Giotto

Giotto is a historic farmhouse converted into a private villa, situated on top of a hill in Tuscany near Florence, with a splendid 360° view overlooking the valley below. The foundations of this villa were built at the end of the 14th century and it was inhabited by resident bailiffs from 1700. It hasn't lost any of its old-fashioned charm, conserving the atmosphere of farmhouses from the past while offering all the modern day comforts.

The farmhouse is near the village of Vicchio, famous for being the birthplace of Giotto, the celebrated Italian Renaissance painter. The farmhouse, situated on a hillside which forms part of a large agricultural estate that produces olive oil and wine, is surrounded by a lovely garden which borders on one side onto a country lane occasionally used by cars during the day. Just outside of Vicchio is the beginning of the "Strada del Vino Chianti Rufina DOCG and Pomino DOC" (Wine Road).

The garden has a covered parking area near the gated entrance and a pergola with a table for eating ‘al fresco’, next to the original stables which have been converted into an open space with built in barbecue. Crossing the garden between roses of many colors, one reaches the swimming pool, positioned in an area which looks like the bow of a ship. From here one can enjoy a very special rural landscape, where it is difficult to catch sight of any sign of modern civilization. The love of country tradition is evident in the recent renovation, with wooden beams on the ceilings and the antique fireplace in the kitchen which is big enough to sit inside as the farm workers did once upon a time to warm up.

For lovers of water sports, Lake Bilancino is located a few minutes from Vicchio stretching out over 5 square kilometers.

Features & Amenities

• Table tennis room
• External laundry room
• Washing machine
• Satellite TV
• CD player
• Fireplaces
• Mosquito nets
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• ADSL dial up internet connection (charges may apply)

Outdoor Features

• Al fresco dining
• Swimming pool (1.40 m x 2.20 m)
• Partially fenced garden
• Covered BBQ area
• Al fresco dining

Staff & Services Included

• Maid service (3 hours, twice/week)
• Weekly change of linens and towels
• Final cleaning on Saturday
• Normal use of hot/cold water
• Electricity (up to 330 kW per week - any usage beyond this will be metered and charged locally at the time of check out. Charges vary greatly but can be as high as ~€0.80 per kW)

• Villa pre-stocking
• Car rental
• Airport transfers
• Telephone charges
• Air conditioning (will be metered and charged locally upon check out)
• Heating (will be metered and charged locally upon check out

Villa Policies

• Maximum 8 guests
• Children are welcome
• Small pets allowed
• Non-smoking villa
• Security deposit to be held on credit card authorization by Luxury Retreats
• All services not included in rates are to be paid locally.
• All rentals from Saturday to Saturday
• Check-in: Between 4pm-7pm (late arrivals must be arranged in advance and may be subject to additional charges)
• Check-out: Before 9am

Getting There

• Rental car recommended
• Transport available

Location:

• 2 KM (1.2 MI) to Vicchio (supermarket, bank, tennis court, etc.)
• 2 KM (1.2 MI) to train station
• 5 KM (3 MI) to horseback riding
• 20 KM (12 MI) to sailing and windsurfing activities on Lake Bilancino
• 25 KM (15.5 MI) to golf course
• 35 KM (22 MI) to Florence
• 40 KM (24 MI) to Florence Airport(FLR)
• 70 KM (43 MI) to San Gimignano
• 70 KM (43 MI) to Arezzo
• 80 KM (50 MI) to Siena
• 90 KM (60 MI) to Lucca
• 90 KM (60 MI) to Pisa
• 310 KM (192 MI) to Rome Airport (FCO)

Additional Information:

From the garden you might hear cars passing occasionally along a narrow country lane. Trains depart to Florence every hour from Vicchio). For more information, visit www.trenitalia.com