Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children Smokers welcome Self-catering
Home description
La Quercia is one of two independent apartments for rent in the farmhouse Monna. This beautiful ancient farmhouse, handed down to us through generations, sits in a completely unknown and unspoilt valley in that part of Tuscany where the province of Siena joins those of Pisa and Grosseto, making it a varied area and a perfect base for exploring the 3 provinces. The property also includes hectares of farmland, whose products you'll be welcome to taste, a fresh water pond and a 15x8 mt pool where you can swim, a large open air BBQ and wood oven area for your parties. The house has very thick stone walls which make it very cool in summer, air conditioning is therefore not needed. The playground (sandpit and swing), the pond and the pool make Monna a perfect place for families with children of all ages. All units are child friendly. Owners live on the premises.
Tha ancient farmhouse
The panoramic swimming pool
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22379
The Tuscany region
Coming to the COLLINE METALLIFERE is taking a journey back in time through geysers, intriguing ghost copper mines, Etruscan fortresses, thermal spas, wild nature and perfectly preserved medieval hamlets vibrant with community life.
Le Colline Metallifere is the very heart of unknown and unspoilt Tuscany, a corner where the three provinces of Siena, Pisa and Grosseto meet to form a varied and spectacular scenery.
The name originates from the geological composition of the rocks – rich in metals – which have given birth and sustenance to generations since the ancient times. Records dating back to Etruscan times witness the deep relationship this people has had with the land and its nature. The love and respect for the natural composition of this land, together with the wit and ingenuity have led to a perfect balance between exploiting the land and preserving its beauty.
Sustained by copper and alum mining first, geothermal energy production and farming now, the Colline Metallifere have remained an undiscovered pearl in one of the most visited regions of Europe. Its beauty lies mainly in the varied landscape which spans from gentle hills to rugged valleys dotted with crags and geysers, cattle grazing free amidst sunflower and corn fields.
The villagers love their quiet life and have decided to offer a limited quantity of accommodation to sensible, respectful and quiet tourists who will tiptoe into their land with the wish to savour an almost forgotten lifestyle.
Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is a small village in the Colline Metallifere, sitting on the offshoots of the Maremma overlooking the Tirrenean sea and the Isle of Elba. Its origins date back to the Lombard period (VII c), witnessed by a number of fortresses - still standing in the area - which the Lombards built when opening new roads in search for minerals between Volterra and Massa Marittima. The area around Castelnuovo is rich in archaeological sites of the neolithic, etruscan, barbaric and medieval periods. The land is also marked by stunning millenary parish churches witnessing the rooting and spread of Christianity in the area. The landscape is characterized by gentle hills, about 500-600 metres high, except the Devil’s Yard reaching 875 mts. Besided the River Cecina, the region is crossed by the Cornia stream that springs here and by tributaries of the Cecina, the Pavone and the Possera being the most important ones. The woods are thick and the vegetation ranges from the Mediterranean scrub – pine trees, junipers, English oaks, strawberry trees – to the typical Appennine vegetation with turkey oaks, hornbeam, ashes, chestnuts.
Near Siena / Castelnuovo Val di Cecina area
Some of the villages around here are open air museums for the beauty of their medieval architecture which has remained unaltered through the centuries. Likewise, community life has remained anchored to ancient traditions and values which, with a little observation, are clearly perceived even sipping a cappuccino at the local bar or taking part at the many village feasts throughout the year.
Not unlike other parts of Tuscany, food and wine are of primary importance and are at the centre of most local festivals – mushroom, honey, apple, chestnut and new wine are but a few occasions for the villagers to celebrate the fertility of their land. The area offers wonderful walks through centenary chestnut groves towards the Appennines, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Cornia Valley, The Tyrrenian sea with the Isle of Elba and on a clear day even Corsica. Other walks take you through the valle del Pavone in deep woods and moving towards Sasso Pisano you can take a fascinating walk along the fumaroles and sulphureous exhalations characterizing the area. The land around Castelnuovo is very rich in thermal baths and springs, making it an ideal destination also in Autumn and winter. Petriolo and Galleraia are but a few.Worth visiting around the area are the villages of Sasso Pisano, Montecastelli Pisano, Radicondoli, S. Galgano a unique Romanesque church not far away. Massa Marittima,Volterra, S. Gimignano, Siena, Florence are all less than an hour’s drive away, so is the beautiful beach of Castiglione della Pescaia, Punta Ala or the more modern and happening Follonica. The port of Piombino, where you can take the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Elba, is a mere 60 kms away.· Markets: Castelnuovo on Wednesdays· Sasso Pisano third Friday of the month FIERE· Castelnuovo second Monday in June; the Monday after the last Sunday on August; 10 November. Montecastelli Pisano 11 September· Sasso Pisano third Tuesday of June; 17 September· La Leccia 9 September FEASTS AND SAGRE Castelnuovo· Around August 20 Arts and crafts festival: the village come sto life with medieval artisans, food stands, street artists and shows.· Last week of October and first of November Chestnuts Festival: roast chestnuts, chestnut cakes and delicacies are sampled in street stalls. Montecastelli· 10 August Concerto di S. Lorenzo in the parish church square· last two weeks of August Acting and Painting shows Sasso Pisano· Second Sunday of August Fumarola Feast typical food, music and shows are held in the alleys of this medieval hamlet· December The Sasserino Olive oil festival Typical home made delicacies made with the freshly pressed olive oil can be enjoyed in the streets along with shows and music. Leccia· Beginning of September Grapes feast grapes based traditional dishes and lots of wine to be enjoyed in the streets of this small hamlet. OTHER PRODUCE Typical products of the area are: Saffron, sweet almonds, honey, cheese, sasserino olive oil, honey, lots of Porcini mushrooms.
How to get there
Fly to Florence or Pisa. Cheap flights to Pisa with Ryanair To Florence with Meridiana Car hire: Hertz, Avis, Maggiore.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Florence/Pisa: 80 km
Railway:
Poggibonsi: 40 km
Ferry:
Piombino to Elba: 60 km
Activities near Near Siena
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire
General:
Central heating, TV
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster
Utilities:
Cooker, Fridge, Freezer
Rooms:
Bedrooms (3), Bathrooms (3), Ensuite (1)
Furniture:
Single beds (6), Double beds (3), Cots (1), Sleeps maximum of 7
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors:
La Quercia - First floor sleeping 7 small pergola outside 1 lovely kitchen/dining room with large fireplace 1 small lounge with sofas and tv 2 double bedrooms 1 triple bedroom 2 bathrooms
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Spring
24 May 08
28 Jun 08
850£ 675
0-
0-
1 Week
Summer
28 Jun 08
30 Aug 08
1100£ 873
0-
0-
1 Week
Autumn
30 Aug 08
29 Sep 08
850£ 675
0-
0-
1 Week
21
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22379
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22379
Contact details for home 22379
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Erica Vaccari
Mobile:
+39 340 0797804
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email any time
Advertiser joined: 29 Aug 2006 This property added: 2 Mar 2007