Florence holiday apartment letting with walking, balcony/terrace, air con, internet access, rural retreat, TV, DVD

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"The Stables" Colleoli Resort (apartment)

Home description

Couples and families will love the Al Fresco lifestyle dining on the garden just two steps outside the "The Stables" Apartment, while tucked away in a quiet corner of the resort with stunning views across the hills to the Apennine mountains beyond (view partly restricted by foliage in summer). The Apartment is an original estate building and was lovingly restored in 2004 to retain authentic features including high ceilings, exposed beams, terracotta tiling, and shuttered windows. The Apartment is spacious with modern fittings including a new Kitchenette, with a particularly large bathroom which has been designed for wheelchair users.

At the Resort guests may choose to simply relax and unwind by one of the resort’s beautiful pools, or to take advantage of the many activities available from the Resort. You may enjoy golf, horse-riding, cycling, walking tours, fishing, wild boar hunting, micro-light flying, Tuscan cookery classes, art classes, Italian language lessons, and much much more. And guests will savour outstanding wines and authentic Tuscan dishes at a range of superb restaurants, both on the resort and within a short stroll down one of the walking trails that run nearby.

The resort itself is converted from the historic 11th century ancestral home of the Agostini family and the Resort buildings remain protected. In the main Restaurant and Music Room there are original frescoes, and artwork going back to the 15th Century. Set in 23 blissful acres of gardens, the luxuriously appointed, spacious and authentic Tuscan Garden Apartment affords panoramic views across rolling Tuscan hills. The Apartment provides the perfect ambience and sense of place for those who want to experience the real Tuscany.

Swim year round at the heated Adult pool	Idyllic hilltop location with stunning views
Relax and unwind at supervised infinity family pool	Get away from it all in your own private garden

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/29089

The Tuscany region

Tuscany is renowned as an area of timeless charm, steeped in history and culture, with the special warmth and hospitality of a people who believe that life is to be enjoyed. With warm summers and temperate winters, and with some of the most visited cities in Europe all within easy reach, it is no surprise that Tuscany is Italy's most visited area, and the perfect all Year r round holiday destination.


The village of Colleoli is in the County of Palaia, regarded as one of the most beautiful and evocative in Tuscany. It is an area of 74 sq km with 4,500 inhabitants, full of villages of architectural and historical interest including Palaia, Forcoli, Montefoscoli, Partino, Alica, Colleoli, Gello, Montacchita, Montechiari, San Gervasio, Toiano, Usigliano and Villa Saletta. The county lies between the rivers of Chiecina and Roglio. There are six established historic and scenic trails close to the resort, whiich can be enjoyed on foot, on bike or on horseback. The trails, which are signposted and marked, are of differing lenghs and difficulties, with something for everyone. Colleoli sits directly on one of the trails, at a height of 160mts, rising to Palaia at 240 mts and descending to Forcoli at 60mts. The territory around the resort is characterised by spectacular cliffs, sloping hills with poplars, vines and olives, and mediterranean bush rich in fauna and mushrooms. Walking the trails visitors will pass farm houses, towers, tabernacles, springs and ancient fountains. The area is known for its varied environments including of geomorphological and botanical interest. Architectural sites include the ancient watch tower in Villa Saletta, St Martino's Chapel in Palaia, the fortress of Palaia, and the Castle at Forcoli, with history stretching back to the Etruscan period. The area of Palaia was scene of bloody battles in the Middle Ages. Visitors may explore the "Alta Valdera Park" highlights including the Pre-historic park at Peccioli, the Astronomical Observatory at Libbiano, the Icon Museum within the Pretorio Palace, the farming exhibition at Montefoscoli, the agricultural museum at San Gervasio, and the wine cellars of the area. Geologists from around the world come to study the underground carbon springs ("The Mofette") in Orciatico. Other visitor attractions in the "Alta Valdera Park" include the Zoological museum in Capannoli and the Archaelogical Centre in the Baxiocchi Villa with artefacts from Etruscan times.



The Colleoli Village resort really is the ideal base to explore Tuscany. It is easy to access from the Airport and well served by road, rail and local transport services. Both Pisa and Florence can be reached by either road or rail within an hour, and it is even possible to do day trips by train to as far away as Rome and Venice. The principal tourist destinations such as Florence, Pisa, Luca, Siena, Pistoia, San Gimingano, Voltera and Greve in Chianti are all within easy reach, as are the beaches and resorts that lay along the coast north and south of Pisa.

Tuscany is about much more than sightseeing and great food and wine. Local activities include golf, horseriding, tennis, walking tours, cycle tours, cooking classes, flying club, wine tours. Hunting wild boar and fishing are popular locally and can be arranged.


Activities:
The following activities are available locally: Horse-riding, Cookery courses, chocolate tasting, truffle tasting, wine and cultural tours, scenic countryside tours, shopping tours, wine and olive oil tasting, trekking/biking/. Tours and classes can be done with Groups or with a personal guide. Chauffeur driven tours available with local guide. Enquire when booking

Florence area

Florence truly needs little introduction. Florence is a beautiful town of Renaissance architecture, museums, and cultural centres, and one of Europe's most visited cities, and is an all-year round tourist destination.
As one of the most prominent art centres of the world and the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, no other city appreciates beauty as Florence does. Founded by Julius Caesar its artistic treasures are no secret ( approximately one third of the world’s most important artworks are in this city ) and as a consequence it continues to attract tourists by the million.

Florence is surrounded by the Chianti hills whilst the Arno River runs through the city. It is a city like no other in Italy. Initially you may be somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer scale and wealth of the art found here. The best thing to do is to accept that you won’t be able to see it all, and instead to try and appreciate and enjoy the sights you choose to visit by taking your time. Relax, sit down for a café at the Piazza della Signoria, enjoy the view of Michelangelo’s David ( albeit a copy! ) and watch the people go by.


But Florence is just the beginning. There are also the treasures of Pisa, Lucca and Siena, and the hidden delights of medieval towns and villages. Located on the "Strada del Vino", with superb local food and classic wine.
The choice of superb local cuisine and classic Tuscan wines - all at amazing low prices - are yours to savour.


Situated mid-way between Florence and Pisa, Colleoli Village Resort is a beautiful offers the idyllic retreat, yet a superb base to explore Pisa, Florence, Siena, Lucca, and everything that Tuscany has to offer. The jet-setter beach resort of Forte dei Marmi is 40 mins drive, and the all action beach and night-life of Terrenia and Marina di Pisa is less than 40 mins drive. Superb sailing around the islands off Pisa is close by, and the historic towns of San Miniato, Volterra, Pistoia, and San Gimignano are all within easy reach. The major ski resort of Abetone is 90 mins drive. Excellent golf options are less than 20 minutes drive. Pisa with it's famous leaning Tower is a major tourist destination, but is also a historic University town as well as thriving commercial centre, and has excellent restaurants, bars, shopping and sightseeing.

Pisa and Florence have great shopping and there are also modern shopping Malls within 15 minute drive of the Resort offering great value on clothing, leather, goods, and wine. All the major designer outlets can be found outside Florence, offering top name brands like Gucci and Versace at Factory outlet prices, generally 30-50% below uk prices.

Within 15 minutes of the Resort, yet it could be in another Land, is the large Town of Pontedera, home of the Piaggio company and Piaggio museum, with it's Vespa history. Pontedera offers all the amenties, facilities and nightlife of a large town in an unpretentious and friendly way. The jet set and party animals may prefer the fashionable suburbs of Florence or the glitz of the night life in Marina di Pisa, frequented by the Pisan "in-crowd".

The Resort sits on the "Strada del Vino", the local wine trail, with small vineyards offering their own superb Tuscan wines. The local area offers excellent dining choices at remarkably low prices. The Pisa/Florence train runs through Pontedera, just 3 miles below the Resort. Palaia, the 15th century hilltop village steeped in history and scene of battles and sieges throughout medieval times, has excellent bars, restaurants, and local amenities, and stages Crostini and and medieval festivals in summer-time. Nearby historic towns include San Miniato, Volterra, and San Gimignano.

Details of local events/fairs/markets/festivals/concerts available. Please enquire when booking.

How to get there

Can be reached by Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Genoa and, at a stretch, Milan Airports. In addition to BA and Alitalia, a range of low cost carriers fly to Tuscany from London and regional UK airports . Pisa is most convenient.

Airlines serving Pisa from UK include:
www.ryanair.com - from London, Stansted; Liverpool; Glasgow; Dublin, Bournemouth, East Midlands, Doncaster,
www.easyjet.com - from Bristol and Gatwick
www.thomsonfly.com - from Bournemouth, Coventry, Doncaster, Glasgow, Gatwick, Manchester
www.ba.com - from London, Gatwick , Stansted, Manchester, and Birmingham
www.jet2.com - from Manchester,Edinburgh, Belfast, Leeds/Bradford, Newcastle

Meridiana (part of Alitalia) is a good option to Florence from Gatwick.
All Major car hire from Pisa or Florence Airport. www.Holidayautos.com offer discounted car hire deals

Driving from UK. Great Fun, and particularly good for loading up with super tuscan Wine and Olive Oil. Best route is UK-Belgium-Luxembourg-Strasbourg-Switzerland- Gottardo Tunnel-Italy-Milan-Bologna-Florence-Palaia-Borgo di Colleoli. Total driving time approx 13 hours. Enjoy ! Secure free car-parking at Apartment.

Trains in Italy are fast and cheap. A regular train between Pisa and Florence runs through Pontedera, which is a 10 min cab ride to the Apartment.. You can explore beyond Tuscany on day trips by rail, e.g Florence to Rome in 90 mins. Florence to Venice in 2 hours.

In the heart of rural Tuscany, a narrow winding road rises gradually uphill through the towns of Montopoli and Palaia to Borgo di Colleoli. The Borgo sits on the "Strada del Vino", the local wine trail, with small vineyards
offering their own superb Tuscan wines.

Activities near Florence

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The Stables Tuscan Apartment is one of several carefully converted from original estate buildings. It is unusually large (55sq mts) by Colleoli standards. There are authentic terracotta ceilings and floor tiles, and original exposed beams. The wheelchair friendly bathroom (updated in 2007) is located between the large lounge diner and the double bedroom, and is very spacious, with enclosed shower and heated towel rail. When sleeping 4/5 in the Apartment, this makes it very practical for two couples, or a family, to share use of the bathroom without entering
the sleeping area or disturbing the other guests.
Please note, because the heating/cooling system is centrally controlled and set on a seasonal basis, it is not possible for apartment users to alternate between heating/cooling at different times of the day.

The lounge area has a folding double sofa bed and a 3 seater settee. When sitting on the sofa, you enjoy excellent views over open countryside through the double glass front doors; these can be opened to create an alfresco feel even when indoors.

Although the Apartment is one bedroom, the lounge diner is sufficiently large, with the double sofa bed, to accommodate two couples. For a family of 5, there is ample space in the lounge diner to accommodate the cot or a 5th guest on the single foldaway bed. The dining table has 4 chairs, additional dining seating is available by using garden chairs.

The kitchenette equipment includes electric oven with grill and 4 ring ceramic hob, microwave, blender, fondue set, electric grill/warmer, toaster, kettle, scales. The kitchen is generously equipped with cutlery and crockery. The lounge area includes flat screen tv with DVD/VHS tape player, ipod/mp3 docking station and speakers. Umbrella's are provided (please leave for future guests !)


- INTERNET ACCESS/Connectivity: Internet access is available in the Reception via broadband landline and free wi-fi.. You may use the Reception computer, or connect your own pc. Wireless internet access is available in the Apartment for those with own pc and network service provider contract. Faxes may be sent and received via areception. (there may be a local charge). Landline telephone (internal)from Apartment to reception and between Apartments. Landline calls from Reception or local bar/cafe.

Reception open 9-12.30 and 13.30 - 1800. Closed on Wednesdays/Thursdays. Concierge can be contacted outside opening hours. Varies by season

Further details outdoors:
Guests will particularly appreciate the opportunity to llive al fresco style in your own garden area immediately outside the Apartment, which allows children to roam safely while parents sip the Chianti. The apartment is provided with its own garden table and 4 garden chairs. The lounge opens directly onto the garden through large double glass doors. The position of the apartment offers good privacy, set in a quit corner. The apartment enjoys sun on the garden in summer from around 9am-4.30pm. Late afternoon the garden is part sun,part shade.

It is a pleasure to stroll the resort, with it's historic chapel and Villa, and beautifully tended gardens, including a herb garden, and large olive grove that is part of the resort. Guests will want to spend time in the main building, "the Palazzo" perhaps relaxing in the Music room while admiring the delicate mouldings and beautiful frescos. You may want to share a bottle of Chianti in the wine-bar/enoteca, or enjoy a casual al fresco lunch in the sunny courtyard. For a special evening, reserve your table in the Gourmet restaurant. Both the restaurant and enoteca offer open air dining in the main courtyard.



Stepping outside the resort, you will immediately find a small bar/cafe where a good bottle of local wine costs £2. Just a short walk from the Resort, you also have a choice of Agriturismo restaurants, allowing you to enjoy the local area without the worry of driving or the need for Taxis.

Private cars are not allowed on the resort, contributing to the "get away from it all" ambience. Extensive free parking is available close to Reception.

A coin operated laundry is available on site.
Please note all external on site facilities, including reception,restaurants and pools, are outwith the day to day control of apartment owners. Operation of pools is centrally managed by maintenance staff, restaurants and hotel services are private commercial businesses. Therefore, apartment owners cannot guarantee times of operation, or avaialability of external facilities; please enquire further when booking.

Further details

The resort is open year round and you may swim in the pools throughout the year (The heated pool is normally heated from Easter to November 30).
There are 3 excellent Golf courses within 30 mins drive, and further courses outside Florence and Pisa.

There is an English speaking Tour representative (native of Tuscany) that serves the resort and along with the reception and concierge service can arrange all your needs. For those with specific tour or excursion needs, it is advisable to book ahead, though private chauffered tours and personal shoppers can be arranged, as can Airport transfers. Hampers can be pre-booked for your arrival.

The Apartment is serviced on a weekly basis, though please advise the you may request additional housekeeping and linen services, which is provided at a local charge.

Conditions

50% of booking fee with order, balance 4 weeks prior to arrival date. 100% with order for late bookings.

We accept payment by cheques, by direct deposit, and Paypal.

A £200 refundable deposit is required to cover any breakages. This will be returned within a week after your stay, following the housekeeper's inventory check.

Please bring your own pool towels, if you intend to use the pool or go to the beaches. Guests are advised to supply own toiletreies, available locally.
The Apartment is serviced on a weekly basis prior to guest arrival. Bath towels and linen are provided. Additional room servicing and linen/towel changes can be ordered through reception, for which a local charge will be made.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
peak	10 Aug 09	6 Sep 09	950£ 950	300300	300300	1 Night
autumn	6 Sep 09	4 Oct 09	750£ 750	150150	200200	1 Night
low season	4 Oct 09	27 Mar 10	650£ 650	100100	150150	1 Night
earlybird 2010 rate	27 Mar 10	3 Jul 10	650£ 650	200200	200200	1 Night
2010 summer	3 Jul 10	25 Sep 10	950£ 950	200200	200200	3 Nights

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Electricity, gas and water included. Free car-parking and sun loungers, plus own garden furniture. Coin operated laundry. Free wifi from reception.

£20 per person per week housekeeping, £10 per person per week linen and towels

Bike hire, babysitting, airport transfer and other services can be arranged locally, and will incur a local charge.

Payment for apartment can be accepted by cheque or Bank transfer.

(Feb late deal excludes €35 (euro) per person for cleaning, fresh towels, and linen, payable locally.)

Guestbook for "The Stables" Colleoli Resort

"We had a super two weeks both at the resort and sightseeing. The opportunity to BBQ and dine al fresco was a real treat."

"We've always wanted to try horseriding and after the first morning we were hooked. The trails were a pleasure."

" The local golf course is a super Par 73, although the facilities are a bit quaint. We walked all 18 holes the first day, but took the easy option and hired a buggy for the back 9."

"The resort was a great mix for the family, with something for everyone. If you have teenagers that want to party, then a car is essential."

" We spent the holiday sightseeing, two days in Florence, then Chianti, then Lucca and Pisa. Save some time for shopping the designer Factory outlets in Florence"

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/29089

Contact details for the advertiser of home 29089
Name:	May Dibuni
Mobile:	+44 7968 394487
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
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Contact Notes: E-mail anytime, call before 8pm, mobile preferred
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Advertiser joined: May 2007

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