Property Summary
Nestled on top of a hill just 2 km from the historic center of Volterra, Italy, this beautifully renovated farmhouse dates back to 1850 and offers a truly authentic Tuscan experience. Known as "Podere Valle di Sotto," this remarkable holiday rental is part of a large working farm that carries centuries of history within its walls. The oldest section of the estate features a series of hunting frescos in the dining and living room, bearing witness to its origins as a hunting hut and its subsequent use over the years as a farmer's house and a stable. The property comprises 2 separate apartments, one traditionally reserved for the caretaker and one for the owners, together forming a characterful and well-appointed retreat surrounded by the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Guests have access to a private garden complete with garden furniture, a barbecue area, and a children's playground, providing ample space for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. A generously sized swimming pool measuring 6 x 12 metres, with a depth ranging from 120 to 200 cm, is available for seasonal use from May 16th to October 15th, featuring an internal staircase and a salt-electrolysis cleaning system that ensures a natural and comfortable swimming environment. Wireless internet access is available throughout the property, keeping you connected during your stay, while ample private parking is provided directly at the farmhouse for your convenience.
Outdoors
The outdoor spaces of this hillside farmhouse are as inviting as they are expansive, offering guests a true sense of tranquility and immersion in the Tuscan landscape. The private garden is thoughtfully equipped with garden furniture, allowing you to relax and take in the sweeping countryside views at your leisure. A barbecue area invites al fresco dining under the open sky, while a dedicated children's playground ensures that younger guests are equally well catered for. The swimming pool, measuring 6 x 12 metres with a depth that ranges from 120 to 200 cm, is a central feature of the outdoor area and is open seasonally from May 16th to October 15th. It is equipped with an internal staircase for easy access and benefits from a salt-electrolysis pool-cleaning system, offering a gentler and more natural alternative to traditional chlorine treatment. A table tennis table is also available for shared use, adding a recreational dimension to the outdoor experience. The property is accessed via an unmade road that winds through the surrounding countryside, further enhancing the sense of seclusion and rural authenticity that defines this remarkable estate.
Other Information
The farmhouse is equipped with a television and a washing machine for guests' convenience during their stay. Room cleaning services are available upon request and are subject to an additional fee. The property comprises 2 apartments within the estate, reflecting its layered history and its evolution from a hunting hut to a working farm and residential property. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the peaceful and private atmosphere that this hilltop setting naturally provides, while benefiting from the practical amenities available on-site.
Distances and Attractions
"Podere Valle di Sotto" enjoys an exceptionally convenient location despite its secluded hilltop setting, placing a wealth of Tuscan destinations within easy reach. The historic center of Volterra, one of Tuscany's most celebrated Etruscan towns, is just 2 km away, offering an array of museums, medieval architecture, restaurants, and artisan shops to explore. The nearest shop and restaurant are both located 2 km from the property, ensuring that everyday essentials and dining options are never far away. A bus stop is also situated 2 km from the farmhouse, providing a practical public transport connection for those wishing to explore the wider region without a car. The nearest railway station is 10 km away, offering further connectivity to the surrounding area. The iconic hilltop town of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and world-renowned white wine, is approximately 30 km from the property, while the historic city of Pisa, home to the celebrated Leaning Tower, is approximately 40 km away, making it an ideal destination for a day trip during your stay.
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Unit Layout
This charming 5-room semi-detached house spans 115 m2 across 2 levels, offering a warm and inviting retreat for up to 9 guests. The ground floor welcomes you with a generously sized living and dining room featuring rustic furnishings, including a double sofabed and a dining nook. Adjacent to the living area, the fully equipped kitchen includes 4 hot plates, an oven, a dishwasher, a microwave, a freezer, and an electric coffee machine, along with a dining table and an open-hearth fireplace. A small room located near the kitchen, formerly used by farmers to eat and socialize, adds a distinctive rustic character to the property and is fitted with a chimney and a seating corner. A shower and WC are also available on this level.
The upper floor is home to 3 bedrooms. The first bedroom is furnished with 1 bed and 1 French bed, while the second and third bedrooms each feature 2 beds, making the layout well-suited for families or groups. A second bathroom on this floor includes a shower, bidet, and WC, bringing the total number of bathrooms to 2. A porch and terrace with outdoor furniture allow you to take in the beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Amenities Included
This vacation rental is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. In the kitchen, you will find a dishwasher and a microwave, complementing the full suite of cooking appliances already available. The open-hearth fireplace in the kitchen area, along with a chimney in the small adjoining room, provides a cozy and characterful atmosphere throughout the cooler months, and heating is available to ensure your comfort year-round. For outdoor dining and entertaining, a barbecue is at your disposal on the terrace, perfectly positioned to enjoy the countryside scenery.
The property also includes a washing machine to meet your laundry needs during longer stays. Entertainment is well catered for with a satellite TV and television in the living area. The private patio and terrace offer an ideal outdoor space to relax and unwind. Pets are welcome, with 1 dog permitted on the property. Additional practical amenities include mosquito nets, a baby cot suitable for children up to 2 years old, and complimentary WiFi internet access throughout the home.
Other Information
The property accommodates 1 pet, specifically a dog, reflecting a welcoming policy for guests travelling with their four-legged companions. The baby cot available on-site is suitable for children up to 2 years of age, making this home a practical choice for families with very young children. Complimentary WiFi is provided, ensuring you remain connected throughout your stay. The surrounding landscape offers a tranquil countryside setting, with panoramic views accessible directly from the porch and terrace of the property.
The following might be to be paid extra: Heating, Tourist tax.