Italy | Toscana - Firenze

LA TERRAZZA DEI FRATI

Description:
This comfortable house is located in the "country of Giotto, the famous painter, and the family De Medici", one of the most murderous of the Renaissance Italy; a cousin or nephew more or less, who cares... and a professional taster had to be extra careful. If, in that time, the profession of undertaker existed – we do not know for sure -, then this family would surely have been considered for a large bringing-in premium.

In these hilly surroundings around Florence, called the "Mugello", lots of villages and little towns got established, where the De Medici family as well as several others ruled supremely. Because the city-state of Florence needed enlargement, conflicts arose with the surrounding areas and therefore, also with other prominent families, such as the Guidi’s and the Ubaldini’s. Lots of fortresses and castles were built to defend the one from the other. In contemporary times, many of these buildings still stand to witness their glorious, yet troublesome past.

In these inspiring surroundings, you will find "La Terrazza dei Frati", or "the terrace of the Brothers". The name itself explains enough: once, this house was the property of the Roman Catholic church and served as resting home for Benedict monks on their way to or back from the Roman church in Dicomano.
The house has been properly and expertly renovated, and we experienced the furnishing as comfortable and tasteful, with several antiques to embellish the whole. A lot of attention has been given to details. So, in two words: this house is "very recommendable".

The house forms part of a small, medieval "borgo", a few houses on a hilltop, in most cases built around a fortress of some sorts. At 1 km. distance, there is an agricultural enterprise where you can buy local products, and a riding school. Because the house is built on an elevated position, you can enjoy throughout your stay from the most spectacular sights on the Mugello valley. The house can be reached via a so-called "strada bianca", an unpaved way, of about 500 m. long. There is a well-tended garden and a swimming pool, also offering breathtaking views.

The location of this house is ideally situated for daytrips to e.g. Florence, and Fiesole. Fiesole, on the outskirts of the city of Florence, deserves a visit. You make your choice of establishments offering you coffee, meals or just an ice-cream, sit down outside and enjoy life. If possible, do so when the bright, hot sunlight of the afternoon diminishes and evening falls. Especially when you choose a place with a view on the city of Florence with her spectacular Duomo, you will surely agree with us that sitting there is romance in its purest form. And the same goes for the neighbouring village of Settignano. In the direct surroundings, you can also visit the most beautiful Italian gardens.

Lay-out:
Ground floor: Covered loggia with furniture, dining room, kitchen.
Entresol: Entrance, living room with open fire place, toilet
First floor: Study in a passageway with 1 single sofa-couch, double bedroom with bathroom with shower, twin bedroom, bathroom with jacuzzi.
Dependance:
Ground floor: Entrance, kitchen, wardrobe, double bedroom, twin bedroom, bathroom with jacuzzi.
First floor: Spacious living room (70 m²) with open fire place, dining area and study area with 2 sofa beds and a lovely view on the Mugello valley, bathroom with shower.

Facilities:
Fenced garden with garden furniture, swimming pool (7 x 14 m, depth 1,5/3,5 m.), parking, satellite TV, oven, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher and telephone.

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Horse riding at 1 km, tennis court at 3 km, golf course at 16 km, canoeing at 3 km. Mountain bikes for rent. Many excursions possible, e.g. to Florence, Lucca and Siena. Even a daytrip to the coast can easily be done.

Distances: (approx. kms.)
Vicchio (all kind of shops) 3,5, Florence 25, Siena 85, Arezzo 75, Lake Bilancio (water sports), 16 km.

The prices given are in Euro's
Prices for other periods than mentioned above, please inquire

Particulars:
Minimal rental period 7 nights, from Saturday till Saturday. During the low season, sometimes other periods are possible.

Included in the price: Use of bed-, bath- and kitchen linens on a basis of a weekly change, electricity and water, cleaning

Not included in the price and toe pay on the spot before departure: Costs for heating, gas and telephone. Children’s cot: € 100,00 per week

Upon arrival, a deposit of € 1.000,00 is required.

Check-in on the day of arrival between 16.00 - 19.00 hrs. Check-out at the day of departure before 10.30 hrs.

The swimming pool is open from the beginning of May till the end of September, depending on the weather conditions.

Pets are not allowed.

English spoken.

A car is a necessity.

Upon request, extra cleaning service is possible (€ 10,00 per hour). A cooking-service is also possible, provided you let it known in advance.

N.B.: This house is situated in the direct vicinity of another house, Vista San Lorenzo, suitable for 4 people. The houses are close to each other. They have their own, independent entrance, their own swimming pool and garden. For a larger group, the renting of both houses could be ideal for holidaying together, without feeling crowded.