Tuscany vacation rentals

These Tuscany vacation rentals are within a 13th century convent outside the typically Tuscan village of Castiglion Fiorentino, and are surrounded by olive groves and cypresses.

First restored during the 16th century, the house has been lovingly renovated over the last 20 years by the owners, members of the Italian and European Historic Houses Association. This beautiful building, on a hillside dominating the Val di Chiana, is on the special register of the Tuscan Region, and is under the protection of Italian Fine Arts and Cultural Heritage. It now offers Tuscany vacation rentals sleeping up to seven guests.

The old convent of the Zoccolanti (order of St Francis) was the feudal home of the Lambardi Family from the 13th century. Saint Agnes, who was the sister of Saint Clare, stayed at the convent for the first part of the 13th century. And nuns occupied the convent until 1554, when a series of mercenary attacks drove them out.

Castiglion Fiorentino is a little town near Arezzo. It sits in a fine position 342m height above sea level, on a hill facing the Chiana Valley between Cortona and Arezzo. This was the home of the ancient Etruscans and then the Romans, and there are many archaeological remains hereabouts. It was often a theatre of war, jealously eyed by Perugia, Arezzo, the Papal States and Florence. It is the home to many works of art, churches and paintings.

[ local map | map of region ]

These Tuscany vacation rentals comprise a 200sqm ground floor apartment (plus a 50sqm loggia) with two large bedrooms (with double beds), each with private bathrooms. There is a loft with an additional single bed, and a sitting room with a double sofa bed. The kitchen has a 4-burner stove, full size refrigerator with freezer, washing machine, and eating area. Antique furniture and a remarkable attention to detail have created an atmosphere both charming and comfortable at this extraordinary residence.