Set atop gently rolling hills of vineyards and olive orchards, Casa Rossa is a peaceful retreat that typifies the beauty, serenity and charm of the Chianti Classico region.

The house is located in the countryside between Florence and Siena, yet is only 25 minutes south of Florence, and 45 minutes to Siena making it easy to pop into either city for a day of sightseeing, strolling, shopping or even just for dinner. The nearest towns are San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle.

The aptly named Casa Rossa or "Red House" is a restored farmhouse painted the warm red tones reminiscent of frescos at Pompeii. It is set off a small country road on an estate that produces a lovely Chianti wine from the robust San Giovese, Malvasia, Trebbiano and Canaiolo grapes grown there. Additionally, the estate grows olives that are pressed into an excellent extra virgin olive oil.

You approach the front door from a short flight of stairs. The living room and kitchen are to the left off the main hallway; the bedrooms and bathrooms are to the right; all of these rooms are on one level. The living room is comfortably furnished with a beige sofa and two comfortable easy chairs. In the corner is a television with cable hook-up, but with views like these it's unlikely you'll spend time watching TV! The sofa opens up to become a double bed, suitable for a single adult or two children. (Two adults can sleep on the sofabed if they like, but it will be cozy.) The living area of the house is approximately 2500 sq. ft.

The country-style open plan kitchen flows from the living room, perfect for friends and family who want to socialize and cook up a savory meal together. The dining table provides a great place to congregate and enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner. The table expands to seat 8 people comfortably.

The kitchen's "piece de resistance" is the beautiful original wood burning fireplace that truly makes it the hearth of the home. It's a very pleasant room to spend time in while you make a delicious Tuscan-style meal from the fresh ingredients in abundant supply locally. It has a refrigerator with freezer, a four-burner stove, corner double sink, and a buffet serving area. The many cabinets provide good storage space. The countertops are covered in clean off-white tile. Just off the kitchen is a small room that contains the washing machine.

Off the living room is the large terrace with views galore that sum up everything that is beautiful about "bella Tuscany". Sneak out to the terrace early before anyone else is up and sip an espresso while you watch the sun come up over the Tuscan hills. Enjoy your meals al fresco throughout the warm months. What better place to relax and review the day's events, or simply enjoy life, than lounging on the expansive terrace? The terrace is furnished with 8 chairs, 2 lounge chairs, a table and an umbrella. Just below the terrace the vineyards stretch out and down the gently rolling hillside.

Retracing your steps back down the hallway past the front door, there is the main large bathroom to your left. It has a large Jacuzzi-style bathtub for long soaks, a sink with good countertop space and storage in the cabinet underneath, a bidet and a toilet.

Beyond to your left is the large master bedroom with a lovely wrought iron framed queen bed, armoire for clothing, nightstands on either side of the bed with small reading lamps. The ceiling rises high above with exposed beams and tiles. In the morning throw open the shutters and take in the fresh country air.

Across the hallway is the second bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. It has two comfortable twin beds each with a nightstand and small lamp for nighttime reading, an armoire for clothing and two windows that overlook the property. There is also a twin rollaway bed.

The bathroom that connects to the second bedroom is small but convenient. It has a sink, toilet and shower and bidet.

The bottom part of the house has a small room that is used for winemaking during the grape harvest and is not accessible to guests. We will happily arrange, upon request, to show you the large cantina below the house where antique aging barrels are still used today during the autumn vendemmia -- grape harvesting season. We hope you'll oblige and try a bit of the very nice Chianti that is produced on the premises!

The house does not have a swimming pool. In addition, please note that across the yard is Casa San Vito another vacation rental villa. Because of its proximity it's very convenient for two families or friends that want togetherness but want their privacy too. The two houses are 30 meters (32 yards) apart, separated by a grass lawn. The road leading to the house is very lightly traveled as it only services a couple of other local farms.

Casa Rossa is located at the western edge of the famous Chianti Classico region in Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. The landscape is a patchwork quilt of vineyards, the occasional tall cypress tree, umbrella pines and the grey-green of olive groves.

According to one Italian legend, farmers used to plant a cypress tree to announce the birth, and subsequent marriage eligibility, of each daughter. When the cypress tree reached viewing height across the countryside it was a signal to suitors that papa was ready to find a match for his bella figlia (daughter)! While this tale has dubious origins, it's certainly an amusing thought as you gaze across the cypress-dotted hills spotting a lone tree here or an entire row there.

Less then 1 mile away are the small villages of Romita, Tavarnelle and San Cristina in Salivolpe. Only 7 miles away, less then 10 minutes, is the ancient hilltop town of San Casciano in Val di Pesa, located between the Greve and Pesa valleys. This scenic town is surrounded by an ancient wall dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries and has beautiful views looking down over the Chianti countryside. Every Monday morning is market day in San Casciano where you can shop for the freshest produce, meats, fish, cheese and flowers. Be sure to sample the wonderful array of local extra virgin olive oils and honey too. San Casciano and Tavarnelle both have supermarkets, and numerous small shops if you prefer, such as a butcher, fruit and vegetable shops, post office, bank, gas station. Tavarnell has a farmer's market on Thursday mornings. In San Casciano there are numerous good restaurants, pizzerie, a public swimming pool and public tennis courts as well.

The nearby village of Cerbaia, about 6 miles from San Casciano, has the distinction of having one of Italy's most celebrated, and expensive, restaurants, La Tenda Rossa. It is one of the handful of restaurants in all of Italy to receive a remarkable two stars from in the revered Michelin Red Guide!

Just beyond Cerbaia is Montespertoli, famous for its red wines. You won't forget for a minute that you're in the heart of Chianti.

Keep going in the direction from San Casciano towards Florence and you'll find a great cafe in the tiny village of Santa Andrea in Percussina. This village is famous for being the home of the writer-politician Niccolo Macchiavelli

Hop onto the autostrada (highway) going north and in 25 minutes you're in Florence to see the sights, take in the art, enjoy a meal, linger at an outdoor cafe or shop. Siena is only 45 minutes away.

The house is conveniently situated in one of the best parts of the Chianti region of Tuscany for daily excursions to see the famous towers of San Gimignano, the sites of beautiful Siena, the baths of Montecatini, and is a wine aficionados paradise if you want to sample the many excellent varieties of Chianti! You can even make a day trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa as it's only a 1.5 hour drive away as is the graceful town of Lucca.

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to make a booking.

This is a non-smoking house. No pets please.


Click on the floor plan for a larger view.

Euros Price
€1020/week low season
€1225/week high season
Utilities, except heat, is included. Heat charged based on usage.
Saturday-to-Saturday stays, minimium 7 nights.

Bedrooms:
Sleeps 7: Two bedrooms. Master bedroom with a queen size bed, the second bedroom has two twin beds & a rollaway bed. The sofa in the living room folds out into a double bed.

Bathrooms:
2 full bathrooms: All fixtures are new and completely up-to-date. One bathroom off the hallway has a toilet, tub, bidet and sink. The second bathroom adjoins the second bedroom and has a sink, shower toilet and bidet. Hairdryer provided.

No. of Guests:
Up to 7 people.

Size:
2500 square feet

Terrace & Views:
Expansive terrace off the living rooms with stunning views of the Chianti countryside. Terrace is furnished with 8 chairs, 2 lounge chairs, a table and umbrella.

Washer/Dryer:
Washer - yes. Dryer - no. Iron and ironing board provided. Outdoor clothes line, collapsable drying rack & heated bathroom towel racks for drying clothes.

Kitchen:
Four-burner stove, oven, dishwasher, no microwave. Italian-style espresso pot.

Telephone:
A loaner cell phone is available upon request. No internet access.

TV, CD Player:
Cable TV with English language new channels. CD player.

Linens:
Sheets and towels are provided.

Location:
Only 25 minutes south of Florence in the Chianti countryside, 45 minutes to Siena, 30 minutes to San Gimignano, 1.5 hour to Pisa or Lucca.

Note:
Casa Rossa does not have a swimming pool. No smoking, no pets.