Montioni is a tower house on the Florentine Hills in Chianti, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards facing the Arno Valley and with views to the Pratomagno Mountains. The city of Florence is only some ten miles distant and the town of Pontassieve just two miles away will provide you with good local shopping, supermarkets, banks, post office and railway station. Nearby Rosano has an excellent local restaurant and there is a local shop for your daily 'basics'.

This is a wonderful area for a holiday in Tuscany. Picturesque rolling hills offer a myriad of colours in any season and you are well placed for visits by either road or train to the beautiful city of Florence. Days out can be enjoyed in the Tuscan Hills where you can take a drive to Arezzo or Siena, or explore the wine growing areas around Greve and Rada in Chianti.

Montioni is steeped in history. The tower, built of white limestone, dates from the twelfth century and was restored in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The owners live in an adjoining house. They will make you most welcome and will do everything possible to make sure you have a most enjoyable stay. Those interested in cooking may wish to take part in a cookery course - offered by the owner - this can be arranged in advance or booked just prior to your visit (subject to availability) and you can also enjoy the most delicious traditional Tuscan meals by arrangement, or even purchase local products e.g. honey and olive oil. The owners are happy to arrange a tour of Montioni farm or the Montioni countryside - please ask for details.

The setting is delightful with plenty of opportunities for walking in picturesque countryside direct from the house.

Outside there is a wonderful terrace with panoramic views with garden tables and chairs for eating out of doors - it makes a lovely place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Extra Activities: Can be booked in advance - please ask for details and costs.
* Tuscan Dinner - enjoy a home cooked Tuscan meal with the owners including an aperitif, three courses and wine (meat, fish or vegetarian options available).
* Evening Cooking Course - in the owners' kitchen, learn to prepare a full Tuscan meal (aperitif, homemade pasta/ravioli, main and dessert). After your course, enjoy your meal with the owners.
* Full Day Tours - choice of two routes (10.00 - 17.30, stop off enroute to buy lunch. Minimum of two people). Tour One - set off in an off road vehicle to visit the castles, churches and landscapes that inspired Leonardo da Vinci. Tour Two - off road tour through the Chianti landscape visiting woods and villages of outstanding beauty.
* Mountain Bike Hire - half-day 2.50 Euros each and full day 5 Euros each. Guided excursions available.

Notes: We really liked these two unusual properties although we do feel that each would be better when occupied by only two people.

Please note that there is wireless internet access which will enable you to use your laptop. (This access may be intermittent and therefore, we can not guarantee that it will be available for all/part of your stay.)

 

The two apartments in the tower of Montioni are described as follows:

TORRE BASSA
Property Ref. 620 - Sleeps 2+1

On the ground floor with its own outside entrance through an arched doorway into the main open plan living/dining room. Single 'captain's style' sofa bed. (TV with Italian stations only and radio/tape recorder with CD.) Door through to one double bedroom. The kitchen is equipped with oven, hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine, Italian coffee pot and toaster. Bathroom includes bath with shower attachment, also hairdryer. The property has terracotta floors throughout and is furnished in antique style with some good quality original pieces. Central heating available for out of season use.

TORRE ALTA
Property Ref. 621 - Sleeps 2+2

Accessed by its own covered staircase on the outside of the tower Torre Alta is arranged on two floors. The first floor is open plan with living/dining room and kitchenette equipped as Torre Bassa. Fine views from the windows (TV with Italian stations only and radio/tape recorder with CD). Double sofa bed.

Open tread stairs to the top floor where there is a spacious double-bedded room with views of the Arno Valley. Bathroom includes bath with shower attachment, also hairdryer.

Terracotta floors and beamed ceiling to the living area whilst the bedroom has a wooden floor and beamed ceiling. The property offers a mixture of antique and more modern style furniture. Central heating available for out of season use.

 

Prices are per week per property in Pounds Sterling

Year 2010 Weeks commencing	Torre Alta	Torre Bassa
1/5 - 23/10	£599	£599
Other periods	£545	£545
Christmas/New Year	-- Please Enquire --
These prices are inclusive of linen, towels, power, welcome pack and final clean. Heating, if used, is by meter reading. Security deposit 150 Euros taken on arrival. Dinner and cooking lessons can be arranged - please ask for details.

 

Additional Information At all properties towels are included with the linen. Please ask for the prices for Christmas if not stated. The Security deposit may be paid in the Sterling equivalent. Changeovers - bookings are from Saturday to Saturday unless otherwise stated (in low season changeover days can be more flexible - please ask). Arrivals are between 4pm and 7pm. Departure is by 10am. All properties are cleaned after your departure, but we do ask clients to leave their accommodation as they found it. If you don't find the location you are looking for on the web site do enquire further. We may have additional properties currently in preparation which may be of interest to you.

 

** Low season price £545 for all available weeks in August and September. ** Please contact us for more details.

Please note that each offer above cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. All offers apply to new bookings only and are subject to availability.