People | 4 |
Bedrooms | 2 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Space | 1,076 sq. ft. |
Property type | farmhouse |
Minimum Stay | 5 - 7 nights |
The Cantina is arranged on one level with access to the large planted terrace from each room. It has been newly restored and is equipped with all modern comforts. Wonderful cross vaulted ceilings in cotto tile and sets of french doors define the open plan space and give the cantina a light and airy feel.
The kitchen area is well equipped and has ample storage, dishwasher, oven, hob and two fridges. A wood burner provides additional comfort on those cold autumn evenings . The living area also has an ipod dock, Wi-Fi access, stereo and a large flat screen TV, with over 100 great movies!
The master bedroom has volterranan arched ceilings, solid oak floors, exposed natural stone walls and wide french doors. Open the doors and enjoy the stunning view from the comfort of your king size bed!!
The second bedroom has a wonderful barrel vaulted ceiling and solid oak floors and doors which again open onto the terrace.
The wetroom has a revitalising power shower and enough space for 2!!
The stunning farmhouse is nestled in a valley of outstanding natural beauty on the outskirts of the wonderful and charming Etruscan city of Volterra. It is divided into 4 private apartments which accommodate up to 14 guests and is just perfect for couples, families or even larger groups holidaying together.
Each apartment has been sympathetically renovated to a very high standard. Modern design fixtures and fittings have been carefully tailored to compliment the traditional materials and structure used in the original construction of these spaces with cross vaulted ceilings, barrel vaulted arches, chestnut beams and cotto tiled floors.
Each apartment has it's own private terrace with magnificent views, stretching out across the valley towards churches, monasteries and other historic buildings which cling perilously to the cliff tops around the outskirts of Volterra. The views pass over olive groves, hilltop borgo's, and the iconic Tuscan rolling hill landscape extending all the way to the distant Apeninne mountain range.
Each terrace is well equipped for alfresco dining and outdoor comfort with sofas, occasional chairs, sunbeds and shade for the hotter days. Complete with fire-pits and a plentiful supply of logs to cook on or just to take the chill off those cooler spring or autumn evenings.
There is a newly constructed wood fired pizza oven in one of the communal areas for the use of our guests. Creating your own pizzas and eating under a star lit sky is a terrific experience which can be enjoyed by all. Throughout June you could even be joined by a throng of majestic fire-flies as they go about their nocturnal business!
Adventure playground area with a charming tree house, slides, bikes, scooters, sand pit and various other toys and activities has been designed in our garden to amuse your little ones.
The valley is popular with hunters and foragers with the highly prized wild boar and truffles keenly pursued in season. There are some relaxing walks around the valley, through woodland with waterfalls and hillsides with breath taking views. Look out for the Poiana and other birds of prey circling over the valley or track the deer and wild boar footprints across our land. Mediterranean tortoise, porcupines and badgers are seen occasionally but you will surely get to meet some of the geckos which frequent the nooks and crannies around the outside walls and terraces.
Guests are welcome to help themselves to the plentiful and varied fruits in season on the trees such as the cherries (May), figs, plums and apricots (July) and the plentiful supply of varied tomatoes and herbs grown at the farmhouse.
The grand pool is set in a tranquil position overlooking the valley and olive groves. The large, well equipped pool (8m x 16m) is nestled into the hillside retained by sculpted stone walls and planted with sweet lavender. Relax in the pool and soak up the surrounding vistas with knarled olive trees giving way to hillside farms and an ancient monastery clinging to the edge of Le Balze cliff top. There is a beautiful church in a commanding position just above the pool on the outskirts of Volterra and in the opposite direction the rolling Tuscan hills are dotted with hamlets all the way to the Apennine mountains.
Enjoy!
Booking Notes:
Please contact by email or telephone. 30% deposit required on confirmation which is non-refundable. 70% balance to be paid 8 weeks before start of stay. If you are booking less than 8 weeks before your stay the full amount will be required upon confirmation. A refundable 200 euro deposit will be required to cover any breakages or damage to be paid locally on arrival.
Changeover Day:
Saturday, but please ask if an alternative day is required as this will be accommodated whenever possible. Arrival time after 4pm and guests are asked to vacate the property by 11am on day of departure. If you require any alternative times please ask.
Notes on prices:
A fuel supplement will be payable locally to cover the cost of gas used in the winter months.
Our family holiday here was just fantastic! The Cantina was ideal for 2 adults and 2 children. We had a great space in which to relax, enjoy the sun, eat great food and plenty of activity options for all. The huge pool and impressive tree house were a real hit for the kids. They loved creating their own pizzas, cooked in a wood fired oven and we enjoyed the local wine and tasty olive oil all locally produced. We had some lovely trips out to the beach, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and La Cinque Terra as well as some fab evenings in Volterra. Highly recommendable.
What a lovely place to spend a holiday! Our accommodation was top quality and Volterra is a real understated gem of a city. There was so much to see and do around Volterra as well as relaxing by the pool, that we were hard pushed to fit it all into the limited time we had. Next time we will stay for longer!!
We spent hours trawling the internet for our idea of the perfect Tuscan retreat, and the moment we pulled up we knew we'd found it. And this is why:
A typical day in The Cantina. Wake up and pull back the shutters to sunlight streaming into the bedroom, open the french doors and enjoy a cup of tea in bed whilst enjoying the stunning views over the valley. Prepare a delicious breakfast of fresh produce bought from the local market or nearby Supermarket in Volterra, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of dining al fresco on the sensational terrace, with panoramic views of the valley. Spend the day lazing by the impressive pool and (if you have children) amusing them at the well equipped childrens area (Tree house, trampoline, shaded sand pit, swings, and plenty of room for running). Take a very short car ride into beautiful Volterra and dine in one of the many ambient restaurants, followed by an evening stroll through the streets to admire the historical architecture. Or alternatively, prepare your own BBQ on the terrace, washed down with a glass or two of Prosecco and watch the sun set over the rolling Tuscan hills (which really do seem to have that purple hue!) Wait for darkness and the arrival of the enchanting flashing fireflies (if you go as we did in May/June time). Pisa, Siena, and Florence are all only about an hours drive away, San Gimignano is even closer, so perfectly situated for day trips. Louise and Josh were wonderful hosts, so friendly and helpful, and the Cantina itself was beautifully clean and well equipped. We cannot wait to return. Best holiday ever!
If you are looking for an outstanding place to stay for your holiday in Tuscany, look no further.
Not only is Cantina centrally located for Volterra, Pisa, Florence and Siena but it is in an absolutely gorgeous location
The photagraphs on the web do not do it justice. The quality of the finish of the accommodation is of the highest order. The views spectacular.
It was a privilege to use the pool, which was kept spotlessly clean. The sun shades were particularly welcome during the heat of the day
But what made this holiday extra special was the welcome from Louise and Josh, despite keeping them up until nearly midnight on our arrival thanks to issues with BA!! From cooking pizzas in their newly built wood oven to preparing and eating a full Tuscan meal with their local expert, Sara, nothing was too much trouble
We came away relaxed and with wonderful memories of Tuscany
Our family of 4 (including two boys, 7 and 10) stayed in the Cantina. The apartment is very nice, modern, and up to date. The setting is beautiful--the french doors to the bedrooms open up to a view of the hills and valleys below, and Cantina has a private patio with the same view. The kids could safely roam the property and enjoy the amenities, particularly the pool and play areas. The location is also perfect. It feels very rural but is only minutes away from the amenities in Volterra. The farmhouse is also very centrally located for day trips to Siena, Pisa, the beach, San Gimignano, etc. And Josh and Louise are great hosts.
Josh and Lou thank you for such a wonderful holiday. We had an amazing time in your beautiful property - I have that view across the valley as my screen saver on my computer!! The accommodation was fantastic, and the location perfect - we loved the trips to Volterra - what a great town - and Florence was an easy day trip to make as well. You couldn't have made our stay any better, and it was lovely to get to know you and your children. We are booking for 2 weeks this year and can't wait! Thank you again.
Special interest holidays:
Cookery courses with an excellent Tuscan cook can be arranged for you (which can also be a fun activity for all the family) or we can arrange for a meal to be cooked for you in your accommodation by a local chef.
We can arrange for an Alabaster sculpting course for you during your stay. Suitable for all levels of ability.
If you have a special ocassion or family gathering we can help make your stay extra special - please let us know if you have any ideas, if not we can propose some for you.
Coast/Beach:
The nearest beaches of Cecina and Bobina are a 35 minute drive. A short distance on, there are some excellent unspoilt sandy beaches with adjoining Mediterranean pine forests.
There is also a natural gorge nearby with waterfalls and rock pools which provides an alternative bathing experience.
Similarly, there are a number of popular hot springs 2hrs drive, which are popular.
La Cinque Terre and Portovenere are within reach for an extra special coast day out and highly recommended.
Travel:
The use of a car is essential. Driving in Tuscany is very straightforward with good road networks and signage.
Pisa airport 60 mins / 65km
Siena 45 mins / 52km
Florence 70 mins / 80km
Lucca 70 mins / 71km
Arezzo 110 mins /140km
San Gimignano 30 mins / 31km
Perugia 140 mins /160km
Chianti 45 mins
Pienza 80 mins
Cortona 90 mins
Assisi 90 mins
Perugia 90 mins
Venice / Verona / Lake Garda 180 mins
Lake Trasimeno 90 mins
Rome 180 mins
Distances:
Volterra itself is less than a 3 minute drive from the property where you will find an abundance of cafes, restaurants, shops, banks and the post office.
There are two very good main supermarkets on the outskirts of the town; Conad an 6 minute drive and Coop 8 minute drive from the property.
Many guests like to walk into Volterra during their stay. As you walk up to the town you pass two Etruscan burial sites that are free to enter and worth taking in.
Further Details:
Volterra is a gem of a city (although more the size of a modest town) and has many charming shops, cafes and excellent restaurants serving local Tuscan specialities. It is renowned for its Alabaster sculpting and the captivating Teatro Romano ampitheatre that provides a stunning backdrop to this fabulous city.
There is a local market every Saturday morning selling many wares including delicious local produce. The porchetta paninis are a definitely worth sampling!
Volterra is a city which really comes alive through the vast calendar of activities run throughout the year. These include traditional parades, medieval festivals, celebrations of art, sculpture, classic car rallies, and classical, jazz and contemporary music events.
There is a very good tourist information centre in main Piazza dei Priori and they will help arrange any specific activities such as horse-riding, motorcycle tours or quad biking and much more.
Set in the heart of Tuscany it is perfectly located for visiting the splendours of Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca, all an approximate 1 hour drive from the property. San Gimingnano is a 30 minute drive and Perugia, Cortona, Arezzo, Assisi & Montepulciano are all un-missable day trips.
In the heart of the Tuscan wine region the area is popular with wine lovers as well as cyclists, walkers, horseriders, photographers and artists who find plenty to fuel their passion.
It is only 35 minutes to the nearest beaches of Cecina and Bobina. For those prepared to travel a little longer there are some beautiful coastal towns well worth exploring such as La Cinque Terre, Portovenere & Portofino.