Colline Bianca

Overview:
Sitting room with fire place and complete stereo and TV system
One bedroom with twins beds and smaller bathroom (shower only)
Two twin bedded room sharing a bathroom
One twin bedded room with bathroom
One bedroom with queen sized bed and bathroom
One bedroom with twin beds sharing above bathroom

Description:
Colline Bianca is a true "podere", or farmhouse, in this case dating from the 17th century. It is built on a rise surrounded by the undulating fields and narrow copses of this ancient land. Lovely views, Surrounded by 100 hectares of woods, fields and vineyards, all belonging to the owner, you can feel completely free to wander and explore. The estate provides a complete and natural setting for a vacation of absolute relaxation and It has been carefully designed for groups of friends and families seeking a stylish and characteristic home from which to discover Tuscany without sacrificing the ambiance and charm of an antique farmhouse.

The gravel drive is bordered by a high hedge and a colourful bed of roses, with a line of mature cypress trees defining the curve of the hill as it rises to the lawns and informal courtyard immediately surrounding the house. More roses climb the rustic stone facade of the house. There is rosemary, lavender and broom along the edges of the yard, which has intentionally been left in a somewhat wild state, as is appropriate to the house. At the north edge of the lawn sits the 'fienile' where hay and grain was stored and which conceals the carpark for 5 vehicles.

Rough stairs through a gentle, sloping lawn descend from the house to the pool (15 x 7.5 meters), There is an outdoor shower (cold water only) for rinsing-off and plenty of outdoor furniture to use as you like in sun or under a broad straw pergola. Furnished with table and chairs, the pergola is a shady spot for lunch or an outdoor living room. The pool is at a safe distance from the house, with a shallow end for small children, and an adjacent lawn for playing ball and running around.
Around the perimeter of the house, the owner has added functional outdoor spaces to enhance the enjoyment of the property. Along the south facade is a long barbeque and a working forno, for those who want to try their hand at pizza. Adjacent is a small stable, with half-height swinging doors, which has been set for a casual outdoor living space with cushioned benches and low tables. For children, this is a particularly charming space, perfectly arranged for a cool diversion at drawing or reading out of the sun. Just off double doors to the kitchen is a very spacious and high-ceilinged "pergolato" for dining all together al fresco. A round stone table accommodates 16 under big, handsome lamps. There are large potted plants and flowers and a floor-to-ceiling curtain, which can be closed to shield from sun or wind. In the afternoon, the slanting light comes in through the 'trafolato' or open brick work, to make dancing patterns on the wall.

The architectural integrity of the house has been enhanced. Beamed ceilings have been restored on both levels, the upper floor enjoying particularly high ceilings which help keep the house cool in summer. The owner has chosen a handsome beige/white stone tile, which beautifully complements the various tones of wood, cotta and travertine found throughout the house, knowing she can never match the original, handmade cotta floors the farmers originally laid upstairs. The colour palette throughout the house is a soothing ivory and beige with touches of green, gold and russet.

GROUND FLOOR

• Spacious entrance hall with double doors opening to the north lawn and travertine stairs leading to upper level. Original arched doorways separating the various rooms of what was once the barn have been maintained. The pattern of the openings is striking, and the effect luminous. A large round mosaic-topped reception table dominates one corner.
  
• Very large living room serves as cental living space for 14. Two comfortable seating areas on new, upholstered couches, armchairs and poufs, all in well-chosen coordinating fabrics in beige and white. Double doors open to the north lawn, large window faces south. The ceilings here as throughout the ground floor have been treated with "calcio" to lighten them, which adds to the luminous feeling of the space.
  
• Corridor with coat closet.
  
• All new modern kitchen (6-burner gas stove, large oven, large fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher) with high-placed west-facing windows framing a lovely view. Marble table under graceful white chandeliers accommodates 14 comfortably for meals. Double doors open directly to the outdoor dining pergola.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Separate laundry room/pantry (washing machine, dryer and extra fridge).
  
• Studio with couch (queen pull-out, excellent quality), armoire for clothes and desk. TV with satellite and DVD, fax machine. Southwest facing window will catch the wonderful afternoon light
  
• Gracious double bedroom suite (twin beds can combine to form a king) with entrance through vestibule. Bedroom walls have been painted a soothing creamy beige. Armoire and upholstered armchair for relaxing. Double doors opening to north lawn. Ensuite bath (large shower stall) with north-facing window has been finished in a particularly handsome local beige travertine. (This bath can be reached directly by guests using Studio without disturbing bedroom.)
  FIRST FLOOR
  
• External stairs arrive to central entrance hall.
  
• Second delightful, double-sized living room spans depth of house, the two rooms again separated by a high arch. In one, an enormous fireplace fills most of one wall and is accompanied by couches and armchairs for relaxing. Beyond, a second sitting area with seating plus a very large cupboard with books, etc. Windows look out to the surrounding countryside to the north and south. There are several excellent paintings, including some particularly suggestive landscapes which seem very well-suited to this house. Southeast double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) with south-facing window overlooks pool and vineyards beyond. Here the walls have been painted the colour of wet sand, perfectly complementing the white/beige upholstery chosen for this room. Armoire and dresser for clothes, armchair for relaxing.
  
• Northeast double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) with north-facing window with characteristic view up hillside to neighbouring villa. Large armoire for clothes plus upholstered armchair.
  
• Light-filled, spacious shared bath (large shower stall) with double sinks and east-facing window.
  
• Spacious double bedroom (queen), can be reached off main entrance and central hall. Nice view across the roofs of the original stalls, past the cypresses to the countryside. Armoire for clothes and west-facing window. Ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall).
  
• Very gracious double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) with a pair of antique armoires. South- and west-facing windows provide an exceptional view and lots of light.
  
• Shared bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) with travertine finishes. West-facing window.
  
• Delightful double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) with west- and north-facing windows, huge antique armoire and antique dressing table.
  
• East-facing double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king), generously sized and enjoying the fresh morning light. Antique armoire and dresser plus armchair. The view is across the lawn, passing the fienile, to the surrounding countryside.
  
• Private bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) finished in travertine, also with north-facing view towards the 'fienile' and farmland beyond.

Points Of Interest

• Siena/Due Ponti (local shopping, restaurants): 5 mins. by car
• Siena ('centro' or 'raccordo' to Florence): 10 mins.
• Radda in Chianti: 25 mins.
• Florence: 1 hr.
• Florence Airport: 1 1/2 hrs.
• Rome Airport: 3 1/2 hrs.

Saturday - Saturday rentals only. Cleaning included 4 hours/day, 3 days/wk. Additional cleaning upon request at E. 13.00/hr. Weekly linen change. Additional changes of linen on request by separate payment. Cooking services available on request at E. 45.00/per person (wine not included); children under 5 free. Arrival dinner and advance shopping available on request. Separate lines for phone and fax. Pool available in May & October on request depending on weather. Heat averages E.77.00/day, November - March. Oscillating fans can be provided for the bedrooms. Farmers work in adjacent vineyards and fields.