A spacious villa apartment on an ancient farming estate

Accommodation

From the entrance hall at the back of the villa two short stairways lead up to this first floor apartment and the landing which connects to living and sleeping quarters. To the left are doors to the living room and a large country kitchen with a dining table for 8, marble sink and counter top and an open fireplace, a feature much appreciated by late Autumn or early Spring guests. A wide arch leads from the kitchen to a comfortable living room furnished with armchairs and a sofa set against a brick-faced wall. While there is a shower room off the landing, there are two other showers rooms in the sleeping accommodations, one ensuite to a twin bedroom, and another, equipped with twin sinks and a washing machine, adjacent to the large double bedroom.

The largest of the estate apartments, Ambra offers further accommodation in the large furnished attic, which is accessed via a stairway from the central landing. Contrary to most attics, this space is generous, partially lit by natural light and beautifully restored, with terracotta flooring and oak beams overhead. Furnished with a sofa for TV viewing, a table for 4 and two double beds, as well as two shower rooms, this may be an ideal spot for family group or teenage friends.

Local area

Very likely a first outing will be to the charming medieval town you can spot from the estate pool. Once famous for its position on the Via Francigena, the ancient road to Rome, scenic San Miniato now draws pilgrims in search of the prized white truffle. Being halfway between Pisa and Florence may have put you in harm's way in the Middle Ages, but it is a definite plus for the modern adventurer and visitors can hop aboard a nearby train or drive to the heart of these Tuscan cities quite worthy of the many pages in their guidebooks. Other day trips include ventures to the skyscrapers of the Middle Ages in San Gimignano, the beautiful shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in Siena or the beaches of the Versilia sea coast. Yet staying at the estate means having wonderful staff on hand to help set up local wine tasting, truffle hunting or canoeing on a nearby lake. At this property you won't be at a loss for something to do, though don't be surprised if a poolside sunbed and a gentle breeze in the olive trees persuade you to put off that doing to another day.

Features

Things to note