Drive less than half an hour south of Florence and find yourself in the romantic Chianti countryside in an ancient village with stunning views across the Pesa Valley. You have your very own thousand year-old castle, magnificent pool and expansive lawns while you lodge in comfort in completely renovated village houses that date from the 1200s.

The castle that is at the heart of the hamlet turned vacation village has a history older than the Florentine republic and was bought by Niccolo Machiavelli in 1511. Its hilltop position once contributed to the defense of the Pesa Valley. Now, a protected monument of Italian cultural heritage, it is owned by a noble descendant of the Machiavelli family.

Tuscany has many castles and hamlets converted for vacationers, but this is an exceptional property because of the quality of the location, restoration, furnishings, grounds, and stunning views, especially at sunset. The furnishings feature lovely antiques, glowing kilim carpets and attractive art, both antique and contemporary, on the walls. The ceilings have handsome exposed beams; the floors are typical "cotto" terracotta tile.

The village has a common room where you can take breakfast and where wine tastings are held. A large, sun soaked swimming pool (May-Sept) lies below a terrace where there are barbecues and covered tables for dining al fresco. You can explore the park-like gardens and groves use mountain bikes various games for children and table tennis.

The village is surrounded by the estate's olive groves and vineyards and you can sample the different wines it produces including a Chianti Classico of the unique Gallo Nero mark as well as the olive oil and sweet vin santo.

You may reserve breakfast (€10 pp), wine tasting, guided tours, a car with driver, baby sitting, cooking classes, a chef and in the Ayurvedic wellness center, yoga lessons, massages, and facials.

The castle hosts a full-fledged event center for hosting weddings and other special events. Check for the schedule of castle tours, usually offered weekly.

A tiny town is about a mile's walk away where you will find a small grocery store. More choices for shopping and many fine restaurants are in several towns that are within a fifteen minute drive. A famous Etruscan tomb that was discovered in the vineyards nearby is within walking distance, too.  Tennis courts and horse back riding are three miles (4 km), two golf courses are within 15 miles (20 km), and the outlet mall is about a 30 minute drive. And, of course, Florence with all its treasures is just a 20 minute drive.

We commend these accommodations to our clients and urge you to reserve early.

It is an independent farm house in the village with a private garden.

There is a terra-cotta and stone barbecue, iron table and chairs where one can enjoy wonderful barbecues in the open with fabulous views.

The large house is decorated with precious furniture, Kilim carpet and equipped with every modern convenience while keeping to the traditional Tuscan style. The bright entrance hall with an old fireplace leads to two bedrooms. There is a shower bath on this level.

An old staircase takes you down to the ground floor, which opens out onto a private garden accessible from all the rooms: the cozy living room, the dining room and the kitchen decorated in antique terra-cotta tiles. The second shower bathroom is on this level. Outside the full separate kitchen, there is a terra-cotta and stone barbecue, iron table and chairs where one can enjoy wonderful barbecues in the open. Three people can be accommodated on sofa beds in the living room and entrance room. Washing machine. Sleeps 4 + 3.