Casale Elsa

Surrounded by olive groves

Casale Elsa is a perfect starting point to explore Tuscany: situated in the heart of Chianti, the major attractions of the region can easily be reached. It is only a 15 minutes' drive to the jewel of San Gimignano, and within an hour you can reach both Florence and Siena.

Closer are some lesser-known treasures: On the next hill lies the romantic old town of Certaldo, abuzz each July with its medieval pageant, the Mercantia, during the summer months concerts and art exhibitions are hold here. In Certaldo (4 km) you will find all kind of grocery shops, a supermarket, post office, banks, bars and restaurants. In the other direction lie San Vivaldo, a Franciscan monastery with its 13th century chapels, and Montaione, whose pedestrianised old centre is packed with shops and restaurants.

A short drive along a country lane lined with cypresses, leads to the property (500 m dirt road). Casale Elsa dates back to the 19th-century. The original building was just the Tower, built to see the arrival of strangers. Through the years, the structure has been enlarged to its present form. Once a modest farmhouse it has been completely restored in 1992 and converted into seven rustic apartments. One is retained by the owners who are there to enjoy the peace of the countryside on occasional weekends.

The large main house with tower houses 5 apartments (one of which of the owners), a smaller detached barn houses 2 apartments. The property, immersed in the magical atmosphere of the Tuscan hills, is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, fields of sunflowers, cherry trees, walnut trees and woods. On return from a day out, you can relax with a swim in the pool, enjoying the nature and the peace of the estate. The pool is set in middle of a large and well-kept lawn.

All apartments have an outdoor area for al fresco dining, there is or a covered patio (loggia) or an outdoor area with with parasol. When you prefer to dine out, there's a wide selection of restaurants within 10 minutes' drive, you will find a list of restaurant recommendations and useful hints about the region in the apartment.

All apartments have bedrooms which have beds that can be made up into either twin or double beds. (Please advise us of your preference at the time of booking). The apartments are equipped with satellite TV and dishwasher, there is a hair dryer in each bathroom, a fan in each bedroom and screens in all windows. Furthermore there are a shared laundry, two BBQs, a private drive with automatic entrance gate and a parking with shadow roofs.

The villa's location only 4 km from the railway station of Certaldo is a good base to visit Florence and Siena even without a car: You can park your car in Certaldo (free parking behind the railway station) and take the train in both directions.

During the week, trains to Florence/Siena and back go regularly (approx. every 1.5 or 2 hours). The train ride takes about 1.5 hours. In Florence the train will take you to the main train station which is right in the centre of Florence - it is just a short walk from the station "Santa Maria Novella" to the Cathedral or the Uffizi. In Siena the railway station is located approx. 3 km from centre, and you have to take a bus to reach the old town on top of the hill. One hour of driving takes you to the sea.