Authentic 3BR farmhouse  

Description from the owner

"Casa Acacia" - is an authentic Chianti farm house with more then 300 years of history- Its rustic ambiente is one of "... once upon the time ... leading you back in time. an unusual and rare setting considering that most similar houses are often renovated in an sterile, non-typical way.

This country home offers on 130 sqm, divided on 2 floors, 3BR, 2BA, live-in-kitchen, winter garden lounge, living-room with open fireplace , therefore plenty of space for 6 - 8 persons - perfect for a large family, 2 families with children or 3 couples.

The private courtyard terrace and the large south-oriented terrace with view onto... pool, playground + gardens are both well equipped with outdoor furniture and have each a bbq.

When renovating this lovely house , the typical Tuscan structure was intentionally left untouched where possible . All rooms are handpainted (in winter 2013) in the typical warm colours of a Tuscan country home : shades of yellow, orange and green and furnished according to the local "arte povera" style.

Constructed with local quarry stones by the farmers it was used as stable for sheep + goats +as a hayloft. Prove are the typical vault ceilings, the cottofloors, narrow doors + the small windows of the groundfloor as well as the imposing loft ceiling on the topfloor that seems to flow above.

The large community swimming pool (5,5x11 ) is situated on the windprotected sunny slopes slightly below the guesthouse. Pavillions and solitary trees provide shade. The comfortable shallow entry platform (3x3m) offers space + security also for the smallest of our guests.

All buildings are set in an extended garden park of more then 2 ha- the pride of the German owner . Cascades of flowers, rose bushes, citrus fruits as well as the surrounding meadows with many rare types of orchids and wild herbs create the unforgettable image of a lost paradise.

Animated is this small paradise by various cats, 2 freeroaming wellbehaved dogs (1 male, 1 lively female), a pictoresque small herd of cameroon sheep, chicken, geese, ducks, pigeons and more. Stunning the variaty of birds and butterflies as well as fireflies. And with a bit of patience one may also see wild boars, deer and roe deer, foxes, badgers and porcupines as well as the rare Tuscan eagle that breeds in our valley.

The housing complex is surrounded by grass, gravel - as well as terracotta paved walks and stairs which join the different levels with their romantic porches and apartments. Several natural quarry stone terraces with solitary trees like cypresses, acacia, pine and oak trees are leading to the small creek where the real wild nature begins.

Enjoy the sunset in complete silence from your terrace with its shady loggia, garden furniture, sunbeds as well as a bbq. Gaze onto onto the extended gardens, the romantic creek and the surrounding maddows and vast macchia covered hills of this private property of more then 76 ha. Start your hiking and biking directly form your doorsteps on well marked trails. Or simply take a stroll on our meditation trail along the small creek with its waterfalls, walk up to the waterlily pond or through the valley to the nearby town of Castellina in Chianti

Admire the increditable variaty if wild flowers and walk along small trails that we cut right through the maddows - amazing the spectacle of fireflies in late May and June, the rare songs of the our numerous nightingales and the concert of hundreds of birds in the morning and evening. Because of its privacy and our efforts this is still a rare paradise - and only minutes from the next town center !!!

new!!!! sky observatory only few km away - stunning experience not only for children

Location: We are a tiny hamlet 500 m from main road - no long rides on dusty country roads

Being close to the next town Castellina in Chianti (only 3 km) shopping + dining is easy - one may even walk there - just zip into town for a coffee break or some of the best ice-creme of the area

Some thoughts : isolated houses in hill positions may suffer from water shortage in summer + gusty winds in spring + autumn, shortening the pool season. Our protected position, typical for real old houses + the many wells help us avoid either. also during thunderstorms, electrical failures are not uncommon, but due to the closeness to town we profit from its priority rating.

Pool: Since there are sooo many sights to visit + things to do most of our guests take off early in the morning + come back late in the evening, after a dip in the pool they are off again for dinner. so pool + leisure area are often deserted, cooler month of april + oct. you may use the owners's covered (unheated) pool on request

for cooler days please keep in mind that there are fantastic hot spring facilities only 45 min drive away.

bedroom window with mosquito screenRead more

Additional Location Information

spend a dream vacation in Tuscany's heart - " Chianti Classico" - only a few miles from Florence and Siena - vineyard covered hills, silvery olive groves, vast forests and colourful macchia slopes - and admidst hidden ancient farm houses guarded by cypresses and towering pinetrees like the privately owned 16th century estate " Poderi Val Verde " . In this small familystyle hamlet, only 2 km from the next village the famous Castellina in Chianti , our sophisticated guests will find undisturbed and unspoiled nature, silence, sun, good food (cookery courses) Chianti wine, sports (trekking, biking, riding etc.) as well as culture.

Surrounded by more then 2ha of wellcared parklike garden sits the imposing guest house complex which is dived in 3 apartments (2-4 Pers.) , and/or 2 semiattached houses "Casa Pineta (8-13 pers.) + "Casa Acacia (6-8 pers.) as well as the lovely small villetta "Casa Capannina " (4- 6 pers.).

Airports: Florence 45 min, Pisa 90 min, Bologna 2hrs, Rome+Milano 3 to 4 hrs,
train station: Poggibonsi, 30 min, Castellina Scalo 15 min - no car rental!
Siena 35 min, Florence 45 min - car rental!!!!
bus station: castellina 5 min

bad to non-existing train and bus schedules!!!!
you will need a car to see Tuscany's beautiful scenery with its small towns and wine and olive covered hills, not to speak of visits to the hundreds of local wineries and other activities

Specials: 4 course welcome dinner, continental breakfast service, cookery classes of local specialties - euro 35/pers. children euro 25 or less

On day of arrival (or on special request) welcome dinner of typical Tuscan dishes - Joined dinner with all guests - meal incl. beverages - sit down and enjoy your vacation from the first minute!

Breakfast service - Continental breakfast euro 49/week

Spare 3 hours and dont miss out on our half day 'do it yourself' cookery courses (17.00 to 20.00 hrs) of local specialities you normally dont find in restaurants . farmer dishes typical for this part of Italy, easy to prepare with few tasty ingredients (preferable from our gardens and game from the surrounding forests) , our own olive oil and some 'secrets'.
price of euro 70/pers. incl. meal and beverage, minimum participation 2 person - members of the family or friend may join the dinner.

Hiking: we are proud to say that we are the only that offer private, marked hiking trails - all start from your door steps - all levels, from 30 min to 6 hours, with guide or with maps that we supply. they lead you through forest, vineyards and olive groves, you may stop at various wineries and restaurants. what better way to experience the beauty of the Chianti region.

ask for our offer on 'hike, wine, dine'

Guided trekking rate: depending on number of participant and length of trekking- please request

'Under construction' as of 2013 we are planing to offer summer bow hunting lessons. as of 2014 there will be also a 50 ha extended 3D animal parcour !!!!!!!!

Staff and assistance: - English, German and Italian speaking staff.. no 'key in hand - you are on your own' policy. we are here to help and advise.

Location: Poderi Val Verde is a tiny auto-sufficient hamlet only 500 m from the main road - so no long rides on dusty country roads - more then perfect for bikers too.

Its closeness to the next town Castellina in Chianti (only 3 km) makes shopping and dining easy - one may even walk there - just zip into town for a coffee break or a cone with delicious ice cream, one the best in the region

Some thoughts to consider: Please be aware that isolated houses in top-of-the-hill position often suffer from shortage of water in the summer months and gusty winds in spring and autumn, which shorten the pool season. Due to our protected position, which is typical for real old houses and the many wells we never suffer from either one.

Privacy: all accommodations have private entrances and terraces so your privacy is ensured.

Pool: Since there are so many sights to visit and so many things to do most of our guests take off early in the morning and come back late in the evening, after a dip in the pool they are off again for dinner. so the pool and leisure area are often deserted.


Right next to the large community pool (11x5,5 m) with a safe entrance platform and extend leisure area with sunbeds and various shady loggia the playground with sandbox, fairy house and swing for the smallest of our guests and the soccer field, the basketball pole, the volleyball field and pingpong table for the active once that are not tired after a day of sightseeing.

When planing your trip take in consideration that due to our perfect location, most important sights can be easily reached within 1 hours drive. Also please dont forget to leave some space for one of the many concerts, horseback riding or some evening with newfound friends or maybe a halfday cookery course with local dishes. Extremes like biking on the new trail up at the Apennin mountains or island hoping on the Tuscan coast are also possible

hot spring facilities 45 min drive

Location Type Away from it all, Rural

Rental fees

Additional notes from owner

All incl. rates for standard occupation of 6 pers.: electricity, water, taxes, house insurance; weekly change of bed, bath and table linen, pool towels, bathrobes (on request), hairdryers in all bathrooms, fire/barbeque wood, use of washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board, portable fans, as well as a starter package of spices, coffee, tea, toilet paper, soap and detergent.

Seperate charges may be: visitor's tax (€1,50/pers./day), sofa bed (€50/pers/wk), heating, wifi (€14/wk) , baby bed and highchair (€39+10/wk), expenses for animals (€50/wk) welcome dinner (€35/pers), breakfast service (€49/pers./wk) , extra meals, cookery courses (€70/pers.).

Early bird discount for 2013 booking - 10% on 2012 prices
Last -Minute discount - 15% if arrival within 1 week

2 weeks booking - 10% on second week (previous discount exempted)

What Past Guests Are Saying

• BevRon
  Toronto, Canada

  The best and most relaxing vacation ever

  Left on 10/04/2012 for a stay in September 2012
  
  

  As two couples, Poderi Val Verde's restored farmhouse was indeed rustic, but was perfect for us: adjoining suites each with a kitchen and patio overlooking the stunning grounds, one with a living room and fireplace, the other with a fantastic sunroom overlooking the grounds and pool. We stayed for our full 2 week visit and were thrilled with our choice of living on a working farm of over 200 hectares with a 350 year history.
  Our quarry stone home was clean, comfortable and perfectly located to facilitate our day trips to nearby villages-to neighboring Castellina in Chianti, as well as Siena, Florence, Poggibonsi, Greve, and Panzano where we participated in their annual wine festival. Around every corner of the road there was another breathtaking vista each arguably better than the last. We had our big Italian meal of the day wherever we were early in the afternoon and made a light dinner in our kitchen most evenings, eating on the patio with candle lights and wine listening to the sounds of wild boars, deer and wolves in the hillside and our hostesses' dogs keeping them all at bay. Most mornings we watched the sun rise over the valley, prepared a quick breakfast then usually stopped mid-morning for cappuccinos. Our kitchens were well equipped, however the lighting didn't meet our standards, easily solvable by task lights ... but,if that's our only complaint!!!
  Our hostess, Ulrike, runs the farm alone, feeds the sheep, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and countless kittens who were always underfoot and also feeds her guests a Welcome Dinner Feast that shouldn't be missed - for the food and for the opportunity to meet new friends. Ulrike was always there to help us, make suggestions and share some wine or her homemade jams. By the end of our visit, she was no longer our hostess but a huggable friend. My well-traveled wife called it the best and most relaxing vacation of her life. When we return, we'll stay there again.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Families

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• Lolly
  Dortmund Germany

  Ankommen und sich Wohlfühlen !!

  Left on 03/20/2011 for a stay in August 2009
  
  

  Es ist etwas besonderes auf poderi val verde zu sein.Es beginnt schon mit dem Begr?ssungs Essen an dem abend lernen sich alle G?ste kennen und man bekommt das besondere Toskana Gef?hl.Gutes essen, guter wein, super Wetter einfach la dolce Vita.So beginnt Urlaub.
  Das gel?nde ist einfach toll.?berall Blumen und Kr?uter und ums Gel?nde herum Natur und Ruhe.Keine Stadtger?usche wie autos usw.So kann man sich wunderbar rund um den Pool auf den Liegen oder sitzm?glichkeiten erholen.
  Die wohnung die wir hatten war klasse wir haben uns sehr wohl darin gef?hlt.Obwohl wir die meiste Zeit auf unserer Terasse waren.Was auch besser ist wenn man Kontakte zu anderen G?sten sucht.
  Die einrichtung der Wohnung ist sehr sch?n,hier merkt man den guten Geschmack von Frau Eder.In der Wohnung hat man das Gef?hl hier leben nicht nur Urlauber sonder Bewohner.Das ist besonders bei der K?che,da wir sehr gerne und gut kochen ist es toll so eine gut eingerichtete K?che vorzufinden.Ich konnte von Caprerse ?ber Zucchini-Frittataund Zitronen-Knoblauch-H?hnchen und viele andere Gerichte ohne Probleme zaubern,weil allle K?chenutensilien da waren.Und fehlt wirklich einmal etwas geht man zu Ulricke (Frau Eder) und sie hilft sofort.Sie gibt auch die besten Tips.Wie zum beispiel das einkaufen.
  Besonders kann ich empfehlen die M?rkte:Dienstag in Poggibonsi,Mittwoch in Siena,Samstag in Casttelina,Sonntag in Panzanno.Toll ist auch der Metzger in Castellina.
  Was f?r uns als Naturliebhaber klasse an Poderi Val Verde ist, die m?glichkeit direkt von hier supertolle spazierg?nge oder Wanderungen zumachen.Zum Beispiel nach Lilliano durch Wald ?ber H?gel und Weinberge.Oder nach Panzanno ?ber einen H?henkamm mit super aussicht und nat?rlich durch Weinberge.
  Nat?rlch kommt die Kultur nicht zu kurz Jeder kleine ort hat seine Reize besonders unsere lieblings Stadt Siena.
  Und abends sitzt man wieder auf seiner Terasse geniesst das Essen dazu einen super tollen Chianti.
  .

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Friends, Tourists, Romantic, Families w children

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• saedoc
  Gornau, Germany, Saxony

  Just like a dream

  Left on 03/17/2011 for a stay in May 2010
  
  

  Very nice location, clean, silent, within a romantic valley. with pool First class service, a lot of assistance, i.e. planning and organizing trips to Firenze or other locations, walks through the majestic landscape, forests and meadows.. Internet access, local cooking lessons with Ulrike Eder. Unforgetable long evenings with red wine and nightingales.
  Phantastic red wines, cultural events (Pentecoste in Castellina, the performance of Carl Orffs Carmina Burana in Siena...

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

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