The Antico Borgo is on the first floor of the main building and was once the Bishops palatial rooms. Great care has been taken in the renovation and the furnishings are luxurious and refined. The original characteristics of the building have all been retained, beautiful high vaulted ceilings, archways, and terracotta floors are all featured. The three reception rooms are very welcoming. All have traditional woodburning fireplaces, and are elegantly furnished with antiques, persian rugs and beautiful light fittings handmade by specialist craftsmen.
The Bishops lounge is the perfect place for relaxing with its large sofas, warm red fabrics, drapes and satellite television, and there is a second lounge with fireplace in the hallway leading to the fully equipped kitchenette and beautiful dining room. This characteristic room has crystal topped banqueting table, upholstered chairs, fireplace and a beautiful reproduction of the famous Guido Riccio da Fogliano fresco, creating the perfect atmosphere for a leisurely candlelit dinner. The three bedrooms are extremely comfortable, each being exquisitely furnished in different colours, with soft fabrics, canopy beds and ensuite shower rooms decorated with hand painted tiles. A fourth bathroom near the bishops lounge boasts a large hydromassage bath tub.
At the entrance to the villa is a small terrace which overlooks the estate towards the beautiful swimming pool and grounds. The swimming pool (16m x 8m), is surrounded by lawns and landscaped gardens framed by the rolling wooded hills beyond. Antico Borgo has its own private garden area near the pool furnished with gazebo, sun loungers, table, chairs and barbecue. Partly shaded and filled with flowers it is the perfect surrounding for an alfresco meal.
When you can tear yourself away from this idyllic retreat, Antico Borgo is excellently located for exploring the area and discovering the delights of Tuscany. San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Volterra are all close by and the famous towns of Florence and Siena with their countless art treasures and historic monuments are easily accessible via the main road links at nearby Colle di Val d'Elsa. The owners of Antico Borgo have a lovely restaurant in the ancient hill town, featuring excellent refined cuisine, and with a large panoramic terrace for dining al fresco. Guests at Antico Borgo receive a 10% discount at the restaurant. There is a further selection of local trattorias within easy driving distance of the residence, and a chef can be hired for the evening on request.
DETAILS
Entrance hall with settee and fireplace > Lounge with two settees, table and chairs, fireplace, satellite television and DVD > Dining room with table and chairs and fireplace > Kitchenette with cooker (4 gas rings, electric oven), fridge/freezer, and dishwasher > Three double bedrooms each with ensuite shower room with shower cubicle, basin, bidet and w.c. (one double can convert to a twin on request) > Bathroom with hydomassage bath, basin, bidet and w.c > An extra bed can be added to one of the bedrooms to accommodate an extra person > Central heating > Small terrace > Barbecue > Swimming pool > Garden area > Washing machine > Covered parking > Twice weekly linen change > 10km to the town of Colle di Val d'Elsa.
HISTORY
Antico Borgo has a rich and interesting history which can be traced back to the eleventh Century. Originally a watch tower built in 1048, the building became the property of the church who transformed it into a Bishops residence and a medieval farming hamlet, later still the house and its grounds was used as a country retreat for many noble Counts and Dukes of the region. The tiny hamlet was eventually abandoned, but now it has been lovingly restored, preserving its ancient heritage, to form elegant apartments.
