2BR /1BA apartment "La Tana" - Chianti Classico  

Description from the owner

Despite enormous tax increases we willtry to nooot raise our rates for 2013

La Tana" is located on the groundfloor of "Casa Acacia", an authentic farmhouse with lots of charm and its own more then 300 years of history It is actually the oldest house of all.

More then 65 sqm offer plenty of space for 4 persons. Its original use was as stable for sheep and goats.. Prove of this give the typical vault ceilings, the cottofloors, narrow doors and the small windows .The old stairscase and doors sills of local grey sandstone are trodded down by thousands of feet that passed them within the last few hundred of years

"Tana..." was renovated some years ago , but the typical Tuscan structure left intentionally untouched where possible . All rooms are handpainted in the typical warm colours of a Tuscan country home : shades of yellow, orange and green. Its rustic ambiente is one of "... once upon the time ... leading you back i time. an unusual setting considering that most similar houses are often renovated in an sterile, non-typical way.

On the groundfloor that one may reach by means of some steps up from the terrace the spacious kitchen is located. Fully equipped with 4flame gas stove, oven, dishwasher, fridge/freezer combination , American & Italian coffeemaker etc. etc. there is even room for a dining table. On the right 2 bedrooms (each with double matrasse, mosquito screens) as well as the bathroom with shower/wc + hair dryer. Through one of the bedrooms some steps lead down to the charming diningroom/sittingroom. It large panoramic windows and doors, that lead to the terrasse, give it that particular wintergarden flair.

All buildings are set in an extended wellcared garden park of more then 2 ha- the pride of the German owner and her staff. 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 !!!

we also offer breakfast services, cookery courses or dinner activities (our Tuscan welcome dinners are famous) we may arrange special dining events for our guests. trekking with visits to winery and restaurant , concerts, etc. etc,. - we gladly assist you with advise.

English, German + Italian speaking owner lives on site

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 desertedRead 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

for cooler days there are fantastic hots spring facilities only 45 min drive away

Location Type Away from it all, Rural

Rental fees

Additional notes from owner

All incl. rates for standard occupation for 4 persons: electricity, water, taxes, house insurance; weekly change of bed, bath and table linen, pool towels, bathrobes (on request), hair dryer 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

Overall Rating

• dwalthall
  Siena

  Beautiful location, friendly & welcoming host

  Left on 09/02/2012 for a stay in July 2012
  
  

  Staying at La Tana is wonderful. The property is beautiful, close to historic towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and easy to reach from Florence. Ulrike is a warm, welcoming host, and made us feel right at home with a delicious welcoming dinner.
  Since she lives near her rental apartments, she takes great pride in keeping the grounds beautiful and is easy to reach for all sorts of useful travel assistance, trip suggestions, and naturally great tips on food and wineries! I can see why she has many return guests!

  More Details ►

  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Groups, Families w children

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• Betty and Ian McNeill
  Perth Western Australia

  Location, location, location!

  Left on 06/24/2012 for a stay in May 2012
  
  

  The complete Chianti valley, rustica experience of staying in comfortable stone cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens - the irises were blooming while we were there - plenty of space for kids to run and play while the parents kick back and relax around the pool or on their terraces. Ulrike is a very generous host, full of information and stories about her beloved Toscana. Her dinners are well worth the experience to get to know your fellow travellers as well as part taking in genuine cucina and always great music playing in the background. Every Tuscan tourist high spot is within 1 or 2 hours drive away and if you enjoy driving, you will enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Castellina is a beautiful village and worth many visits to enjoy local produce including the famous Chianti Classico and the best gelato in Italy. Whether you are travelling as a family, group of friends, couple or as an individual this is a great place to stay- even dogs are welcomed as long as they remember Ulrike's dogs are in charge!
  

  More Details ►

  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• cjkent
  Ontario, Canada

  Charming!

  Left on 06/18/2012 for a stay in May 2012
  
  

  We were a party of 4 and the villa was a comfortable size for all of us to relax and "spread out". A perfect location and private with a pretty view out back into the Tuscan hillside. Unfortunately a rainy few days dampened our spirits a bit, but the lovely wood-burning fireplace was a terrific end to the evening (especially with the local wine!!)
  Ulrike's cooking classes are awesome and we have taken our experience home...inspired to cook with more "tuscan" flare!
  Hopefully, we can return someday!

  More Details ►

  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Families, Rugged

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• Fan of Tuscany
  Wakefield

  Stunning location for a family holiday.

  Left on 03/21/2011 for a stay in August 2008
  
  

  Poderi Val Verde is genuinely one of the most lovely places for a holiday. We are returning in July (fourth time) and this time we're taking friends too! The location is perfect for exploring Tuscany, the local town is gorgeous and the warm welcome you receive from the owner makes us keep coming back!

  More Details ►

  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes