Comfortable Vacation
Apartments in 17th Century Converted Monastery
near San Gimignano in Tuscany.
One studio has handicap access and handicap
bathroom.
You
can relax in comfort in this ancient 17th century
monastery where medieval monks once lived.
The property has been recently restored, respecting the
original architectural elements, and divided
into 10 apartments.
The
medieval town of Colle di Val d'Elsa (which means
hill agove the valley of the Elsa river) is close
enough to walk to, 1 kilometer, .6 miles, so you
can send your early risers into town for bread for
breakfast or take an evening stroll or passegiatta
in the piazza with the townsfolk. Teenagers can
get away and explore the town on their own. The property
itself, a farm, invites exploration with 35 acres of
orchards, agricultural fields, and a poplar grove.
You can see the towers of San Gimignano from
several points on the property.
You are in
the heart of Tuscany, just 1/2 mile from the
medieval center of Colle Val d'Elsa (all kinds of
shops, tennis, playground, castle, cathedral). 7.5 miles to S. Gimignano, 12
miles to Siena, 17 miles to Volterra, 27 miles to
Florence, 43 miles to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Colle
di Val d'Elsa also offers some great shopping in
the industrial outskirts with factory outlets,
mostly for ceramics and glass.
The Tuscany Blue Guide
says "Colle
Val d'Elsa is a small town built high up on a
rocky spur on the left bank of the river Elsa.
Although less well know than many other small
towns in Tuscany, it is a delightful place with
many interesting art treasures. The medieval upper
town is particularly well preserved and its
position offers magnificent views on all
sides."
Recently renovated,
the apartments feature typical architectural
elements such as structural arches, wood rafters,
brick vaults,
and the red tile "cotto" or terracotta floors.
One apartment still has the stone manger
reflecting its former use as a barn and another
one has the brick chute, called the Inferno, for
the waste from olive pressings when the building
was used for olive oil production.
The
kitchenettes that have been installed are modern,
efficient, and have the essentials. There is the
typical, under the counter refrigerator without
freezer. If you have ice packs for your cooler
that you would like frozen, your hosts will kindly
put them in their freezer. There is a four burner
gas stove top, but no large oven. One apartment
has a microwave and the rest have good, counter
top ovens that are great for reheating food and
for baking.
The
apartments share the outdoor area that includes an
inviting swimming pool (23x46 feet), with bathroom
and shower, and laundry room (5/load).
Each apartment has its own parking space and outdoor eating area with table,
umbrella, and chairs.
Five
of the apartments are accessed through a shared
common room with a fireplace and sofa.
The
dιcor and furniture is quality Tuscan in
style, comfortable and casual.
If the weather turns
very hot, you will also appreciate the air
conditioning option. Several of the apartments are
cool in all weather and never need air
conditioning. For any that do, there are portable
air conditioners that the owners bring to you. You
will pay the additional electricity cost in that
case. Furthermore the windows have screens, very
unusual in Italy.
Handicap
Access:
There
is handicap access to the single studio on the
property. They will open a back gate for you to
drive up close to the building. The walks across
the property are gravel. The studio apartment is
very open and has a specially equipped handicap
bathroom.
We have stayed at this property
and found:
-
Great location on the edge of
town but looking out into the countryside
-
Views are restful but not
dramatic
-
Apartments are spotlessly clean
and adequately equipped
-
Owner and staff are welcoming;
their English is limited but everybody manages
to communicate
-
Good value
Request
these accommodations with your dates.
| Location |
Colle
di Val d'Elsa |
| Sleeps |
2
to 4 each (10 apartments) |
| Floor |
ground/first and second
floors |
| Size |
Varies
from about 350 - 450 square feet. |
| Views |
The
rolling countryside all around and from
certain locations on the property, even the
towers of San Gimignano. |
| Pool |
23x46ft,
with bathroom and changing rooms |
| Bedrooms |
Nine
one-bedroom suites with one studio equipped for
wheelchair access. |
| Bathrooms |
1 |
| Kitchen |
Kitchenettes,
small refrigerator, no freezer, counter-top
ovens, 4 gas burners. |
| TV |
Yes,
satellite reception for English language
news. |
| Washing
machine |
Shared,
5/load |
| Crib |
Available
upon request 26/week |
| Suitability
for families |
Excellent
for small families (children on sofa beds)
and for family reunions. |
| Air conditioning |
Yes,
portable units, extra payment |
| Heat |
Central,
extra payment |
| Security
deposit |
200
Euros on arrival |
| Cleaning |
Included |
| Nightly
prices in Euros |
# Guests |
Per Night |
|
1-2 guests |
120 |
|
3 guests |
150 |
|
4 guests |
160 |
|
Currency
converter |
|
Minimum
stay 5 nights.
In
August: weeklong stays must start on
Saturday and five or six night stays must
fall between Saturdays.
Please request
availability for your dates and
tell us the size of
your party. |
|
Tuscany
Converted Monastery in Colle di Val d'Elsa
