Italian accommodation - Tuscany - A holiday apartment in a fairytale setting within a Gothic castle east of Siena. Offering rental accommodation for 2-4, the property has a peaceful country setting.
The Castle of the Four Towers, on a green hill, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, is in a lovely spot. As a guest, you have use of the garden, enjoy great views and can swiftly get into Siena. History and culture lovers can begin their journey right here. This mediaeval castle, dating back to the early 14th century, was built (like all of Siena) of red brick. The castle has a square ground plan with four corner towers, and a wonderful inner courtyard is hidden behind the portal with its pointed arches. Above the portal there is a promontory from which hot oil was poured in former times to ward off the enemy. What is now the mail box was originally a slot to protect the archers.
The castle was built by the Republic of Siena and was involved in the battles fought between Siena, ruled by the Guelph family, and Florence, dominated by the Ghibellines. After the fall of the Sienese Republic in 1555 the castle was used as a private home. From then on the castle has been in private hands and is still owned by the family that lives here. The building is in excellent condition and well preserved, and the Ministry of Culture has identified it as one of the most beautiful national monuments.
The guest apartment (please, note that it is available only for weekly rentals) is accessed through a huge wooden portal. Across the small and pretty courtyard, the stairs lead up to the first floor. The apartment is furnished and designed in keeping with its history; you won't find the imposing and luxuriant elegance of the feudal (Baroque) castles built later on, but rather a comfortable rural interior.
The large living room area, with a fireplace and a long wooden table, forms the centre of the apartment. Antique terracotta tiles cover the floor with a charming unevenness, and mighty wooden beams support the ceilings. From here you enter direct into the small kitchen, which is located in one of the towers. The apartment is furnished with antique furniture and equipped with a washing machine and a dishwasher. All the windows offer a view of the gently hilly landscape around Siena. The 75sqm of living space comprise a large living room with a sofa bed, a small kitchen, a double room and a bathroom with shower. The apartment has a fireplace, dishwasher and washing machine. Outside you have access to the barbecue and ample parking.
The castle is surrounded by a garden of lawns, beds of roses and trimmed hedges. This garden can be used by the guests and is perfect for breakfast or a barbecue and for sunbathing in the olive grove. The Castello produces its own wine and olive oil - you can buy these products on the premises.
Blissfully peaceful, your accommodation lies within a quiet olive grove, yet is only 3km from the Piazza del Campo. You can reach Siena even without a car; there is a bus-stop 1.3km away, or you can walk to town in 30 minutes. During the day buses go to the centre every 15 minutes and every 30 minutes in the evening. There is an open-air swimming pool 5km away, and the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Maremma can be reached within the hour. Florence is 65km away. There is tennis 4km away, riding 4km, a thermal spa 28km away and golf 70km away.
[View on Google Map ] [Region map]
Low season: 1 January 2010 - 8 May 2010, 18 September 2010 - 31 December 2010. High season: 8 May 2010 - 18 September 2010. Weekly rental in low season (Saturday to Saturday only) is €750 and in high season is €790. Your holiday rental includes bed, bath and kitchen linen, water, electricity and gas. There is a security deposit of €250; heating if required is €70 per week; additional beds €60 per person per week; final cleaning €50; pets are allowed, though there is a €50 supplement. A child's cot is available free of charge.
This apartment makes for the ideal Italian vacation for a couple or small family. Find out more about this lovely holiday in Tuscany by clicking below.
