|
Colle Alta, the high hill is a narrow ridge that
contains the fortifications and old castle of the oldest
part of Colle di Val d'Elsa, the hill above the valley
of the Elsa river. Sunrise illuminates the ancient buildings.
This part of Colle di Val d'Elsa is a five minute walk
from your accommodations in Tuscany.
|
|
Mature cypresses line the gravel path to the ancient
building where the apartments are located. The building
served as a monastery in the 1700s, it has been an
olive mill, a barn and now all the various rooms and
additions make for a set of unique apartments each with
its own charm and historical accents.
|
|
A good sized pool welcomes you with plenty of room
to sun bathe or swim. A pool house offers bathrooms and
a shower. Because there are only nine apartments, don't
expect a crowd.
|
|
Azure skies and rolling hills are typical of
Tuscany. Walk to the top of the hill on the left to spot
the fascinating skyline San Gimignano in the distance.
This walk and terrace serve two apartments, one is the
studio that is outfitted for handicap access.
|
|
A grove of poplars grows below the lawns, a nice
place to wander, cool off, and, perhaps, play a game of
hide and seek. The property also has its own small
vineyard planted by the owner's mother. It is not of
commercial size but serves the household. Sometimes
there are
a few bottles available for guests to purchase if they
wish to try the fruit of the land.
|
|
Two apartments are accessed from this side of the
building that faces the pool. A walk wraps around on the
left of this photo to access another apartment and the
studio outfitted for wheelchair access.
|
|
Up one flight from the ground level is a common room that provides access
to five of the apartments, two on the second floor
(American), first (European) and three more above. A nice
place for friends to gather or for a quiet read.
|
|
Each apartment is different. This one is accessed
from the common room. It is full of light and very
comfortable.
|
|
Simple, but with all the essentials, the kitchen and
dining area offer plenty of room. The bureau on the
right holds the dishes and cutlery. The television
can be rotated for viewing from the table or the sofa.
|
|
The kitchenettes offer all the essentials: a four
burner gas stove top, under-counter refrigerator with no
freezer compartment. A counter-top oven serves for
baking small dishes and reheating food.
|
|
The sleep sofa is very comfortable. The windows have
screens, a special benefit and unusual in Italy. For
very hot days, you may request a portable air
conditioner for which you will pay the cost of
electricity.
|
|
The apartments have a very nice Tuscan flavor with
high, beamed or brick ceilings, terracotta or 'cotto
floors that are so cool and easy to clean, lace trimmed window
curtains, and large armoires. The beds all have bedside tables
and reading lamps. This bedroom has a vanity or desk and
chair.
|
|
The sparkling tile work and handsome fixtures are
typical of the bathrooms. In this one, a sliding
partition can separate the sink from the shower and toilet area.
|
|
At the entrance to one apartment, you will find the
"Inferno" an element from the olive mill days.
This deep hole was where the leftover pits and skins
were thrown. Antique amphorae for the oil create a
interesting conversation element. (This feature is locked
behind shutters and cannot be seen if
children are staying in the apartment.)
|
|
The living room of the Inferno apartment with the
entrance to the "inferno" chute on the right
just inside the entrance. Arches are an important
architectural element.
|
|
All of the kitchens have the same appliances, this
one offers extra counter space.
|
|
Careful remodeling has resulted in little points of
interest. This bedroom in the cool, lower level features
an old stone manger under the arch and behind the
bed.
|
|
Sunset gives the gentle landscape a glow. Lift your
glass of Chianti Classico and let the evening light
bring peace and relaxation.
|
