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At the end of a private, half mile long ‘white road’ in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by its own olive groves and vineyards, sits Villa Il Portico. Set within seven acres of its own grounds, this 15th century farmhouse, originally owned by the Medici family, has been converted into a spacious holiday rental property for ten people. It offers complete seclusion, yet easy access to Florence, Siena and other jewels of Chianti and Tuscany.
The villa comprises two stone buildings. One, the former barn, has been left untouched. The second has been lovingly restored with meticulous attention to maintaining the authentic Tuscan architecture. Wood-beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls and terracotta floors provide a traditional, cosy setting, yet the house is equipped with every modern amenity to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
On the ground floor, the airy, open-plan rooms surround an arched, outdoor dining area. The large, country-style, ‘eat-in’ kitchen has a fireplace, a big side-by-side fridge with ice cream maker, dishwasher, microwave, oven, and six-ring hob. The bathroom has a shower, double sink, bidet and toilet. There is a laundry room with washing machine; a studio room; dining room; and a living room with fireplace, satellite TV, and a double sofabed. A baby’s cot is also provided.
[ local map | map of Tuscany ]Upstairs are two further bathrooms, one equipped with bathtub and double sink; a linen storage room; five bedrooms (two with large double beds and three with twin beds); and a large billiards room. Throughout the villa, the furnishings are of the highest quality and beautifully maintained, with the family housekeeper and gardener living away from the villa.
Out into the grounds, and you’ll find a 17 x 7metre swimming pool set within beautifully maintained gardens. The setting here is superb. In a private hilltop position above the Chianti Classico region (the white road leads to the villa and no further) you can wander for miles around the hills, within your own, private grounds.
If you decide to dine out, check out the nearby villages of Cerbaia or mediaeval San Casciano in Val di Pesa. You’ll find eating places that are a colourful hybrid of bar, grocer, restaurant and village gossip spot, and you’ll taste some of the most delicious – and reasonably priced – meals you’ll ever enjoy. San Casciano is also your first stop for shops. You’ll find a supermarket, bakers, fruit and vegetables store, butcher, bank, post office and tourist office.
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[ click on the images above to enlarge ]
