Unique castle in the Chianti region. 6 bedrooms, A/C, Wi-Fi and swimming pool

Every building in the Tuscan landscape is pervaded of the many cultures that inhabited it throughout the centuries. About 30 Km from Florence, the castle, built on the ancient Via Francigena connecting France to Rome, is a shining example, evoking a multitude of ancient influences. The castle's history dates back to 1210, when the Counts Alberti di Certaldo, chief of the ruling Longobard family that dominated the nearby Elsa valley, built Caput Aulae, as the centre of Val d'Elsa's court.

The Alberti family owned and lived in this fabulous castle, later transforming it into an elegant country mansion, until the 17th century. Traces of the original 13th century fortified castle are still discernible in the square brick tower and the defensive walls alongside the villa.

The castle then fell into the possession of the Brandini family, one of the most important families of Castelfiorentino, owners of various farms and a bank. In 1900 Alice Brandini married the entrepreneur Cesare Puccioni, grandfather of the current owner.

The owners have personally overseen the restoration of the Castle, maintaining all the charm and uniqueness of a historical home. Here, the warmth and hospitality that has always been a feature of Castello del Chianti is still very much appreciated today.

The castle, perched atop a hill, has been completely restored whilst maintianing the spirit and atmosphere of a noble mansion. It can easily accomodate 12 people in luxurious comfort (a maximum number of 4 children aged 12 or less).

ACCOMODATION: Ground Floor: On the ground floor, the front door leads into a large, cosy living room with a fireplace. On the left, a beautiful marble staircase winds up to the first floor. From the living room a corridor provides access to the rest of the house. The spacious and fully equipped kitchen on the right has terracotta flooring and wooden beamed ceilings. Along the corridor, beyond a guest bathroom, there is a sumptuous dining room with French windows that access the courtyard. Further on, the Yellow living room with fireplace has a reading room alcove with TV, computer with broadband line and fax. To the right, the double bedroom of Federico Barbarossa has an en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi bath.

First Floor: On the first floor, at the top of the marble staircase, a long corridor leads to the bedrooms. On the right there is the Yellow double bedroom – again with en-suite bathroom with shower and Jacuzzi bath. To the left there are two twin bedrooms, the Celeste and the Pink bedroom - both with their own bathrooms, one with shower and tub and the other with shower. Towards the end of the corridor on the left a double bedroom with outside balcony overlooks the front yard. It is next to its own bathroom with both shower and Jacuzzi bath. There is also a laundry room with wardrobe and second staircase leading down to the ground floor.

XII century tower: The annex is a medieval tower standing alongside the villa (part of the original castle) and has its own access. From the living room on the ground floor a staircase takes you up to a double bedroom with its own bathroom with shower. With a breathtaking roof terrace.

PLEASE NOTE: On the first floor of the villa, with an independent entrance on the back, there is a small flat for the staff. They are always available but invisible when not needed.

EQUIPMENTS: Air conditioning (available in all the property), swimming pool that measures 10 x 5 m, Jacuzzi, Jacuzzi tubs in 4 bathrooms, maid service 3 hours/6 times a week (living on site, Sunday available on request), local cook on request, breakfast for 6 days (Sunday available on request), linen change once a week, food delivery service on request, heating at extra cost, safes in every bedrooms, computer with broadband line, satellite TV, VCR and DVD player, telephone extra cost, dishwasher, washing machine and BBQ.

GARDEN & SWIMMING POOL: In front of the Villa a big garden with a breathtaking view on the Tuscan countryside: dramatic views of the undulating, fertile countryside below, as far as the towered town of San Gimignano which is just visible on the horizon to the south. A staircase leads down to the swimming pool of 10 x 5 meters and 1.4 deep (open from 15 April to 30 September) surrounded by a lawn and an arcaded loggia. Behind is a shower and a fridge.

Lemon House: Limonaia converted into a casual sitting room, with six arched windows offering sweeping views of surrounding countryside. Breathtaking roof terrace. Wine press dated 1743 and cellar with a selection of fine wines available for the guests.

Chapel: XIII century chapel dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, restored in the XVIII century, contains a XIII century crypt.

---------- PLEASE NOTE ----------

The price includes: gas, water, electricity (consumption up to 300 KW); cleaning rooms is done 7 days in the week between 09.00 a.m. and 12.00 a.m.; continental breakfast is done 7 days from 8.00 a.m. until 11.30 a.m.; linen and towels change once a week; baby cot (on request).

The price excludes (to be paid to the property): electricity consumption over the first 300 KW: Euro 0.70 per unit; occupancy tax: Euro 1 per person per night for the first 6 day of stay (adults and children from 14 years); heating (if used): Euro 5.50 per unit (this will be calculated according to the fuel used to heat the house 2 days prior to the customer’s arrival and during their stay).

Keys deposit: Euro 800.00 in cheque, cash or credit card number as guarantee (Visa/MasterCard) (It will be refunded on departure, provided that no damages were caused by the client).