Car essential Wheelchair access Nearest amenities: 12 km
Notes:
May take pets - please enquire Not suitable for children Smokers welcome Self-catering
Home description
This single apartment with private infinity pool nestles on a hillside, off the beaten track, in the famous Chianti wine region; its spectacular views look out over a hidden valley to a typical Tuscan hilltop village. Cucule is perfectly situated for idyllic solitude, as well as exploring the wealth of Tuscan cultural centres within easy reach.
The apartment was our home before restoration of the rest of the house was completed in 2003 and is located on the ground floor west wing of ‘Casa Cucule’. Perfect for two it can sleep up to four people comfortably. Cucule has been restored literally from ruins, using traditional Tuscan materials including chestnut beams and terracotta ceiling and floor tiles.
The interior of the apartment reflects the traditional Tuscan style of the house and includes many ‘finds’ from my trips to India and Africa as a textile designer.
Fixtures, fittings and appliances are up-to-date and modern, and together with the eclectic furnishings that decorate the rooms inside and the wonderful smell of lavender and other herbs planted around the house, the Cucule apartment is truly a home.
A piece of paradise in Tuscany
Swim or just cool off in the new 15m x 5.50m pool
Cosy and cool bedroom & en suite shower
Well equpped 'cooks kitchen' & dining
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/37823
The Tuscany region
From the leaning tower of Pisa to Michelangelo’s David in Florence, there are many famous attractions that count amongst the most well known sights in Europe and are the inspiration for most people’s first visit to Tuscany. But there is so much more to see and do in this fabled region besides the already famous and well-documented. You may already share this passion, or you may be just thinking about taking your first holiday in Tuscany. Whichever it is, this enchanted region in the centre of Italy has so much to offer in a multitude of ways.
CLIMATE: The well defined seasons in this hilly and coastal region - we are at approx 450mtrs – have much to offer all year round. Whether you enjoy walking in spectacular countryside, admiring the views or exploring and drinking in the atmosphere of ancient medieval and renaissance towns and villages, the warm summers and cool winters each has its own seductive appeal that keeps you wanting more.
Chianti / Gaiole area
In the heart of Tuscany’s famous Chianti wine region and nestling just below the tiny hamlet of San Vincenti, Casa Cucule lies in an unblemished rural area blessed with idyllic, romantic tranquillity. Within easy reach, however, are towns with such evocative names as Siena, Florence, Arezzo, Cortona and San Gimignano as well as hill top villages and tucked away hamlets. These offer a wealth of incomparable Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance art, architecture and cultural history. Enjoy as well the more day to day pleasures of soaking up the Italian way of life by dining in local hostelries, shopping at one of the many local markets for fresh produce or for Italian fashion at designer outlets.
How to get there
Getting here by air: Direct flights to: o Florence - from London Gatwick (with Meridiana Airlines) ; Frankfurt, Munich & Paris The apartment is roughly a 1h:15mins drive away o Pisa - with BA from Gatwick, Ryan Air from London Stanstead, Fly Thompson from Coventry + Bournemouth & Easy Jet from Bristol The apartment is a leisurely 1h:45mins drive away o Perugia - with Ryan air from London Stanstead The apartment is an easy 1h:10mins drive away o Rome - with Ryan Air and many other international airlines The apartment is a scenic 2h:30mins drive away
Getting here by car: I am happy to advise on the best routes to Cucule from other parts of Europe.
Once you are in Tuscany : A car is an essential here, as there is no public transport close by, and especially for making the most of what this fantastic area has to offer. There are also good train links from the nearest big town, Montevarchi, to the cities of Florence, Rome and Arezzo and Pisa.
Access: Main roads, country tarmac roads and approx 3 klms of country dirt track road. Locally know as 'white roads', there are many in the area, they are in good condition and easy to drive on.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Florence: 80 km
Railway:
Montevarchi: 35 km
Ferry:
Livorno: 120 km
Activities near Chianti
Sports: Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats
Facilities
General:
Central heating, Video player, CD player, Wi-fi available
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Clothes dryer, Cooker, Fridge, Washing machine
Rooms:
Bedrooms (1), Ensuite (1), Shower rooms (1), WCs (1)
Furniture:
Sofabeds (1), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 2
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Shared outdoor pool (unheated), Shared garden, BBQ
Access:
Wheelchair access, Secure parking
Further details indoors: Accommodation; the private and self-contained 60sq meter 1 bedroom apartment is located on the ground floor of the left hand side of the house. It can sleep 2-4 people and includes a;
spacious double bedroom with en suite shower room. large comfortable living space made up of a sitting area with sofa bed, dining area, and fully equipped “cooks” kitchen area allow for plenty of space to lounge, cook a wonderful meal with local ingredients, or just relax and enjoy the peace. extensive library of books on Chianti, Tuscany , Italy & general reading entertainment - a good variety of videos & games - boccia, backgammon, scrabble, dated trivial pursuits and cards.
Further details outdoors: The ample private terrace to the front and side of the apartment is comfortably furnished and is perfect for leisurely “al fresco” meals, napping on a sun lounger soaking up the Tuscan sunshine, enjoying the surrounding aromatic garden: or, simply gazing at the stunning views by day or the starlit sky by night.
The large 15 meters x 4.50 meters infinity pool is a swimmers delight and virtually private . It is shared only with us, the owners, and only one of us swims! Lounging around the pool side you have it mostly to yourselves.
Further details
Access is on main roads, a country tarmac road and then approximately three kilometres of country track road in good condition.
The apartment’s comprehensive ‘guest info book’ gives detailed information on local amenities and sights covering: the nearest shops; the best restaurants, markets and food shops; vineyards and castles in the area.
For fashion aficionados there are details on a unique opportunity to shop at several designer outlet stores for labels such as Armani, Prada, Gucci, Mui Mui, Helmut Lang, Ferragamo, Tods and many more.
We, the owners, are usually on hand, if required, to help with anything else you may need, such as booking a restaurant or checking a route somewhere, but otherwise we wish to leave you as much privacy as you desire.
Conditions
Rental runs from Saturday to Saturday. Arrival – 16.00 to 19.00, Departure – by 10.30. Other times by arrangement. Payment of 30% deposit secures booking; the balance is to be paid on arrival. 100% payment on booking if 6 weeks or less before rental starts. On payment of the deposit directions on how to get to the property will be sent by email along with booking confirmation. Returnable security deposit - € 200 to be paid on arrival; to be reimbursed on inspection of the property on departure. Everything is included in the rental price - Electricity, gas for cooking and hot water - weekly supply of clean bed linen, bath and kitchen towels - weekly cleaning for stays of more than 1 week, if requested, and final cleaning - GENEROUS ‘WELCOME PACK’ of groceries to make an evening meal and breakfast. The kitchen and bathroom are well stocked with basic essentials. The property is not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
30 Aug 08
27 Sep 08
1150£ 927
0-
0-
1 Week
27 Sep 08
1 Nov 08
950£ 766
0-
0-
1 Week
1 Nov 08
20 Dec 08
750£ 605
0-
0-
1 Week
20 Dec 08
3 Jan 09
950£ 766
0-
0-
1 Week
3 Jan 09
28 Feb 09
680£ 548
0-
0-
1 Week
28 Feb 09
28 Mar 09
780£ 629
0-
0-
1 Week
28 Mar 09
2 May 09
880£ 710
0-
0-
1 Week
2 May 09
30 May 09
980£ 790
0-
0-
1 Week
30 May 09
27 Jun 09
1150£ 927
0-
0-
1 Week
27 Jun 09
29 Aug 09
1200£ 968
0-
0-
1 Week
29 Aug 09
3 Oct 09
1150£ 927
0-
0-
1 Week
3 Oct 09
31 Oct 09
980£ 790
0-
0-
1 Week
31 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
780£ 629
0-
0-
1 Week
19 Dec 09
2 Jan 10
980£ 790
0-
0-
1 Week
131
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. 20% deposit to secure booking
Final balance payment payable on arrival together with refundable €200 security deposit
Absolutely everything is included in rental price: • electricity, gas for cooking, hot water and heating • bed & table linen; bath, kitchen and swimming towels, changed weekly • a generous ‘welcome pack’ of groceries to make an evening meal and breakfast • use of washing machine and dryer • final cleaning
Guestbook
We have had a wonderful time in your beautiful home Susan – thank you both for all your help, advice and such a warm welcome. We loved the Orciaia restaurant in Montebenichi, had an excellent lunch in San Gusme and also in San Sano. Castello di Brolio is well worth a visit for the views alone. A beautiful area & so very peaceful. An unforgettable week - we shall be back! 22 September 2007 – John and Jane - Suffolk UK
We expected a house and we found a home! Cucule was everything we expected and more – thank you – Good luck with the green roof. Ray, a great host - 10 out of 9. 07 September 2007 - John & Lizzie – Somerset UK
Chere Susan, Cher Ray, Des les premiere instants Casa Cucule est devenue “ notre maison” en Toscane. Votre accuiel et la chalareur des moments passé ensemble nous ont enchantés. Le calme absolu, la beauté du site, l’environnement admirable …. Et but le charme be la Toscane, font de Cucule un lieu inoubliable. Merci mille fois a vous deux e tres bientôt a Cucule ou Paris ….. 01 September - Patricia et Laure - Paris France
So good we are coming back next year! Perfect in every way. 14 July 2007 – H & Kate - London UK
Dear Susan & Ray, in two year time nothing has changed – Casa Cucule remained the most perfect and gorgeous spot in Europe. We are happy to be able to show it to Samuel as well. And also it was great to see and meet you again. 5 May 2007 - Adam Barbara & Samuel - Budapest Hungry
Dear Susan & Ray, After spending the first week of our 3 week holiday in Rome we were ready for some ‘r&r’ in a special retreat in Tuscany. Casa Cucule provided that and so much more. We would definitely recommend a visit to San Gimignano and Siena but would also highly recommend lazing on the terrace listening to the wild life and just relaxing – that is certainly what we did. Susan and Ray – what can we say – your hospitality knows no bounds. It is great to know you are there if needed but you are also very discreet- perfect. Off to Sorrento now – will definitely recommend you and your casa when we get home. Thank you once again for making our “Miele di luna “ [ honey moon] so special. 19 May 2007 - Peter & Caroline - Yorkshire UK
We truly enjoyed our spring vacation here at Cucule. Although we spent far less time here than we should have, it was always nice to have a beautiful and comfortable place to call home for a week. We enjoyed seeing lots of wild life, including a boar, a pheasant and lots of deer. Many thanks for your hospitality. 30 March 2007 - Brad and Shannon - Toronto Canada.
Our week at Casa Cucule truly felt like our home away from home. Susan's warm and artistic interior designs, the welcome basket of groceries, and Ray's hospitality during our week there combined with the spectacular mountain scenery to create a very special experience. The location was ideal for visiting the beautiful surrounding towns and for biking in the Chianti and Siena regions. The warm send off by Susan and Ray at the end of our week - as well as our transformative experience there for our second anniversary - guarantee that we'll be back to celebrate future anniversaries 05 October 2006: Mickey & Dave - Princeton NY. USA
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/37823
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/37823
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