crannies that we fell so in love with. Artists and musicians have lived here before us - apparently David Bowie once stayed! There are books at the house if you forget yours, and some games. There’s Wi-Fi across the property and good telephone reception. This year we have added an outdoor HD Optoma projector that can be pointed directly at the back wall for a pool screening, or at our new 200" screen that is easily hung on the side of the barn, for the full 'Cinema Paradiso' effect. We have a Blu Ray DVD player, but it is also possible to stream Netflix or Amazon from a laptop via HDMI (we have a long HDMI cable but check your laptop connectors, you may need an adaptor). If you want time off from cooking we can arrange for our neighbour, Franca, or somebody else to prepare and cook for you at very reasonable rates. The guests who have taken this option have really enjoyed the experience - see reviews. Local chefs also also offers on-site coking classes - pasta, pizza, prep of a three course Italian meal etc. Let me know if you want to know more. We can also help you with horse riding, air balloons, cooking (at Scopeto or elsewhere) and all other Tuscan activities. Accommodation... MAIN HOUSE Kitchen, fully modernised. Oak able - seats 8 (or 14 when extended) Island with range, dishwasher etc. Fridge-freezer Separate WC/washroom Spiral staircase to first floor: Office (Printer-scanner, desks) Bedroom 3 - twin single beds, A/C Living area - two sofas, wood burning fire Staircase to second floor: Master bedroom - double bed, A/C Second bedroom - double bed, A/C Main bathroom - claw bath and separate shower. BARN Two self-contained en suite bedrooms - each with double bed, shower room (solar-heated water) and A/C Top room has double-aspect back window with view across hills to Peccioli Bottom unit has its own separate terrace for seating UTILITY ROOM Washing Machine Hanging area PET POLICY Pets are OK – as long as they are fully house-trained and you tidy up well after them. (There will be a cleaning fee added to your booking – depending on breed/circumstances.) The entire space will be yours You will be met by Legoli resident, Letizia, who speaks Italian, English and German. She will be on hand throughout your stay to help with any questions or needs. We will also be available by phone from London. Our next-door neighbour, Paolo, can help with any troubleshooting should problems occur. The property will be cleaned on Saturdays. If you require more frequent cleaning it can be arranged (as can babysitting), with additional charges. Check in... 2pm. (You are welcome to drop off bags if you arrive earlier.) Check out...10am. (When there is turnover on the same day we ask that you vacate the kitchen by 9am so deep cleaning can begin. We are being particularly careful in line with Covid safety). You are welcome to use the pool and grounds if you want a more leisurely exit. Please check with Letizia. 9km away from Legoli is Peccioli, a larger town with shops, supermarkets, summer street markets, festivals (opera and live music) and a wider selection of bars and restaurants. English is spoken here but not routinely. This is Tuscany off the beaten track – and it’s why we love it. If you need more noise and culture, there are day trips to San Gimignano (28km/35 min), Florence (70km/1hr 20mins), Volterra (35km/40 min), Pisa (40km/40 min) and Lucca (50km/1hr). Castelfalfi golf course is 12km from the house, and the Tuscan Riviera, with its blue waters and dolce vita dining is just an hour away. Nearby, Libbiano (5 mins away) has a planetarium that you can book to visit. There are lots of excursions available - horse riding, balloons, wine tasting etc. We are happy to help set up anything you fancy. Scopeto is reached most easily from Pisa airport, but Florence is a good option too (though usually more expensive). You can reach Legoli by public transport, but it is limited, and cabs are expensive. Hiring a car is your best option, but if this isn’t possible let us know and - for a charge (40 Euro fro Pisa airport, more from Florence) – we will ask locals to pick you up. NOTE: Scopeto is down a typical Italian lane that is reached via a narrow entrance off the high street. The locals are in and out all days, as are small vans and 4x4s, but it can appear daunting. We are happy to arrange for someone to meet you in the village and bring you down the first time, if helpful. PLEASE NOTE there is a narrow entrance you must navigate to reach our lane from the main road, and gusts have found it a little daunting. It is wider than it seems (4x4s, vans and range rovers use it regularly) but requires you to back up into the bar's courtyard., and enter straight. We will send you a video when we have your email address.