Cucule

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Apartment |1 bedroom |Sleeps 4

Gaiole in Chianti in Tuscany

From £658 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover Saturday

4.5 out of 5

3 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, balcony/terrace, car essential, may take pets - please enquire

About the home

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.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
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.

~Spacious double bedroom with en suite shower room.
~Large comfortable living space made up of a sitting area with sofa bed & dining area
~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.

SMOKING POLICY - Smokers are welcome to smoke outside but there is strictly NO smoking in the apartment.

Conditions

Rental runs from Saturday to Saturday. Arrival – 16.00 to 19.00, Departure – by 10.30. Other times by arrangement. We try to be as flexible as possible with arrivals and departures within a Saturday to Saturday period but do not take bookings for less than 5 nights.

Payment of 20% deposit secures booking, eithe by Bank transfer, PayPal or credit card through PayPal; the balance is to be paid on arrival or 6 weeks before by same methods as deposit payments. 100% payment is requred 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 and information on shopping locally.

Returnable security deposit - € 200 to be paid on arrival in cash and will be reimbursed on inspection of the property prior to 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 so you don't need to worry about stocking up before you get here. The kitchen and bathroom are well stocked with all the basic essentials. - Heating in cooler months of the year.

The property is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Photos

 

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A piece of paradise in Tuscany

 

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Swim or just cool off in the large 15m x 5.50m pool

 

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Apartment entrance and private terrace

 

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Spacious comfy living and relaxing

The Tuscany / Siena Province 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.

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.

The Gaiole in Chianti 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

Cucule What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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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.

Activities near Gaiole in Chianti

Reviews

Review: 1 to 3 of 3

19 Dec 2011

“Cucule- a Jewel in Sienna” Cucule....many of us dream about building a way of life that expresses who we are and then sharing that with others, Sue has indeed accomplished that and more. Cucule is a wonderful expression of a very talented and sincere person. Her attention to detail from the very precise instructions on how to get to Cucule to having an unexpected basket of food waiting for you to help you settle in for your first day all speak of how she has fulfilled her dream of creating such a wonderful spot and her desire to share it with people. Nothing is left to chance, from the book on local restaurants and sites to visit, with her personal reviews so you know she has visited them all, to her willingness to make reservations for you or to explain where you might want to spend time in what areas in the Region. The photos on the web site are a true reflection of the actual appearance and amenities available. What is missing is the superb feeling of relaxation and privacy you get once you arrive at Cucule. This property is immaculately maintained and shows the pride in ownership that Sue and Ray have for it. I intend on recommending Cucule to family and friends who may find themselves in the Tuscany area. Once you are there you must see the photos of what Cucule looked like before the magic of Sue took over. With a little coaxing she will explain how her vision for the place came into being and the flamboyant discussions she had with the local tradesmen as they fulfilled her dream for Cucule. Even an explanation of the name for the location "Cucule" has its own local lore. Enjoy the area and the sincere hospitality of Sue and Ray.

28 Aug 2011

“The essence of Tuscan tranquility” Endorsing at stay at Cucule is a bit of a double-edged sword. In our two visits to this serene spot in the heart of Chianti, we have found it to be THE place to unwind, chill out and let the world slip by. So calming and restorative is the experience of staying here that you almost feel you don't want to let too many others in on the secret. However, it has to be seen to be believed and if you're searching for 'get away from it all' break this is the place for you. If you've plans to travel around Tuscany you may well have to revise them for once through the gates at Cucule, you truly have to force yourself to leave this sensational part of la bella Toscana.

29 Jun 2011

“Perfect Tuscan Hideaway” If you like staying somewhere secluded (up unpaved roads in the hills) this is the place for you. The apartment has lots of space and has all the home comforts required for a relaxing break. It is... more

Review: 1 to 3 of 3

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Guestbook for Cucule

October 2011 I think we are going to be returning again and again. We could not have asked for a more peaceful place after the bustle of Rome. It is truly the most idyllic and relaxing place I have been to. You have made us feel very welcome and given us so much information about the area, what to see and what to do, we could be coming back for years on end and still not see everything. You were the perfect hosts.
Geoff & Natalie – Kent UK

September 2011 We spent a wonderful “ luna di miele” here at Cucule. Thank you so much for your loving and caring way – we felt very welcome and comfortable here.
It was very exciting for us to experience this unspoilt nature and to sit on the terrace drinking wine while listening to the sounds of the animals. We’re looking forward to coming back soon.
Elisabeth and Christian – Germany

August 2011 What a lovely stay at Casa Cucule! We’re so pleased we were able to make up for our postponed honeymoon visit. Thank you for your kind hospitality, your delicious figs and tomatoes and for creating such a peaceful retreat in a beautiful location.
Rachel and Laurence - UK England

July 2011 Thank you for the peaceful haven from our month of hotel staying. It was a true pleasure to come home after our daily excursions! The best of which was tiki-touring around Chianti – YOUR book of recommendations is invaluable. Loved the birds, bees and butterflies and we spotted a large porcupine on our last evening. This was a thrill for us and reminded us of our lovely Maori girls in their native flax skirts! We appreciate your adventurous spirits and what you have achieved here. Inspiring décor and a garden that also expresses individual artistic talent. Kia kaka from New Zealand.
Gill & Paul. Auckland New Zealand

June 2011 Thank you for having us at this little piece of heaven which is Cucule. We think this is an amazing spot and you have created such a special place. I love the scents in the garden! We were quite excited with the wild life, especially the baby wild boar! You were wonderful hosts – thank you for the lettuce and zucchini! We hope to come back one day.
Catherine and Peter – London UK

May 2011 We had a wonderful week at Cucule, thanks so much for your hospitality. We loved exploring Tuscany including San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino and Siena. The hardest part of the trip was convincing ourselves to leave the beautiful oasis you have created here at Cucule (especially your swimming pool) and go out and explore. The chance of encountering porcupine or baby wild boar along the road was a great incentive, though. Staying at Cucule was the perfect finale to our honeymoon, and we hope to return in the future!
Hilary and Kestrel – Washington DC USA

******

June 2010 It was wonderful. My wife and I ended our five week holiday in Italy with two weeks at Cucule. While the "farmhouse" is perfect for a couple and satisfactory for a family with a teenager, a good friend joined us for this part of our holiday. She used the comfortable convertible bed in the main room, sharing the one bathroom with us, which worked out just fine for all. You definitely need a car, preferably with navigation. The "farmhouse" is well furnished and equipped. We cooked many meals there and enjoyed eating outdoors overlooking the wooded hills and valley. There are three bookcases filled with books in the main room…..read more on our website.

*****

November 2008 - We had no idea of the peace and beauty of this sanctuary which we had booked largely by chance when we decided to holiday in Tuscany. This has been just the refuge we needed – a base to explore the hills and villages of Chianti- and a place to return each night to quiet and serenity. Thank you Susan & Ray for your warm welcome and generous hospitality.
Alan & Jan – Perth Australia

August 2008 - Our second visit and we wondered how it would live up to our 1st – it did. Your hospitality is charming, when we arrived we felt like we’d reached home. The peace and tranquillity have done us the world of good. Highlights were: a fox visiting us at lunch time at the pool side, Nero [our cheeky black cat ] retuning home after missing for 3 days, the Palio heats in Siena, drinks on your balcony sharing your Tuscan experiences, a spectacular thunderstorm on our penultimate day – all previous days had been glorious sunshine.
Marie & Simon – Northampton UK

September 2007 - 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, great hosts - 10 out of 9.
John & Lizzie – Somerset UK


May 2007 - 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.
Adam Barbara & Samuel - Budapest Hungry

19 May 2007 - 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.
Peter & Caroline - Yorkshire UK

05 October 2006 - 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, 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
Mickey & Dave - Princeton NY. USA

Rental prices

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	17 Mar 12	21 Apr 12	790€ 790	0-	0-	1 Week
	21 Apr 12	26 May 12	950€ 950	0-	0-	1 Week
	26 May 12	29 Sep 12	1100€ 1100	0-	0-	1 Week
	29 Sep 12	3 Nov 12	950€ 950	0-	0-	1 Week
	3 Nov 12	15 Dec 12	790€ 790	0-	0-	1 Week

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

Rental is on a weekly basis only and runs from Saturday to Saturday

~20% deposit to secure booking

~Final balance payment payable on arrival together with refundable €200 security deposit

~Prices per week are in Euros, to be paid in Euros - more info on booking.

~Everything is included in rental.

Included:

•Utilities - electricity, gas for cooking and hot water.

•Weekly supply of clean bed linen, towels - bath, kitchen and swimming.

•A generous complimentary ‘welcome pack’ of groceries to make an evening meal and breakfast.

•Use of washing machine including washing powder

•Wifi internet connection

•Final cleaning.

•Central heating which may be required in early spring and late autumn and winter.

We are CLOSED from 15 December 2012 to 16 March 2013

Availability

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

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

4 years listed You are contacting Susan Thrower Landline +39 0577 734073 Mobile +44 7703237364 Web Visit site Payment accepted Credit cards accepted PayPal accepted Languages spoken The owner is based in Italy and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This apartment has received 3 reviews from previous guests.