Italy | Toscana - Firenze

VISTA SAN LORENZO

Description:
This relatively small holiday home (suitable for 4 persons) is located in the country of Giotto, the world-famous painter about whom the equally world-famous author Boccaccio wrote, that he brought new life to the art of painting which had been imprisoned for ages by the faults of those who rather painted to satisfy their customers than because of art itself. And then, of course, these surroundings have for many ages been marked by the famously rich De Medici family, patricians and wizards in banking and commerce. They ruled the city-state of Florence with an iron fist, but used a lot of velvet to wrap this fist in. Cruelties, in those days, where regarded as a matter of fact, and although this family was very experienced in using cruelty when it suited them, they were at the same time great benefactors of science and the arts.
For example the great scientist Galileo enjoyed their protection and Gian-Gastrone, one of the last De Medici rulers of Florence, had a statue made of Galileo in the church of Santa Croce, where you will also find his remains. In the museum of the history of science in Florence, you will find one of Galileo’s fingers.

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 this inspiring countryside you find "Casa Dicomano II", a beautiful and comfortable holiday house dating back from the late Middle Ages, built with natural materials. Once, this house was used at a "tinaia", a storage for wine barrels. You will not be able to recognise anything of this former usage, because the house has been perfectly restored.

The house "Casa Dicomano II" 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 there is a riding school. Because the house is built on an elevated position, you can enjoy throughout your stay from the 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 day trips to Florence and surroundings, such as Fiesole, on the outskirts of the city of Florence. Further on the village of Impruneta deserves a visit and in Bagno di Ripoli you can admire the beautiful frescoes telling the story of the life of the Holy Catharina d' Alessandria).

Lay-out:
Ground floor: Covered loggia, living-/dining room with open fire place.
Entresol: Kitchen, bathroom with shower and sauna
First floor: Double bedroom, twin bedroom

Facilities:
Fenced garden with garden furniture, swimming pool (4 x 8 m.), satellite TV, oven, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, telephone.

Possibilities for sport/excursions:
Riding at 1 km; tennis court at 3 km; golf course at 16 km, canoeing at 3 km. Mountain bikes for rent.
Many excursions are 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 of Bilancio (water sports) 16.

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. Please enquire

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 to pay on the spot before departure: Costs for heating, gas and telephone. Children’s cot: € 100,00 per week

Upon arrival, a deposit of € 600,00 is required

Check-in on the day of arrival between 16.00-19.00 hrs. Check-out on the day of departure betweem 9.00 and 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 state your requirements in advance

N.B.: This house is situated in the direct vicinity of another house, "Casa Dicomano I", suitable for 8 + 3 pers. Both houses are standing next 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