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Villa Il Castello is located in the hilltop village of San Giovanni d’Asso; over the centuries,it has been owned, among others, by the bishop of Pienza and other members of the noble Siennese families, the actual family owns the house since the beginning of 1900. It is situated opposite the castle and has a large, sunny terrace and a wide garden, with a private swimming-pool, overlooking the spectacular Tuscan countryside.

Accommodations

FIRST FLOOR: a large reception room leads to the superb dining/kitchen with open fireplace and large dining table. The modern kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, oven, hobs, and coffee machine – perfect for preparing a superb lunch to be eaten on the terrace which is reach via the reception room. A short flight of steps lead to another living room.

BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS:Elegant twin bedroom with bathroom with handheld shower, one queen bedroom, and one twin bedroom which share a second bathroom with shower which is in the hall, a single bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower and two queen bedrooms and a twin bedroom which share 2 bathrooms with showers. There is a further queen bedroom on an upper level which shares one of the three bathrooms on the lower level.

By closing off part of this house it can be rented for 8 people at a reduced price (2 twin bedrooms, 2 double bedrooms & 4 bathrooms).

The facade of the house gives little impression of what lies behind. The accommodation is spread over several levels and centered over the lovely garden. Entry is into a reception room from where stairs lead up to the first floor and down to one of the two doors to the garden.

The whole house has been restored with great style and sensitivity. Although much of the furniture is antique, comfort has not been sacrificed.

LA CAPANNA: A separate house called La Capanna (sleeping 6 persons) has been recently restored and is just a few steps away from the main house. It is however, very independent should you opt not to take this additional house.

BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS: Two queen bedrooms and one twin bedroom, 2 bathrooms with shower stalls and a further bathroom with shower stall in a little pool house in the front yard.

Nearby: Right in the village, there is a small supermarket, pharmacy, wine shop, cafe/bar/ice cream shop, and florist. Distance of 8 km to Torreniera, which has a public tennis court.

Distances: Siena 30 mins, Pienza 20 mins, Arezzo 40 mins, Florence one hour

OUTDOORS: The garden is amazingly private, considering the house is in the middle of the village. The terrace overlooks the garden and pool and views beyond; from here steps lead down to the Italian garden, complete with lemon trees and pond. The wonderful pool (12 x 6 m – 1.5 – 2.5m deep) is fully equipped with sun loungers and there is a separate bathroom next to it, cleverly placed in the original laundry room. There is also a fridge here (so you don’t have go too far for a cool drink). Pool towels are provided. There is central heating, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, screens on some windows, and ceiling fans in some bedrooms.

Included in the price

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Air Conditioning in the first floor bedrooms.
• One set of bed linen, one set of bath and pool towels per week
• Baby cot with linen and high chair
• Internet hookup
• Daily service of the maid (4 hours a day from Monday to Friday)
• Gardener who takes care of the swimming pool and of the garden.
• Wood for the fireplace

Additional costs to be paid on the premises

• Heating
• First shopping (80 euros)
• Arrival dinner
• Dinners
• Cooking lessons
• Mobile phone with a credit card
• Extra sets of towels
• Additional maid service 10 Euro per hour
• Damage deposit: 500 euros to be paid in cash upon arrival and will be refunded less any unpaid expenses upon departure.