Air-conditioned villa for 8 | Fenced Swimming pool | 1 hour from Pisa airport

Accommodation

Tucked back from the road leading up to the village, the stone facade of the villa, striking with its arched entry and crenellated roofline, only hints at its spacious interior. For once inside, the open plan layout and wide glass doors and windows connect living spaces to the amazing vistas to the rear of the house. The entry hall flows into a living area with comfortable sofas and armchairs and an adjacent dining table for 8 in front of a large open fireplace. The line of arched windows that provide diners with a view is echoed in the glass door from a stylish marble-countered kitchen that accesses a walkway to the large rear terrace. Furnished with a dining table to seat the household and divans under a protective gazebo, the terrace has sweeping views of gently rolling hills and the swimming pool and olive grove in the grounds below. There are two twin bedrooms on the ground floor, which can be made up as double bedrooms on request; both have ensuite shower rooms and doors leading to the side garden. The upper floor is reached via pietra serena stone staircase from the living area. On this level there are two double bedrooms, each with ensuite shower room - one with a furnished balcony, the other connected by stairs to the rooftop terrace. Each bedroom and shower room is unique in its decor, but all share a sense of elegance, comfort and attention to detail that leaves one feeling pampered.

A wide terracotta walkway and gravel path lead from the terrace down past green lawns to the pool area where sun beds and umbrellas sit on a wide stone patio facing the Era river valley. While guests at Valdera overlook the pool of the neighbouring property, no one directly looks on to the back terrace or pool area of Valdera.

Local area

Though the view gives one the sense of being immersed in the countryside, the village is only a stroll away, and a morning cappuccino, an evening pizza or even a game of tennis are all within easy reach. Being midway between historic San Gimignano and Volterra means a 15 min. drive brings you to either the Town of Towers or the City of Alabaster. In the former, famed medieval skyscrapers, open-air concerts seen from the steps of the church and Vernaccia wine are but some of the reasons for visiting the popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. High on its plateau, Volterra, one of the oldest cities in Italy, has less tourist density, but is no less fascinating for its three millenia of civilization, brought to life via its summer festivals and in the wonderful Etruscan collection in the Museo Guarnacci. Both Volterra and nearby San Miniato are noted for their truffles, so keep eyes on local menus. Only slightly farther afield is Siena, home of one of the loveliest piazzas in Tuscany and Vinci, the birthplace of the genius of Leonardo. Even Florence, Pisa and the seaside are only an hour away, which makes Valdera rich in day trip possibilities. Don't be surprised, however, if the view from the terrace and sense of being well looked after cause you to consider staying closer to home.

Features

Things to note

This property requires a security deposit of Euro 200 on arrival to cover the Tourist tax and eventual use of air-conditioning. Please ensure you have the necessary cash to leave with the owner or caretaker.