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.

There are eight one bedroom cottages/apartments at Castello Niccolo. These are the larger ones.

Castello is an apartment in the castle itself, it is on the second and third floors (American designation) and is 600 square feet, 55 square meters. On the first floor of the apartment, there is a living room with fireplace, a double sofa-bed, chaise lounge, a dining area and a kitchenette. This room enjoys a splendid view of the court of the castle. On the second floor, there is a spacious bedroom with queen sized bed, which looks over the Pesa Valley, and abathroom equipped with a Jacuzzi. Steep steps between the floors. Sleeps 2 + 2.

Giotto is a large one bedroom apartment that is on the second floor (American designation) of a farmhouse in the village. The spacious and bright living room, that has a sitting area with two sofa beds, invites relaxation and dining with an open plan kitchen with a breakfast bar. About 935 square feet, 87 square meters, it has a bedroom with queen sized bed. The living room has a view of the dramatic hills of the Pesa valley and the bedroom overlooks the main entrance of the castle. Sleeps 2 + 2.

Tiglio is a second floor (American designation) apartment in one of the village farmhouses. The rooms are bright with a view of the Chianti hills from the bedroom. The kitchen is a separate room with antique tile work. There is a bedroom with queen sized bed and a double sofa bed in the living room. Two bathrooms each have a shower. Washing machine. Sleeps 2 + 2.

Torretta is an independent house of 750 square feet, 70 square meters, that has its own terrace and is surrounded by lawns. The living room is equipped with a double size sofa-bed and an ancient fireplace. The kitchen is a separate room with lovely tile work and opens onto the private terrace, where you find a wonderful stone barbecue to grill on. On the first floor, there is a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed and bathroom equipped with a Jacuzzi but not a shower. Washing machine. Sleeps 2 + 2.

Location	San Casciano Val di Pesa

Sleeps	2

Bedrooms	The bedroom with queen sized bed enjoys a view of the Pesa valley.

Bathrooms	Bathroom with shower

Floor	Ground floor

Size	360 sq ft, 34 m2

Hair Dryer	Yes, on request

Dining	Living room/dining room

Kitchen Equipment	It has a kitchenette along one wall of the living/dining room

Laundry	No

Air Conditioning	No, but the location is high and well ventilated

Heat	Central

Utilities	Included

Transportation	Bus station 1.5 miles (2km); a car is recommended.

Parking	Yes, no charge

Crib	Yes, on request, no charge

Recreation	Pool shared by all apartments

Entertainment	TV with satellite reception for English language news

Telephone	No

Internet	Nearest internet point in San Casciano Val di Pesa

Linens	Included

Pets	No

Smoking	No

Family Suitability	Fabulous

Cleaning	Included, 1x/week, more frequent cleaning may be arranged for additional charge

Weekly Prices Euros	High Season Jun 26 - Aug 28 Dec 25 - Jan 9 '11	Mid Season Mar 27 - Jun 25 Aug 27 - Oct 31	Low Season Jan 10 - Mar 26 Nov 1 - Dec 24
Tiglio	€ 890	€ 830	€ 730
Castello Giotto Torretta	€ 1060	€ 950	€ 830

One week minimum, starting on Saturday Mid and High Seasons.

Low season, shorter stays and any day arrivals are possible as available.