La Novizia  

Description from the manager

For a family or small group of couples that wish to immerse themselves in the pleasures of Italian life, this Tuscany villa for rent is the place! You will enjoy your own quiet vacation amidst the beauty of your own peaceful Tuscany villa rental. Day trips to visit nearby cities are a breeze from this Tuscany holiday villa, via the conveniently located SS2 SuperStrada highway from Florence to Siena. It is in the small towns and villages of the Chianti District that you will really enjoy exploring and discovering the many excellent restaurants and vineyards that offer the traveler the chance to sample the bounty of this historic region. And do...n't worry about grocery shopping until you're ready... when you arrive at this [apartment/villa], you'll find dinner waiting, and the refrigerator stocked, so all you have to do is arrive and relax!

The main section of the villa consists of an 11th century tower to which two sections were later added. When this typical Tuscan dwelling was completely and carefully restored, its original structure was consolidated while retaining as much as possible the original materials and features. The villa is one of the central structures on a working farm of 69 acres which specializes in the production of extra virgin olive oil. Adjacent to the villa is another farmhouse where the owner lives [two people], but the outdoor area of the villa [garden, pergola and pool] are completely private and reserved for the exclusive use of the guests. The expansive views from the villa and its garden include the Castle of Santa Maria Novella and stretch across the rolling countryside as far as the towers of San Gimignano. In the large garden surrounding the villa, there is a private gazebo equipped with a barbecue and dining area and lounge chairs positioned to overlook the valley and San Gimignano. The private pool [8.2m in diameter] is above-ground. There is a pool shower and WC provided in the garden under one of the two loggias attached to the villa.

[320 m2] Very elegantly furnished with original antiques, the house consists of three floors and sleeps up to 9 people. Each of the five bedrooms has a large closet and an independent A/C unit, while the other rooms are not air conditioned.

Ground floor: Contains the entrance hall, a small sitting/TV [satellite] room, one double [queen size] bedroom [3 steps at entry] with en suite bathroom [tub, WC], a large kitchen with a large refrigerator/ice maker, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer and a dining area which has a wood burning oven. The kitchen area opens to a loggia and has a WC located adjacent.

1st floor: The large and colorful living room has comfortable sofas and a fireplace, along with access to a small loggia outside [steps into the garden]. There is a double bedroom with an en suite bathroom with tub and separate shower. There is a twin-bedded room and a small bedroom which has a single bed with a pull-out trundle bed [150 Euros extra per week]. These bedrooms share a bathroom with shower.

2nd floor: A stairway with 10 steps leads up to a double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower and WC. Please be aware that the doorway to this room is 20 cm lower than average... So watch your head! The house has 3 loggias.

In the heart of the Chianti District equidistant to Florence and Sienna, an unpaved private road leads down 500 m. to this beautiful, spacious farmhouse set in a wonderful quiet hilltop position. It is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and sentinel cypress in a landscape shaped by centuries of farmers' patient toil. The views across the rolling countryside encompass the Castle of Santa Maria Novella and stretch as far as the towers of San Gimignano.

Livorno: 75 km [coast]

Florence: 35 km

Siena: 35 km

San Gimignano: 17 km

Fiano: 2 km [nearest village with shops]

Available Amenities: Air conditioning, satellite TV, DVD player [with movies for children], telephone [local calls only], cell phone [long distance calls], WIFI internet connection [extra charge], stereo, refrigerator, ice maker, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, iron and ironing board. Housekeeping is included 3 hours per day/6 days per week. Bed linen is changed weekly and towels are changed twice weekly. A gardener comes twice a week and the pool is cleaned twice a week.

Arrive & Relax: This property allows you to show up, drop your bags, and settle in without a hassle. No searching for a grocery store after that long flight, and no worrying about Sunday store closures. You can deal with the details later... after a meal and a good nights' sleep! Arrive & Relax provisions include:

* Welcome Dinner: This simple meal includes a pasta dish, vegetable dish, salad, fruit, bread, and wine. The meal may be served by household staff or left with heating instructions.

* Stocked Pantry: Basic groceries will be provided according to the number in your party. Supplies will include milk, coffee, tea, bread, biscuits, sugar, salt, water, fruit, eggs, oil, butter, jam, orange juice, and cereal.

Extra Services: Extra maid service [10 Euros/hour]; an extra bed or baby bed [Euro 150].

Please Note:

* No more than 3 children accepted.

* The ground floor is not flat: there are steps between several rooms.

* Wireless internet connection: 20 euros per week

Minimum Stay: 7

Check-In: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Check-In: 4:00pm - 7:00pmRead more

Additional Location Information

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• Jill
  

  Jill's review of La Novizia

  Left on 07/24/2010 for a stay in July 2010
  
  

  Overall it was very good to excellent.
  
  The location and view of Tuscany were absolutely stunning.
  
  Perhaps the mosquitoes and some of the modern conveniences we are used to in the States--but this is not inherent to the property by any means.
  
  The beauty and proximity to everything--the wineries and beautiful walled cities.

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• Nick
  

  Nick's review of La Novizia

  Left on 10/31/2008 for a stay in October 2008
  
  

  Overall, we loved it!
  
  The beauty, yet comfort, of the villa, the outside areas, and without question, the views.
  
  If I have to answer this, I guess I would say the noise of the workers in the early morning.
  
  Visiting the many small hilltop towns and enjoying the incredible food.

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• Elsa
  

  Elsa's review of La Novizia

  Left on 07/31/2008 for a stay in July 2008
  
  

  The property, location, and welcome dinner were excellent.
  
  The location was excellent for touring the region and the house had a lot of charm with a great view.
  
  We found the lack of privacy an issue, as the owner's mother lived steps away from where we spent 90% of our time.
  
  The trips to Siena, Florence and surrounding towns was wonderful.

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• Alexandra
  

  Alexandra's review of La Novizia

  Left on 07/31/2008 for a stay in July 2008
  
  

  We had a marvelous time at La Novizia. We spent the second week of our three-week holiday in Italy there and it was a restful haven.
  
  We loved the setting and the expansive views of the dreamy Tuscan countryside. The house is authentic and charming and yet has all the modern conveniences: air-conditioned bedrooms, essential in July, washer-dryer and a clothesline with a view! and dishwasher. It is perfectly maintained and kept impeccably clean by the maid who comes in daily. The pool, while not enormous, was a refreshing respite at the end of the day and the site of a great deal of family fun. Its setting among rosemary bushes and lavender added aromatherapy to our splashing!
  
  The kitchen, though charming and authentic, is not very practical because of the fact that it is built on two levels.
  
  We visited Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Certaldo, all of which are within easy driving distance of the villa. We had also planned to see some other nearby towns but were seduced into spending a couple of quiet days just enjoying the property.

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• Tammy
  

  Tammy's review of La Novizia

  Left on 08/31/2007 for a stay in August 2007
  
  

  I would recommend this property to anyone interested in a relaxing and 'authentic' atmosphere!
  
  The overall ambiance was fantastic - we really felt like we were in the heart of Tuscany...and the view was out-of-this world!
  
  Loved the small towns and proximity to some of the major cities we wanted to visit, such as Siena and Florence. We took a one-day bike trip which was another highlight. The trip was not strenuous and the guide really gave us a lot of history about the region. The company is called Bicycle Tuscany.

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• Janet
  

  Janet's review of La Novizia

  Left on 10/31/2006 for a stay in October 2006
  
  

  The villa was everything I wanted, hoped for, and more. The interiors were beautifully appointed, and just being in a 12th century villa was a treat in itself.
  
  I loved the kitchen with the old sink and stone fireplace. The views from the lawn were magnificent!!!! It had views of the hill towns of Tuscany that went on for ever (a great spot for morning coffee and evening cocktails) . The views from the bedrooms (and loved the wooden window doors) overlooked the same gorgeous views. We woke every morning to the sounds of the church bell towers off in the distance and the resident rooster. We used the dining table under the outdoor vined pergola for breakfast and dinner. Elena, the owner that lived on site in a smaller separate villa, was a delight and very helpful when we had questions. The villa was well appointed with amenities. Each bathroom had hair dryers, ample towels, soap, shampoo, toilet paper. The kitchen had a modern refrigerator and ice maker. The villa has a small washer/dryer.

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• Murray
  

  Murray's review of La Novizia

  Left on 09/30/2006 for a stay in September 2006
  
  

  The rustic style of the house is very appealing. The house is best suited for 3 couples and 3 children as it has 3 good bedrooms all with en suite plumbing.
  
  The fourth bedroom has twin beds and no en suite bathroom. The pool is small, and the property would benefit from a large pool and deck area.
  
  The countryside is very picturesque.

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• Kathleen
  

  Kathleen's review of La Novizia

  Left on 06/30/2006 for a stay in June 2006
  
  

  We loved being there and plan to return next year!
  
  The view is breathtaking! Loved having our morning coffee in the lawn chairs just taking in the scenery. Owner was very hospitable and really helped us with our poor Italian. She speaks English very well and did everything to make our stay very enjoyable.
  
  Kitchen is very poorly lit and could use a couple of new fixtures. maybe. The downstairs bathroom needed some type of shower curtain around the bath to make it easier to use and not get water everywhere. Overall, though, our stay was wonderful!!!
  
  Absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. Watch the local drivers, though. The roads are pretty narrow and difficult for two vehicles at a time in some places. The local restaurants in Barberino and Fiorno were great! Try to speak the language if at all possible. We found the local people really appreciated our making an attempt.

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