Our well appointed two bedroom/two bath apartment sits within the walls of an ancient fortress town midway between Florence and Siena. We, the owners (an American and Italian), are proud to say we strived to keep the apartment's old world charm during the restoration process. It paid off, as our home was ultimately featured Italian architectural magazine.. (Case di Campagna).
The fortress town dates back to 1198. Our second floor apartment (2 flights up to our front door) is part of the ancient walls of the medieval fortress. Remodeled some years back, the interior reflects the hamlet's old world charm while still offering 21st century comforts. The master bedroom (up a short flight of stone steps off the main room), offers an ensuite bathroom with shower. The intimate rooftop terrace and the room's bifora window truly grace our guests with a 360° view of Tuscany. The second bedroom, on the main level, offers the same enchanting view of Tuscany’s silvery olive groves and patchwork vineyards. This bedroom has been set up as a second master with a queen size bed. The bathroom, with its walk-in shower) is adjacent to the bedroom. Note: upon advance request we can make up this bedroom with two single beds as opposed to a queen.
The main room is an open space, comprising a well-equipped kitchen alcove and a dining table that comfortably seats six (even twelve if opened). This dining/living area has two comfortable sofas and an armchair that makes into a single bed (if needed).
The owner, a Tuscan cooking instructor and cookbook author, ensures guests will find everything they need to prepare a savory Tuscan meal in the apartment's fingertip kitchen. There is a traditional oven, microwave, four burner gas stove top and dishwasher. There is a washing machine in the apartment, a drying rack, iron and ironing board.
There is wifi throughout the apartment with 24 hour free access. There is also a television in the living area for those who want to brush up on their Italian by watching Italian news, flicks and variety t.v.!
The hamlet, a typical medieval cobblestone fortress town boasts of two archways (one to enter the hamlet and one to exit). Built around the year 1198, the hamlet still boasts an enchanting medieval aire. Our property is located on the main cobblestone street midway between the two archways. Within the walls one will find three excellent restaurants, two wine bars, and a handful of shops. Outside the walls of the fortress (a two minute stroll), there are two banks with ATM machines, two coffee bars, two grocery stores (one with freshly baked goods daily), a pharmacy, a post office and more. There are buses running to and from Florence and Siena (55 minutes in either direction) from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. weekdays and also a few on the weekends. Tickets must be purchased on-line or at the tabacchi in the nearby village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (2 km away).
The neighboring medieval towns of Certaldo Alto (quaint hilltop fortress) and San Gimignano (The Manhattan of Tuscany) are within a 20 minute drive of the property. There are numerous other quaint hilltop towns scattered around this enchanting region, known as Chiantishire to the English. We highly recommend renting a car to explore the area's many hidden treasures.
The nearest town to the hamlet is Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa. There is a lovely footpath connecting this modern village to Barberino Val D'Elsa. The path (lined with olive trees) is approximately 2 kms long. Point of interest: Tavarnelle has a lovely outdoor market on Thursday mornings from 8a.m. to 1 p.m. Great place to mingle with the locals and pick up organic veggies, shoes, trendy clothes and more.
So, if mingling with the locals in a sleepy fortress town in Tuscany while sipping wine in an enchanting little square is on your wish list, then Barberino and our flat is the perfect place to do just that.
We are always happy to supply additional information about the area to traveling guests (i.e. festivals, fairs, wineries to visit, art shows etc). Culinary workshops in the property or in Florence for those ‘foodies’ can also be arranged with advance notice. Ask about private dining with English speaking hosts in Florentine homes as well.
For those who wish to swim or sunbath during the summer, we are happy to direct you to two lovely outdoor pools with garden settings nearby. For a nominal entrance fee, one can spend a relaxing afternoon swimming or sunbathing while mingling with the locals.
