Located in the heart of San Donato in Poggio, Casa Alta is ideal for those who want to experience life in a medieval Chianti village and have an excellent base for exploring Tuscany. The center of Florence is less than 30 minutes away to the north, while Siena is just over 20 miles to the south. The village is right next to an entrance of the Superstrada highway that connects Florence and Siena.
Casa Alta is located in a pedestrian zone of the village, a short walk from the parking area. The apartment is on the third floor of a 13th century building, and is reached by climbing 41 stairs, some of which are steep. Casa Alta is particularly well suited for one or two couples, or a family. It comfortably sleeps four people in two bedrooms on its main floor, although a small bedroom in a loft area can accommodate a fifth person.
The apartment is comfortably furnished, with ancient beamed ceilings and terra cotta floors, which add to its charm. The owner of the apartment designs custom fabrics, and her lovely decorating touches can be seen throughout the apartment. The spacious living room has a very large working fireplace and comfortable seating; the windows in the living room have screens, and offer views to the village. From the living room, there is a staircase with ten steps to the loft above. The loft has an open area over the living room, which leads to a single bedroom.
Adjacent to the living room is a fully equipped eat-in kitchen with a round wooden table.
It also has a wood burning pizza oven, and is nicely decorated with traditional pottery. Upon arrival, guests will find the kitchen stocked with some local wine, olive oil, pasta and other essential delights of the area.
The two bedrooms and two bathrooms are down a hallway from the living room. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom with a king size bed. The window in the bedroom provides views to the Chianti hills with their vineyards and olive groves. A second smaller bedroom is also off the hallway; it has a double bed and a skylight to let in light. One bathroom has a bathtub with a shower attachment; the other has a shower.
A window in the master bedroom and one in the living room has a vent for a portable air-conditioning unit. The unit can be moved into each room when needed. Upon request, the owner will loan a cell phone with a rechargeable card so that guests can pay for the use of the phone. There is also an Internet connection in the apartment that involves payment based on consumption.
The apartment is equipped with two refrigerators, oven/cook top, microwave oven, toaster, American coffee maker, dishwasher, washing machine, cell phone, Internet connection, window screens, independent heating and a portable air-conditioning unit.
In the village of San Donato, guests will find a gourmet food shop, bakery, several restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a small supermarket. The village also has a bank, a pharmacy, and a post office, all of which are within easy walking distance of Casa Alta.
Maid service is provided once during the weekly rental; cooking service can be arranged upon request for an extra charge. Rentals can begin any day of the week but must be for a minimum of one week.
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