Picture perfect views of the rolling Chianti hillsides, vineyards, olive orchards.

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 famous Chianti region of Tuscany.

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.

Casa Rossa is located in the countryside between Florence and Siena, yet it 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 Val di Pesa, just a short drive away where you will find restaurants, grocery stores.

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.

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. Tavarnelle has a farmer's market on Thursday mornings. In San Casciano there are numerous good restaurants, pizzerie.

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

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.

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.

The house is entered up one short flight of stairs. All the rooms are are on one level. The living room is comfortably furnished with a sofa bed and two upholstered chairs. The sofa opens up to become a double bed.

The country-style open plan kitchen flows from the living room. Dining table can seat 8 people. Kitchen has original wood burning fireplace that truly makes it the hearth of the home. Just off the kitchen is a small room that contains the washing machine.

Off the living room is a large terrace with views galore that sum up everything that is beautiful about "bella Tuscany". Enjoy meals al fresco throughout the warm months. 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 jetted bathtub for long soaks, a sink with good countertop space and storage in the cabinet underneath, a bidet and a toilet.

The large master bedroom has a 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.

The second bedroom with two twin beds has an adjoining bathroom with shower. There is a nightstand next to each bed and small lamp for nighttime reading, an armoire for clothing and two windows that overlook the property. A twin rollaway bed is available upon request.

There are screens on the windows.

The bottom part of the house is the cantina that is used for winemaking during the grape harvest and is not accessible to guests. We will happily arrange 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.

Location	San Casciano Val di Pesa

Sleeps	4+3

Bedrooms	2 bedrooms. Master bedroom with queen size bed, second bedroom with two twin beds. Beds have thick mattress atop frame, the standard in Italy. Single rollaway bed available upon request. Double sofa bed in living room.

Bathrooms	2 bathrooms. 1 with tub, toilet, sink bidet. 1 with shower, toilet, sink, bidet adjoins 2nd bedroom.

Floor	1st European, 2nd American

Elevator	No

Accessible & Ample	House is up one flight of stairs

Size	2500 sq ft, 230 m2

Balconies, Terraces, Views	Expansive terrace off the living rooms with stunning views of the Chianti countryside. Terrace has table, umbrella, 8 chairs, 2 lounge chairs.

Hair Dryer	Yes

Dining	Dining table & 6 chairs in eat-in kitchen. Table & 8 chairs on terrace.

Kitchen Equipment	4-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, Italian-style espresso pot, drip coffee maker. No microwave.

Laundry	Washer, iron and ironing board. Outdoor clothes line, collapsable drying rack & heated (in winter) bathroom towel racks for drying clothes.

Air Conditioning	No

Heat	Heat charged based on usage

Utilities	Included except heat

Transportation	Car essential

Parking	On site parking

Crib	Upon request

Recreation	Casa Rossa does not have a swimming pool

Entertainment	Cable TV with English language new channels, CD player

Telephone	Loaner cell phone available upon request

Internet	No internet access

Linens	Included

Pets	No

Smoking	No

Family Suitability	Excellent for families

Cleaning	Final cleaning included

Cook	Not available

€1200/week April thru October

€1000/week November thru March

Saturday-to-Saturday 7 night booking period

Saturday-to-Saturday 7 night booking period.

The price includes booking fee, transaction fees, wire fees, keyholder fee, greeting fee, taxes, final cleaning and utilities except for heat in winter which is charged based on usage.

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 famous Chianti region of Tuscany.

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.