"THE VILLA"
Villa Granchiaia is a recently renovated property, by following a long dirt track drive of 500 meters you arrive at our stunning mid level position overlooking the valley.
The Villa is located in the municipality of Montopoli in Valdarno (province of Pisa) and was built in the second half of the 18th century as a farmer’s house, then restored in the 20th century and reshaped as it looks now in 2004.
The countryside around the Villa is typical of the lower valley of the Arno river (which crosses Florence and Pisa and flows a few kilometers far from here). Here you may see that the surrounding hills (covered with woods, or with olive tree cultivation) slope gently down to the plain where corn, barley, maize, sunflower, etc. are grown.
The main establishment consists of 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms all ensuite.
Villa Granchiaia is made up of three major elements: the MAIN FARMHOUSE construction, which was renovated in order to render our guest’s stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible; the BARN, where the crops were once stored and has now has become a play area, and finally, the SWIMMING-POOL.
a) The main Farm House building is simple in it's square construction, with spaces divided on two floors. The ground floor a very large space, which once housed the stable, and has maintained its original size. Now a part of it constitutes the LIVING ROOM another part the DINING ROOM. They were not separated in order to maintain unaltered the original breadth of the room and the atmosphere given by a solid rustic arch dividing it in two.
It is accessible through two entrances (one from the swimming pool side and the other from the parking side). This large space is adjacent to the KITCHEN, a DOUBLE BEDROOM with ensuite shower room, and a stair case leading to the upper floor. At the top of the stair case, on your right, you'll find ANOTHER DOUBLE BEDROOM with ensuite shower room. On the left, a third DOUBLE BEDROOM communicating with a ROOM WITH TWO BUNK BEDS which share a bathroom. Further the stair case will lead you to a small sitting room provided with a rustic fireplace and furnished with a sofa in order to allow a pleasant rest. This room is adjacent to the final TWIN BED ROOM with ensuite shower room.
b) The Barn, once used as a hay and straw shelter, was modified and equipped in a such way to create a wide and suitable place where our guests could have fun, play and relax. A ping-pong table and gaming equipment is present, as well as comfortable lounging seats that been drawn from existing structures. The area adjacent to the side closest to the house is covered by a pergola and is suitable as an OUTDOOR DINING area to have pleasant meals in the open air.
c) The SWIMMING POOL was built on the side of the Granchiaia area where the slope of the hill rendered it possible to fit the natural shape of the land. Its surface measures 14m long and 3.5m wide and it is framed by peculiar stones of the region. Externally, a rustic wooden base surrounds the pool where the bathers may lie on adequate cushions or deck-chairs. Pool towels are provided.
"HISTORICAL INFORMATION"
It may be interesting to share some historical insights drawn from the family archives. The house has always belonged to the Florentine Baldovinetti family and its descendants. The presence of the Baldovinetti family in Marti, the small village visible from Villa Granchiaia, has been documented since the early 15th century. This is linked to Florence’s conquest of Pisa during that period, as well as several other towns allied with Pisa, including Marti, which was then an important fortress. These events led to the complete loss of Pisa’s political independence, as it was thereafter governed by Florentine officials. Consequently, many prominent Florentine families—such as the Medicis, the Capponis, and the Baldovinettis—expanded their influence into the Pisa region.
Over the following centuries, the Baldovinetti family acquired extensive properties around Marti, primarily engaging in agriculture. The land was managed under the metayage system, in which tenant farmers and their families lived on the estates they cultivated in exchange for a 50/50 share of the crops. The metayage system remained in place until the late 1960s when industrialization in Italy triggered a rural exodus, drawing the workforce toward industrial cities. As a result, agriculture entered a deep crisis that lasted for at least two decades.
New opportunities emerged with the growth of the tourism market. Many former farmhouses that once accommodated tenant farmers were later converted into charming guest accommodations.
The name of the house derives from the Rio Granchiaia, a stream that flows through the small valley near the Chiecina River, a tributary of the Arno River. The stream's name reflects the purity of its waters, which once supported an abundance of freshwater crabs (in Italian, granchi).
The surrounding valley is also renowned for archaeological discoveries, primarily of Etruscan origin, which have been collected, cataloged, and are now on display at the Montopoli Museum, just a few kilometers away.
"ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES"
Marti itself is worth visiting, particularly for the Church of Santa Maria Novella, which features remarkable early 18th-century frescoes.
Villa Granchiaia's location allows easy access to Tuscany's most important cultural and artistic cities:
Florence (40 km)
Pisa (30 km)
Siena (70 km)
Lucca (50 km)
In addition to visiting museums, guests can enjoy specialized art exhibitions, classical and modern art showcases, concerts, operas, and guided sightseeing tours.
Beyond the major cities, smaller towns rich in artistic and historical heritage are also worth exploring:
San Gimignano (40 km)
San Miniato (20 km)
Vinci (the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, 45 km)
Volterra (60 km)
For those who wish to enjoy the coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea is within reach:
The nearest beaches, located near Pisa and Livorno, are about 40 km away.
For more exclusive and upscale beaches, we recommend Versilia, from Viareggio to Massa Carrara (approximately 80-90 km).
One of the most beautiful coastal spots is Golfo di Baratti, a protected natural bay, about 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
The island of Elba can be reached by driving 1.5 hours to Piombino, followed by a 1-hour ferry ride.
We are happy to help you organize a variety of activities,
including:
Wine and olive oil tasting tours
Olive picking and wine harvesting
Guided tours of historical towns
Cooking classes
Pottery workshops
Truffle hunting excursions
Hiking, walking tours, and mountain biking
"PRACTICAL INFORMATION"
Towels & Linen: All towels and linens are provided. Beach towels are included, with a weekly changeover every Saturday.
On-Request Services: Daily maid service, babysitting, cooking services, and a mobile telephone are available upon request.
The nearby village of Marti offers essential services, including:
A butcher
A baker
A small supermarket
A newsagent
A hairdresser
A bar
On the way to Marti, there is a larger supermarket, and additional large supermarkets can be found in Pontedera, San Romano, Empoli, and Navacchio.
The area is home to excellent restaurants, offering a range of cuisine from traditional pizzerias to high-end, Michelin Guide dining experiences.
The nearest AIRPORT is Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport (30 minutes away).
Florence Amerigo Vespucci International Airport is about 45 minutes by car.
The nearest train station is in Pontedera, with trains to Pisa and Florence departing every 30 minutes.
A RENTAL CAR IS ESSENTIAL.
