Papena - Basilico
- Property type: Villas & Apartments
- Sleeps: 2
- Region: Tuscany
- Location: Chiusidino, Siena
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Swimming pool: Shared
- View Map
In wonderful countryside south west of Siena, near the Abbey of San Galgano, the 200 hectare farm of Papena is dominated by its tiny, historic, stone built hamlet, a cluster of stone houses set around an ancient well. Reached by a short, rough track, the hamlet is on the top of a gentle hill, with a large swimming pool just below it. There are extraordinary, panoramic views all around. Forest covers hills in the distance with olive groves nearer by and horses and sheep grazing cultivated meadows. The English speaking owners moved up into Tuscany from Rome, with their horses and dogs, some years ago and skilfully coaxed back the charm of the ancient hamlet to make six comfortable holiday apartments. Furniture is simple but adequate; cookers have hobs, but not ovens. The centre square of the hamlet has an old well, a barbecue, and garden furniture for each apartment. There is also a table tennis table in a building to the side of the square. The fascinating and verdant Tuscan countryside just west of Siena is punctuated by peaceful medieval hill villages and monuments of extraordinary architectural and spiritual tensions. The abbey of San Galgano, a few minutes drive away, was once the chief Cistercian house in Tuscany; an Abbot is said to have sold the lead off the roof to help pay some debts, and the impressive, roofless abbey is now blessed with excellent acoustics for the frequent concerts held there during the summer. You can explore the mountains and woods, home to a rich flora and fauna, on foot, by horse or bicycle as far as the Etruscan necropolis in a wood on the estate. Florence is a easy day-trip at just over an hour's drive whilst Siena is less than half an hour away. Heading west you can easily reach Massa Marittima and the coast in next to no time, or explore the many Etruscan towns and remains in the area. On returning to Papena after a days sight seeing or a long walk, the beautiful, peaceful atmosphere is almost tangible.
Accommodation
Ground floor: Sitting/dining room with sofa and kitchen area, corner fireplace. An open archway leads to the bedroom area with a double bed. Shower room.
Grounds
Furnished courtyard and garden grounds with swimming pool, gazebos, tables and benches.
Facilities
- BBQ
- Laundry facilities
- Swimming pool
- Mountain bikes
- Table tennis
- Horse riding 3km
- Baby sitting services
- Restaurants and shops 5km
- Golf 20km
- Tennis 5km
Pool details
Swimming pool (12m x 5m). Depth of pool 1.4m with steps or ladders for entry/exit.
Access road
Easy, short stretch of rough track to house
Airports
Florence 1hr. Bologna 2hrs. Pisa 1hrs 30mins. Rome 2hrs 50mins.Distances
San Galgano 5 km, Siena 22 km, Massa Marittima 25 km, Florence 60 km, San Gimignano 35km, Chiusdino 8 km, Monticano 8 km, Sea: Argentario 50 km, Punta Ala 40 km, Follonica 40 km
For an overview of the entire estate click here >>>
The photographs used are a representative sample from the estate and may not be of the actual apartment you are viewing.
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 28/08/2010 | 02/10/2010 | Weekly rate: £430 |
| 02/10/2010 | 18/12/2010 | Weekly rate: £400 |
| 18/12/2010 | 01/01/2011 | Weekly rate: £550 |
Prices include
- Household linen and towels
- Final cleaning
- Utilities
Not included (charged locally)
- Heating: €14 per day
Security Deposit
On arrival you will be asked for a security deposit of €150, payable in cash. The security deposit will be returned to you at the end of your rental.
Arrival Times
Arrivals expected between 17.00 - 20.00 hrs. If you are going to be late, you MUST advise us or the owner/keyholder in advance. Property to be vacated no later than 10.00am on day of departure.