Archi

An avenue of cypress trees leads from the village of Pievescola towards Villa La Pieve a traditional stone house which has been divided into three lovely apartments. Furnished in classic Tuscan style, the apartments are homely and inviting with drapes in the bedrooms, comfortable sofas, some carefully restored antique pieces and many of the owners personal touches.

Archi is a spacious apartment on two floors. On the ground floor is a large living room, with sitting area with decorative fireplace and there is a handy washroom. An archway leads to the fully equipped kitchen/dining area which has patio doors opening onto a covered terrace furnished with table and chairs for dining al fresco and with lovely view of the pool area above. On the first floor there is a pretty double bedroom, a single bedroom (available on request) and a shower room.

The swimming pool (10m x 5m) is in a lovely position slightly above the house. Shaded by olive trees and furnished with sun loungers and umbrellas the pool enjoys a panorama of the vineyard and fruit orchard to the hills beyond. There is a barbecue and parking in the grounds.

A great bonus of Villa La Pieve is that it is only 250m walk from the tiny village of Pievescola, the hamlet can be easily explored on foot, and has a grocers shop, two local bars, newsagents, post office and a restaurant. There are another two local trattorias just 3km down the road and a wider range of shops, restaurants and a supermarket can be found at Colle di Val d?Elsa 15km away.

The wooded hills hide many other treasures, most famously wild mushrooms, among which the noted ?porcini? which grow abundantly in the area. Indeed, Pievescola has a ?Mushroom Festival? normally held at the beginning of September when you can taste these local delicacies.

When you can tear yourself away from the peace and tranquility of this Tuscan retreat, there is plenty to see in the area. The famous towns of San Gimignano and Siena are both only half an hours? drive, and Florence is easily accessible by road, or by bus from nearby Colle di Val d?Elsa 15km away. Lesser known but equally interesting San Galgano with its sword in the stone and roofless monastery is well worth a visit, as is Massa Marittima, a beautiful town close to the coast.

DETAILS
Ground Floor: Living room with sitting area with settee, armchair, fireplace (decorative only) and satellite television separated by an archway from kitchen/dining room with cooker (3 gas 1 electric rings, oven), fridge/freezer, dining table and chairs > Washroom with basin and w.c.
First Floor: Double bedroom > On request a single bedroom will be made available for a third person > Shower room with shower cubicle, basin, bidet and w.c.

Use of washing machine > Central heating > Covered terrace > Garden > Barbecue > Swimming pool > Parking > Walking distance 250m to the village of Pievescola > 15km to Colle di Val d?Elsa