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La Badiole

Exterior

La Badiole is a meticulously restored villa set amidst farmland and the famous Rufina vineyards of Montepulciano in Tuscany close to Cortona and Lago Trasimeno.  This fabulous and stylish property can accommodate a total of twelve people in six double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms.  Sited in a hectare of landscaped gardens with spectacular views across the Val di Chiana to Montepulciano and Monte Amiata it provides the most exceptional Italian property in which to stay.

Exterior

Gates to the driveway lead into a courtyard where there is covered space for three cars and plenty of space for others.  There is an exceptionally large utility and storage room at the side of the courtyard where laundry facilities with a washing and drying machine are located.  The main entrance to the villa itself leads from a covered terrace into a small hallway with cloakroom.

Lounge

The main internal reception and sitting area is to the right of the hallway.  A small library precedes a series of rooms with wide connecting archways that provide a spacious and comfortable area in which all guests can gather to relax, read or watch satellite TV.  The piano is only available under certain conditions of usage.

Lounge

There are French windows that lead outside to both sides of the villa and into the garden.

 

Dining Room

The dining room and kitchen are located to the left of the hallway.  The dining area with large table can comfortably seat all 12 guests.  There are French windows that lead outside to the external terrace that spreads along the length and one side of the villa.

Kitchen

The kitchen is superbly equipped with all modern appliances including a dish washer, double sink, six ring gas hob, electric oven, fridge, freezer with ice maker and cold water dispenser and wine fridge.

Study

A door from the kitchen leads past one of the internal staircases and into a small study.  A computer and printer with access to the internet are available for guests to use.

Bedroom

There is a door from the study that leads into the ground floor bedroom with two single beds.  The ensuite bathroom has a shower, basin and loo.

Bedroom

There is a choice of stone staircases to the first floor where the other five bedrooms are located.  The master bedroom with double bed is accessed by the staircase nearest to the kitchen and study.  This bedroom is at the end of the house and has windows and views on two sides of the villa.  As with all the bedrooms on this floor there is air conditioning available, ceiling fans and all the windows have integral retractable mosquito nets.

Bath

The extremely large ensuite bathroom has a separate bath, a large shower, double basins, bidet and loo.

Bedroom

The same staircase also provides access to another bedroom with double bed.  The views from the bedroom here are to the back of the house over the swimming pool and vineyards beyond.

Bath

This bedroom also has a similarly large ensuite bathroom as the master bedroom with separate bath, a large shower, double basins, bidet and loo

Bedroom

There is access through a double interconnecting door from this latter bedroom to a further bedroom with two single beds.  The ensuite bathroom has a shower, double basins, bidet and loo.  This bedroom configuration makes it a sensible option for a family with children and parents who wish for both bedrooms to be close to each other.  Alternatively, the interconnecting door can be closed and locked and the bedroom can then be accessed by using the second staircase that lies near the dining and main reception rooms.

Bedroom

The remaining two double bedrooms are both accessed by the second staircase.  The first has two single beds with an ensuite bathroom that has a shower, basin, bidet and loo.

Bedroom

The final bedroom with double bed is located at the other end of the house.  The ensuite bathroom has a shower, double basins, bidet and loo.

View

This view from the bedroom overlooking the vineyards and the small holdings that surround La Badiole capture the great setting of the villa.

Terrace

One of the really great features of La Badiole is the extensive covered terrace that runs all along the front and one side of the villa which provides the perfect shaded location for al fresco meals.

Terrace

At one end of the covered terrace is this delightful pizza oven and built in BBQ area.

Cooking  

On request traditional Italian pizzas can be prepared and cooked for you in the pizza oven.

Terrace

The covered external terrace extends all the way around the corner of the villa.

Terrace

There are chairs and loungers here for reading and lazing and for that all important afternoon riposo.  There are far reaching views from here over the landscaped garden and the surrounding countryside towards Montepulciano and Monte Amiata

Terrace

While for those who seek a more active post-prandial pursuit there is a table tennis table.

pool

Dominating the garden is the 14 metre infinity swimming pool that has solar panels to keep the temperature comfortably warm even during the Spring and Autumn.  An electric operated cover provides a degree of safety for small children.

Pool house

This charming small pool house at one end of the pool has changing facilities and a solar heated shower

Pool

On a terrace below the pool is a boule court for those who do not excel at table tennis and wish to issue a different challenge to the ping pong champions!

View

The extensive garden that surrounds the house is full of lovely bushes and flower beds.

View

The standard of furnishings and other luxurious touches like, air conditioning in the bedrooms, mosquito nets on all windows, solar heated pool, satellite tv, internet access and under floor central heating makes La Badiole a very special property and a really special place for your Italian dream holiday.

View

Moreover, the location of La Badiole in south eastern Tuscany and close to Umbria makes it an ideal spot from which to explore many of the sights that make this region so special.  This dramatic view of Montepulciano from the villa’s garden emphasises that you are in the middle of one of the most important wine districts of Tuscany.  The intoxicating thought is that Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from the very grapes surrounding the villa!

Summary

Property Name: La Badiole
Item
Detail 
Remarks
Location    
Region of Italy
Tuscany 

Near Montepulciano and Cortona to the west of Lago Trasimeno

Accommodation
 
Max Numbers of People
12
 
Bedrooms
6

If requested some of the single beds can be configured into double beds.

Bedroom 1
Ground floor.  2 single beds, ensuite bathroom with shower, basin and loo
Bedroom 2

1st floor.  Double bed, ensuite with bath, shower, double basins, bidet and loo

Bedroom 3
1st floor.  Double bed, ensuite with bath, shower, double basins, bidet and loo
Bedroom 4

1st floor.  2 single beds (connecting door with bedroom 3) ensuite with shower, double basins, bidet and loo

Bedroom 5

1st floor.  2 single beds, ensuite with shower, basin, bidet and loo.

Bedroom 6

1st floor.  Double bed, ensuite with shower, double basins, bidet and loo.

Bathrooms
6
 
Cloakroom
1
Ground floor with basin and loo
Sitting Rooms
1
TV.  Piano on request ~ conditions on usage. Open fire place
Kitchen / Appliances 
Yes

5 ring gas hob, electric oven, double sink, dishwasher, fridge, freezer with ice maker and cold water dispenser, wine fridge, coffee machine.

Dining area
Yes

Table for 12 people

Other Rooms
2

Library, Study, Utility

Additional Sofa / Fold Up Beds
No
 
Cots
1
On request.  Bedding can be provided
Suitability for disabled access
Ground floor bedroom could be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Facilities & Supplementary Information    

Interior
 
Heating
Yes

There is under floor heating on the ground floor and radiators on the first floor.  The heating is programmed for certain temperatures which are unlikely to be experienced during the rentable months of May – September and so should not need adjusting.  If it is adjusted it will incur an extra charge

Open Fireplace           
Yes
Sitting room and study
Air Conditioning
Yes

All of the bedrooms and the study have air conditioning.  The excessive use of this luxurious but expensive facility may incur an extra charge with payment made locally.

Piano
Yes

The piano will be locked.  It will only be made available to experienced pianists who will have to undertake to abide by certain conditions which will be sent on request

Fans
Yes
Ceiling fans in all upstairs bedrooms
Mosquito Nets / Screens
Yes
All the windows and French windows have integral retractable mosquito nets
Linen & Towels
Yes
Changed at the end of each week
Additional Towels for Pool
Yes
Changed at the end of each week
Washing Machine
Yes
Spin Dryer
Yes
 
Iron
Yes
 
Dishwasher
Yes
 
Hairdryer
Yes
All bedrooms
TV
Yes
Satellite.  SKY, BBC World, CNN
DVD player
Yes
Selection of DVDs available
Video player
No
 
Radio / CD Player
Yes
MP3 connection
Telephone
Yes

Calls to landlines (not mobile phones) within Europe and the US are included in the rental price.

Fax
Yes
 
Mobile Telephone Reception
Yes

Moderate

Personal computer
Yes

With printer

Internet access
Yes

Broadband with WiFi

SKYPE/VOIP facilities
No
 
High Chair for Children
1
On request
Toys for Children
Yes
Small selection
Safe Box for Valuables
No
 
First Evening Meal
Yes
On request at cost
Other Meals
Yes
On request at cost
Welcome Food Pack
Yes
A small selection of food basics, including wine, will be provided.
Reading Books & Board Games
Yes
 
Extra Cleaning
Yes
On request at cost
Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted.  As with commonly accepted polite practise this should be restricted to outside the property.

House Book
Yes
Very comprehensive.  Extensive details of local information
Reception on arrival
Yes
Provided estimated arrival time is known and confirmed
Assistance
Yes

The key holder and house manager live close by and are on call to help for those unusual vents and circumstances that cannot be resolved by reading the house book

Exterior    
Swimming Pool
Yes
Size in mts.  Breadth: 5.5, Length: 14, Shallow: 1.10, Deep: 3.  Infinity edge
Access: Corner steps
Cleaning System: Salt

Open: May to Sep (inclusive)
Usage: Exclusive use
Facilities:
Solar heated shower, loungers, tables, chairs, sun umbrellas
Garden
Yes

Approximately 1 hectares, fenced

Terrace
Yes

Covered around 2 sides of house.  Dining table with chairs for 12 people, easy chairs, sun umbrellas

Sporting Facilities
Yes
Table tennis. Boule.  3 mountain bikes.
BBQ
Yes
 
Pizza Oven
Yes
On request somebody can operate the oven and make pizzas
Nearest Neighbour
50 metres.  Not overlooked
Animals Close to Premises
Yes

None on the actual premise, but the property is surrounded by small farm holdings and there are farm animals in the vicinity.

Approach Drive
There is a 1 km gravel “cul-de-sac” road that leads from the asphalt surface public road to the entrance.  It is in reasonable condition and suitable for all types of car.
Garden Security
Yes
Electric gates at entrance to property
Covered Car Port
Yes
Space for 3 car
Car Parking
Yes
Plenty of space for additional cars
Water Source

Mains water which is drinkable.  Well water which is not.  Guests are advised to purchase bottled water if in any doubt

Rental Facts
 
Rental Basis   Self catering
Breakage/Security/Deposit
No

All breakages should be reported to the key holder immediately and payment in Euros made to the caretaker/keyholder before departure.  If appropriate an invoice for damages and extra costs will be raised for subsequent payment within 7 days.

Rental Restrictions
Yes
Pets only allowed with prior permission ~ a cleaning charge of 30 euros will apply.
Use of piano ~ conditions on usage which guests will be invited to sign
Rental Periods  

Available during the months of May to September inclusive for a minimum of 7 nights with changeover on Saturday

Included in the Rental Price   Local taxes
Electricity, gas and water (for normal general usage)
Use and laundry of bed linen & towels
Final cleaning
Use of internet and satellite TV
Telephone for calls to landlines (not mobile phones) within Europe and the US
Not Included in the Rental Price
(Payment to be made locally)
 

Excessive use of utilities.  The disproportionate use of the air conditioning will cause an excessive consumption of electricity and the owners reserve the right to charge
extra in such circumstances.
Central heating
Telephone calls to mobile phones and all calls outside Europe and the US.
Meals
Extra cleaning

Approximate Driving Times in Minutes/Hours
These driving times, which are based on local knowledge, provide a more pertinent indicator than merely distances

Airports
Perugia (Ryanair) 45
Florence (Meridiana) 1.15 hours
Ancona, Forli (Ryanair), Bologna (BA), Rimini (EasyJet), Rome Ciampino (Ryanair, EasyJet), Rome Fiumicino (World airlines), Pescara (Ryanair) Pisa (BA, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Thomson) 2.0 – 2.5 hours
Milan (World airlines) 4 - 5 hours

Main Line Rail Station
Cortona Terontola (Rome - Florence line) 20
Chuisi (Rome - Florence line) 30

Nearest Villages with Food Shops
Petrignano, Valiano.  5
Castiglione del Lago.  15
Montepulciano, Camucia.  25

Restaurants
‘Guastini’ in Valiano.  5
Many more restaurants within 25 mins

Motorways
Bettolle exit of A1 (Roma-Firenze autostrada) 20

Cultural Sights
Cortona, Montepulciano.  20 - 25
Pienza.  40
Siena, Arezzo.  40
Perugia.  45
Assisi.  60
Florence.  1.15 hours
Rome 2.5.  hours

Wine Centres
Montepulciano.  25
Montalcino.  45

Sporting Locations
Golf.  Val di Chiana 20, Antognola 40, Perugia 45
Tennis.  Petrignano 5, Montepulciano Stazione 10, Castiglione del lago 15
Boating/Sailing.  Lago Trasimeno. 20
Horse Riding.  Lake Chiusi. 20
Walking and biking trails around Lake Trasimeno and from Lake Montepulciano to Arezzo.

Beaches
Castiglione del Lago.  15
West Coast.  2.5 hours
East Coast.  3.0 hours

Some Comments From Previous Guests
“ … We are thrilled with the house and the accommodations in general.  They have surpassed all our expectations.”  M B

“ … We had a wonderful time and it is a very well-equipped, well thought out and comfortable place to stay.  Its location is good, you can access shops easily which is a bonus.  The bathrooms are wonderful - such a treat to have so many and always plenty of hot water.  The Pizza evening was a GREAT success with young and old. ” .. J G


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