Holiday San Martino alla Palma, Florentine Hills, Tuscany, Italy

Apartments in San Martino alla Palma, Florentine Hills, Tuscany, Italy

Hilltop Country Cottage, a Stones Throw from Florence
The Property is Set in Beautiful Countryside, Surrounded by Olive, Groves and Outstanding View
Three x 1 Bedroom Apartments

Owner profile Check availability  Contact owner 
View of  hamlet
View of hamlet
Apt 1, ' La Stalla', terrace
Apt 1, ' La Stalla', terrace


The farmhouse retains all the original Tuscan characteristics, but provides modern amenities. It's set in a most beautiful position. Perched up on a hill, with excellent exposure, therefore plenty of breeze in hot summers. Private parking (40 yds). Close to Florence city centre (8 miles), 10 mins from motorways (coast, Pisa, Arezzo, Siena, etc). These cannot be seen or heard. Shop and bakery within 5 mins drive. Typical country 'trattorias' also very close (5 mins).
At the bottom of the hill there is a tramway which goes right into the centre of Florence (rail/station > Stazione di S.Maria Novella - last stop) in 15-20 mins. You can park your car next to the tramway, free of charge (4 miles away from the property, in Scandicci). The ticket machine is next to the tram (€1.20pp freq. ev. 5 mins). To avoid fines, don't forget to annul yr ticket once you are on the tram.
Owners organic extra virgin olive oil, organic jams, preserves, chutneys, organic fruit and wines, can be purchased.



Apt 2 - 'La Vista' living-room, kitchen
Apt 2 - 'La Vista' living-room, kitchen
Apt.2 - 'La Vista' - roof-terrace
Apt.2 - 'La Vista' - roof-terrace

 

More photos
'La Stalla' (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2) Prices Currency Conversion
Rental Period Per Night Per Week Per Month Min. Stay (Nights)
1 December 2011 - 14 February 2012 €45 €280 -
15 February 2012 - 31 March 2012 €55 €350 -
1 April 2012 - 31 May 2012 €55 €420 -
1 June 2012 - 31 August 2012 €70 €480 -
1 September 2012 - 31 October 2012 €65 €510 -
1 November 2012 - 30 November 2012 €55 €350 -
1 December 2012 - 14 February 2013 €45 3
1 December 2012 - 14 February 2013 £280 -

 

'La Vista' (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2/4) Prices
Rental Period Per Night Per Week Per Month Min. Stay (Nights)
15 February 2012 - 31 March 2012 €65 €420 -
1 April 2012 - 31 May 2012 €75 €510 -
1 June 2012 - 31 August 2012 €85 €580 -
1 November 2012 - 30 November 2012 €65 €420 -
1 December 2012 - 14 February 2013 €350 -

 

'L'Acetaia' (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2/4) Prices
Rental Period Per Night Per Week Per Month Min. Stay (Nights)
1 December 2011 - 14 February 2012 €55 €280 -
15 February 2012 - 31 March 2012 €65 €420 -
1 April 2012 - 31 May 2012 €80 3
31 May 2012 - 31 May 2012 €540 -
1 June 2012 - 31 August 2012 €90 €615 -
1 September 2012 - 1 September 2012 €80 3
1 September 2012 - 31 October 2012 €540 -
1 November 2012 - 30 November 2012 €65 €420 -
1 December 2012 - 14 February 2013 €55 €350 -

 

Notes on prices
For 3d and 4th guests in the 'L'Acetaia' and 'La Vista' apartments there is an added 5 Euro charge per person per night.

We apply a 5% discount for 2 week stays.

Changeover day
Changeover day is flexible. Arrival time: preferably not sooner than 3pm up to 8pm. Departure: preferably before 10am
In other cases please advise. Thank you.

Accommodation
Check availability 'La Stalla' (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2)
40sq.m flat (originally a stable) with all its original 13th cent.features, original cypress beamed ceiling in the bedroom and original manger and beautiful romantic archway (13th century), with access to the kitchen!
Bedroom/living room with comfortable double bed, an antique round table with 4 chairs, TV, WIFI, access to tiled bathroom with shower, basin, WC.
Kitchen: 4 ring stove, microwave, sink, fridge, washing-machine, small kitchen-table, cutlery.
Terrace: small private terrace and access to main garden, deck chairs, umbrella, table and chairs.
Barbecue available.
This apartment has a separate entrance, with easy access.

 

Check availability 'La Vista' (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2/4)
60 sq.m flat on 1st floor, with its original 13th century features. Beamed ceilings in both bedroom and kitchen/living-room.
Bedroom with twin-bed with old country furniture and the most breathtaking view of Tuscan countryside!
Bathroom: basin, bidet, shower.
Kitchen/living room with 4 ring stove, oven, large fridge (with freezer compartment), washing-machine, microwave, cutlery. Satellite TV, WIFI, 2 sofa-beds, fire-place, antique round legged table with 4 chairs and other old country furniture.
Terrace: wooden folding outdoor table with 4 wooden folding chairs + umbrella with lovely view of the surroundings.
Small barbecue available.
It has its own separate entrance with original, local stone, flight of stairs.

 

Check availability 'L'Acetaia' (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2/4)
50sq.ms on 2 floors. Always part of the 13th century (ex-barn-vinegar room) building. Completely renovated.
Ground floor: access to living-room, double sofa-bed and kitchen (separated by a narrow archway), with 4 ring-stove, oven, basin, fridge, washing-machine, cutlery. Satellite TV, WIFI,table and 4 chairs.
Bathroom with shower, basin and wc.
1st floor. Bedroom: large double-bed with a very cosy setting, with lovely view from the arched window. Original antique farmhouse furniture.
Bathroom with two basins, large mirror, bidet, wc and shower. Terrace : large 50 sq.m private terrace with 3m wide umbrella and white wrought-iron table with 4 white wrought-iron chairs, surrounded by Mediterranean aromatic shrubs and olive trees. Barbecue.
Independent access.

 

Notes on accommodation
There is heating in all the apartments. Each apartment is provided with radiators which are heated with a GPL Gas system. We also have the latest models of kerosene stoves, which are quite practical. They can be programmed so that you don't have to heat the apartment all day. If you are arriving late or on a Sunday when some shops may be shut, we are willing to do the shopping for you. Please let us know in good time. As I can organize weddings for English speaking people in the whole Florence area, I can make an all inclusive, very special deal : all wedding paperwork, interpreting at Florence T.H, lodging for the couple and a few relations and friends (i.e. witnesses). Please don't hesitate, just call or send an email.

Accessibility
The property can be accessible to elderly people, especially the 'La Stalla' apartment, for there are just 2 steps (it's not yet suitable for wheelchair users). Private parking, close access to apartments.

Outside
There are gardens and walks all around the property. Each flat has the possibility of using a barbecue. The 3 apartments are all provided with garden furniture (including umbrellas) to rest or sit in the sun. The 2 dogs belonging to the owners love children to play with them.

Coast/Beach
Close to one of the largest artificial lakes (the largest in Europe. Get on A1 motorway - Milan - exit 'Barberino di Mugello' 20 miles from property). The sea, towards Livorno- south- on the FI-PI-LI (no toll double carr.road) about 1 hours drive (pay attention to 90km/h speed limit cameras!). 50 miles to the coast. There are both sandy and rocky beaches between Livorno and Cecina, the easiest to get to of the area.

Special interest holidays
This is one of the best Chianti areas of Tuscany 'Chianti Colli Fiorentini', where some of the most prestigious wines are produced. The owner and his wife, on request, have cooking classes for a minimum of 2 people to a max of 4. The owner also organizes wine-tours in the heart of the Chianti area and the Montalcino area where the famous Brunello wine is produced (with his car or w/guests car). Close by (10 mns drive) there is a production of the most famous pottery and terracotta in Tuscany: Montelupo. There are hand-made terracotta factories in the area. The tradition dates back to the Etruscan populations (6th cent BC). There's an interesting ceramic museum in the centre of Montelupo which is worth visiting (it has just been renovated). Empoli is another town close to Montelupo also with Etruscan origins and famous for its glass. Glass factories can be visited. Museums in Florence - If you want to avoid queues you better book your entrances: from abroad (+39)055 294 883.

Travel
Car hire is essential. The cheapest flights (Ryanair, EasyJet, Air One) land in Pisa. There are all the main car-rental companies you need. Try always to make a deal with the company you are flying with. Florence Airport A.Vespucci: 10km (15/20 mins). Pisa airport G.Galilei: 71km (consider 50/55 mins). Florence railway station: 13km (20/25 mins). Rome Airport Fiumicino: 290km (3.5 hours). Milan Airport Linate: 330km (3 hours 50 mins).

Distances
Scandicci (local town): 6.6km (4 miles).
Florence town centre: 13km (8 miles).
Siena A1- Fi, Siena road: 78km (49 miles).
Arezzo - A1 motorway: 87km (54 miles).
Pisa - FI.PI.LI.road: 73km (45 miles).

Further details
Distance from local supermarkets. Ipercoop: 5.5km (Lastra a Signa). Coop: 7.5km (Viale Nenni) bet. Scand. and Firenze. Esselunga: 12km. (Via Canova) Isolotto - Firenze. Penny Market: 6.5km (Via Pisana) Casellina - Scandicci. Lidl: 11km, (Via Cortona) Firenze. Local activities: walking, trekking, cycling, horse-riding, ballooning, fishing, mushrooming, bird-watching, wine tasting is possible in the area. The owner is also in contact with the famous White Truffle 'finders' (with legal authorization from local authorities), Usually this takes place between September & November, or March & April. We can organize a whole day out with these experts with specially trained dogs. Swimming pool 10 mins drive, just outside Lastra-a-Signa.

Booking notes
We accept bookings with 50% deposit and balance to be paid on arrival in cash. Bank details and directions on how to get here will be sent separately.

Guest comments
Apt. 1 ' La Stalla': Dear Anna and Julian, Just a note to thank you for the most relaxing holiday, where I felt totally at home. We shall certainly plan another holiday with you! Hants, UK.
Apt.2 'La Vista': 'Dear Anna and Julian, Derek and I are settled back in our daily lives in E. We would just like to thank you for a great stay in 'La Vista'! We had a fantastic honeymoon. It was lovely to meet you.' Julia and Derek (Scotland).
Apt. 3 'L'Acetaia': 'A wonderful, beautiful setting in the hills of Florence, at the end of a gravel country road. A comfortable, clean living space in a very authentic series of rolling hills. Excellent location for access to Florence and surrounding countryside. Our hosts were extremely helpful and friendly and went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. We would be glad to return at any time.' Marc S. USA.
George and I would like you both to know how much we enjoyed staying with you. J and G.

House swap
House swap considered.
Caribbean Islands, Greece, Corsica, Scotland with river stretches for salmon and trout fishing or rough shooting. Open to any other suggestion!

Owner profile


About the owner
My wife(Anna) and I (Julian) are British citizens, but both have some Italian blood and have lived on this property since we got married. I am essentially an extra virgin olive oil producer, but I also enjoy organizing wine tours and weddings. See my website (www.tusconholidaysandweddings.com). My wife is an English teacher in Italian schools, but her presence is fundamental for running this business. Anna is also an excellent cook and therefore has decided, if anyone wishes, to give a few cooking lessons (on the premises). Anna and I love living in the country and enjoy having guests who appreciate this beautiful Tuscan hamlet on top of a hill, but at the same time we are literally a stone's throw from Florence...if we wish to enrich our cultural and social needs !

Year purchased: 1950's

Why the owner chose an apartment in this location
This property is part of a hamlet which was bought by my parents in the late 50's. My mother's wish (being a New Forest, Hants, UK girl!) was to come and live in this area. She was never fond of Milan where we lived since the early '50s...and finally my father (a convinced town-boy!) was 'press-ganged' to bring the family here ! We decided to come and live here permanently in 1971. We then made this place into a business. We produced some of the best Chianti wine and an excellent e.v.olive oil, which was exported all around Europe, the US and Canada. I feel very attached to the place, for its approaches, the magnificent views, the peace and quiet which makes it quite special and unique... Deep in the country, but also very close to civilization!

Unique benefits of the property
The property is quite unique for its logistical position. Close to all the main roads leading to all the main Tuscan towns, close to the town centre, close to all the main supermarkets, small village shops and restaurants. A 800m private track road (1/2 mile) leading up to the property on a hill (belonging to the hamlet), avoids any potential traffic passing by thus adding a big plus note to this small paradise! Excellent for walks and birdwatching.

 

For booking and further information

Property Ref IT3092

Julian Pio
Tel: (Italy) + 39 (0)55 768 869
Fax: (Italy) + 39 (0)55 768 869
Mob: (Italy) + 39 3397 761 386


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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in March 2009,
and has advertised this property with us since April 2009.

Property Ref IT3092
When contacting the owner please mention that you saw this property on Owners Direct Website.

Property Ref: