Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less)
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car essential Nearest amenities: 5 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children under 5 Not suitable for elderly or infirm No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
1 Bedroom ground floor apartment in stone built former barn. One of 3 buildings forming ancient 16thC hilltop farmstead. Newly reconstructed and renovated with all mod. cons. This apartment is one of 4 in a totally reconstructed stone barn. It is furnished to the highest standard with comfort and quality in mind. We want our guests to feel as if they are at home in their own retreat. Own private garden with 2 terraces and gazebo, furnished with beautiful traditional wrought iron table with granite top and chairs for al fresco dining whilst enjoying the lovely surrounding countryside and views - this lovely terrace is not overlooked by any other apartment.
Communal gardens and large pool with terrace and gazebo, stunning 'infinity' uninterrupted views over the Tuscan countryside where you can enjoy a glass of wine watching the breathtaking sunsets. On a clear day you can see as far as Marina di Pisa (65km!). There is very little passing traffic as the farmstead is 2.5km from the Volterrana (SP4) road, separate secluded secure car park and pedestrian only access to apartments ensures privacy & tranquility.
View of garden and both terraces
Lounge
Dining area/kitchen
Pool with stunning infinity views
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/51704
The Tuscany region
Tuscany needs no introduction or explanation. However, this side of Tuscany enjoys rolling hills with the changing tapestry of the farmland through the seasons. It is less rugged and unchanging as Chiantishire but has wonderful vineyards, sunflowers, olive groves etc. with spectacular views whatever the season. The weather is temperate and at times even 'out of season' you can enjoy basking in the mild sun.
As the apartment is within the 'Golden Triangle' there are countless places of interest and beauty spots within a short driving distance: Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Monteriggioni, Siena to name a few. as well as accessible beaches be they 'stabilimenti' or wild. If you fancy a day trip Elba, Cavi di Carrara, Montecatini and the Garfagnana are all accessible. Florence is a must for Art lovers with the galleries and museum, the palace, gardens, market and let's not forget - countless shoe shops.......
The Puccini festival is an experience not to be missed for opera lovers in July/August at Torre del Lago - tickets are very easy to obtain on-line and collect at the box office.
Catch Andrea Bocelli in July (date will be announced - it was on 20th in 2008) at the Teatro del Silenzio at nearby Lajatico - the only day this theatre opens in the whole year - Bocelli's gift to Italy. A fantastic evening enjoyed this year with outstanding guest artists.
Il Palio at Siena for horse lovers during the summer.
San Gimignano / Gambassi Terme area
Locally San Gimignano, the Manhatten of Tuscany, with its imposing medieval towers is a must. Only 15 a minute drive away, so many interesting shops and lovely restaurants, the best gelateria ever in Piazza Cisterna - has won the world championshipmore than once. Market day on Thursday - get there early.
The ancient walled Etruscan town of Volterra with its Saturday market and alabaster workshops is only 20 minutes away, make sure you visit La Mangiatoia pizzeria.......
There are many local markets on various days, festas etc. apartment folder will have details.
Torricchi is perfect for those who want to 'stay put' and relax, go walk about, ride, cylcle, play golf etc. and is also a great base for exploring further afield.
How to get there
Many budget airlines fly to PISA: Ryanair, Easyjet, Thomson etc. Meridiana fly to FLORENCE from GATWICK and BA fly to PISA - Use your airmiles if you want!
Other UK airport budget flights: Bournemouth, Bristol, MIdlands.
Car Ferry to LIVORNO
All above are easy drive within 1 hour to Torricchi.
Train: Poggibonsi or Castelfiorentino
Car hire available at all all airports: We use www.travelsupermarket.com for really good deals.
Podere Torricchi is 2.5km along a private unmade road off the SP4 (Volterrana) road. There are some bumps and minor holes but no need for 4x4 - a fiesta or similar is fine.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Pisa: 65 km
Railway:
Poggibonsi: 25 km
Ferry:
Livorno: 70 km
Activities near San Gimignano
Sports: Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, CD player, Safe
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Cooker, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine
Rooms:
Bedrooms (1), Ensuite (1), Shower rooms (2), WCs (2)
Furniture:
Sofabeds (1), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 4
Further details indoors: Traditional Tuscan farmhouse decor with beamed ceilings and 'cotto' style tiled floors. Corner log fireplace. Full gas CH. IPod docking station - bring your own music. Lovely soft water.
2 shower room/WCs (1 en suite in marble). Luxurious 6' wrought iron bedstead & double sofa bed (living room) will accommodate 4 persons comfortably. Large living/dining room with kitchen area. French doors to all rooms open out on to garden/terraces with beautiful views.
The apartment ideal for a couple, couple with older child/teenager or 2 friends sharing as there are 2 shower rooms.
Further details outdoors: Private garden with gazebo and 2 terraces ensure sun/shade and wonderful al fresco dining. Views from the garden over wooded hills extending to rolling countryside with Volterra dominating the Eastern horizon. Wonderful sunrises for the early bird and beautiful sunsets guaranteed. Abundant wildlife with wild boar, deer, foxes & too many birds to mention. Fabulous walks, local sulphur and natural springs. Local horse riding (Western style), golf close-by at Castelfalfi. This farmstead is off the beaten track guaranteeing tranquility. There is a large communal pool with its own terrace, lawns and gazebo serving the 13 apartments that comprise this little farmstead. Breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and Volterra from the pool area. Pool loungers provided.
Bar B Q.
Teak sun loungers for garden use.
Further details
Self catering including all house linen and towels BUT BRING YOUR OWN POOL TOWELS. Pool open May - October. Pool is UNSUPERVISED and UNFENCED hence NOT SUITABLE for unaccompanied children.
We are sorry but gravel paths and hill top location make disabled/wheelchair access difficult.
Rental includes final cleaning, electricity, water and hot water but there is a central heating surcharge of 90 euros per week during cold weather.
We do not envisage our guests having any problems during their holiday but have a couple locally who speak fluent English, Italian and German who are available to help if needed.
It is a rental condition that the apartment including exterior areas are strictly NON SMOKING.
The farmstead has basic condominium regulations regarding pool times etc. to ensure the peaceful enjoyment of all facilities by all guests and it is a condition of rental that these are respected (these are available by request and will be provided with apartment information folder).
Conditions
No pets allowed. Well behaved children 5 years and upwards welcome. 30% deposit with booking required. Remainder to be paid 8 weeks prior to visit.
Cancellation policy: If I can re-fill booking or you change holiday dates within the same year: A £50 administration fee is payable. Up to 12 weeks: 30% is payable. 12-8 weeks: 40% 8-6 weeks: 50% payable. Less than 6 weeks: 75% payable. Less than 7 days: 100% payable.
If balance of holiday is not paid 8 weeks prior to holiday we reserve the right to readvertise the dates and treat the booking as cancelled.
A deposit of £100 is required in addition to final holiday payment to be held against any breakages/damage. This will be refunded within 7 days after holiday following inspection report, less any deductions for damages/breakages.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
High
12 Jul 08
30 Aug 08
575£ 575
0-
0-
1 Week
Medium
30 Aug 08
27 Sep 08
525£ 525
0-
0-
1 Week
Medium/low
27 Sep 08
25 Oct 08
425£ 425
0-
0-
1 Week
Low
25 Oct 08
20 Dec 08
400£ 400
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas
20 Dec 08
2 Jan 09
500£ 500
0-
0-
1 Week
Low
7 Mar 09
28 Mar 09
400£ 400
0-
0-
1 Week
Medium/low
28 Mar 09
23 May 09
450£ 450
0-
0-
1 Week
Medium
23 May 09
11 Jul 09
525£ 525
0-
0-
1 Week
High
11 Jul 09
29 Aug 09
575£ 575
0-
0-
1 Week
Medium/low
29 Aug 09
26 Sep 09
525£ 525
0-
0-
1 Week
Low
26 Sep 09
19 Dec 09
425£ 425
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas/New Year
19 Dec 09
9 Jan 10
525£ 525
0-
0-
1 Week
111
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Costs include final cleaning and utilities.
Should central heating be used there is a surcharge of 90 euros/£75.00 per week. This is automatically added as an extra charge in low season and colder months.
Changeover day flexible - check out by 10am - check in after 4pm - unless agreed by prior arrangement. This takes advantage of low cost flights midweek.
Short breaks available by negotiation are also available - minimum 4 nights.
Payment can be made by cheque or bank transfer in Sterling, Euros or US $
Discounts available for last minute bookings - please contact for details.
THE APARTMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE DURING THE MONTHS OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
3 NIGHTS AVAILABLE 23RD - 26TH SEPTEMBER - £250
Guestbook
Wonderful stay, nothing lacking in apartment, will definitely come again - great rates!. Gus & Una, Mark & Fay, London, May.
We had a wonderful holiday and your apartment is beautiful. The weather stayed warm and its was lovely to sit outside and watch the world go by. We really took advantage of the beautiful location and stunning apartment, including many afternoons spent in the pool or drinking the local wine to accompany an evening BBQ. You have a great spot - sufficiently miles from anywhere in a peaceful rural location but still within easy reach of San Gim, Volterra and Siena for day trips and evening meals and the local food and wineries! We will definitely return! Rowena and Matt , Bristol June 21st
We had an amazing time, didn't want to leave, the apartment and surrounding scenery was so beautiful. We very much hope to go there again soon! Jo and Stuart, London July 10th
Thank you for letting us stay in your wonderful apartment. We loved everything about it; the views, the terrace, the lavender, the showers(!), the pool, the beds. You have thought of everything and we found it well eqipped and well organised. Thank you again. Claire and Rupert White, Cornwall July 19th
When we arrived we were overwelmed when we saw the beautiful villa and surroundings, it was 36 degrees by the pool with a lovely warm breeze, which meant we didnt get burnt. we found Volterra a great spot for lunch, and found ourselves staying at the villa most of the time having a bbq watching the amazing sun set. We think we have found the perfect place to return to year after year, if you will have us !! Sutleiffs August 8th
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/51704
Click to view availability for this property.
APARTMENT NOT AVAILABLE DURING JANUARY OR FEBRUARY 2009
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/51704
Contact details for home 51704
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Petrina Williams
Tel:
+44 (0)1622 725546
Mobile:
+44 (0)7976 776349
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: E-mail, mobile
Advertiser joined: 26 Feb 2008 This property added: 26 Feb 2008