Podere Le Monache – Tuscany


Le Monache is our labour of love for the past 18 years we have been sharing it with guests from all over the world.
Liliana and Giovanni

Podere Le Monache set on a hillside dominates one of the most picturesque and spectacular landscapes in Tuscany. With distant views over hills, out to sea towards Livorno and Pisa. Originally a convent wrapped in history Le Monache has a magical and spiritual atmosphere. Whether you are lazing by the pool or strolling in the olive grove or simply relaxing in your apartment you are in another world. Recently restored and converted from a farmhouse into four charming ground floor apartments. Perfect for small or large family vacation rental.


Great care has been taken to restore all of the original features, including vaulted ceilings, an open fireplace, and beamed ceilings. Meanwhile, all the modern conveniences have been incorporated.


Each apartment is self-contained; and each has its own entrance. Each apartment offers a terra-cotta patio and outdoor furniture.


Laundry room with washing machine for use of the guests.

Address

Podere Le Monache Via Iano 6 50050 Montaione (Fi)

Rooms

Monache 1 - sleeps 4+2, also rented for 2 persons
*Availability Calendar Fully equipped kitchen, with built in cabinets, 4 burner gas hob and electric built in oven (Franke), tall *refrigerator/freezer, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, good range of stainless steel cooking utensils and porcelain place *settings, glassware, iron, ironing board. Table and chairs.
*Separate lounge with 2 sofa-beds, side tables, fireplace, satellite TV.
*2 bedrooms with king size bed and 2 single beds, wardrobes, chest of drawers and night tables. *
*2 bathrooms with power showers.
*Patio off the kitchen and lounge with outdoor furniture.
*Cots and high chairs available. Central heating.


Monache 2 - sleeps 6+2
*Kitchen with built in cabinets, 4 burner gas hob, built in electric oven, tall refrigerator / freezer. Table with chairs, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, good range of stainless steel cooking utensils and porcelain place settings, glassware,iron and ironing board (microwave on request).
*Separate lounge with sofa bed, writing desk, table, satellite TV.
*3 bedrooms with beds that can be made up as single or King size wardrobes, chest of drawers, and night tables. *Views from all bedrooms.
*2 bathrooms with power showers.
*Patio off the kitchen with outdoor furniture.
*Cots and high chairs available. Central heating.


Monache 3 - sleeps 4+2
*Kitchen with built in cabinets, 4 burner gas hob, built in electric oven, tall refrigerator/freezer. Table with chairs, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, porcelain place settings, glassware, iron and ironing board (microwave on request).
*Lounge with sofa bed, satellite TV.
*2 bedrooms with beds that are made up as king size or 2 singles, wardrobes, chest of drawers, and night tables and lamps.
*1 Bathroom with power shower, wc, pedestal basin, large mirror and bidet.
*Cots and high chairs available. Central heating.


Monache 4
*Kitchen with built in cabinets, 4 burner gas hob, built in electric oven, tall refrigerator/freezer. Table with chairs, toaster, kettle, coffee maker white porcelain place settings, glassware, iron and ironing board (microwave on request).
Lounge with sofa bed, satellite TV.
*Covered patio off the kitchen/lounge with outdoor furniture.
*2 bedrooms with beds that are made up as king size or 2 singles, wardrobes, chest of drawers, and night tables and lamps.
*2 bathrooms with power showers, bidet, pedestal basin large mirror, glass shelves, towel rails. Tiled floor and walls.
*Cots and high chairs available. Central heating.


Notes on Accommodation
The property has a laundry room , drying facilities, central heating in each of the apartments, air conditioning is not necessary as the house dates back to the 11th C. and the walls are over a meter thick, keeping the house at a comfortable temperature. We are 300 meters above sea level and in open countryside; in the summer heat we have the sea breeze in the afternoon and evening.
The house is suitable for families as we are situated in a small hamlet with all amenities walking distance.
On request we can provide maid service on a daily basis or as required. We can organise a private chef to come and prepare a romantic dinner by the swimming pool or on the patio for 2, or for large groups.
Individual Cooking lessons are also available on request.
There is a village shop, restaurant, post box, and small Church.

Facilities

Outside
The swimming pool is 6m x 15m surrounded by a terracotta patio, with sun lounges, tables and large parasols. The gazebo has a table and 6 chairs.


There are 2 large barbecues on wheels, a wood burning oven for pizza , bread or grilling.
The gardens are surrounded by hedges of laurel, bay leaf and oleanders; one area of the garden has rosemary hedges, shrubs of myrtle and pomegranates, fig trees, mulberry, and plums. Herbs are placed around the garden for use of the guests. The middle garden is formal rose garden with box hedges and terracotta pots. The car park is inside the gates of the property shaded by secular oak trees, and young lime trees.


The Farm
Beyond the gardens there is 4.5 hectares of olive grove and woodland.
We have 900 olive trees the majority are Frantoio, with some Moraiolo and Leccino.
We produce some of the best Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in our area. Some of our guests join us during the harvest from picking the olives to taking them to the Olive-press and bringing the oil home! (Producers of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Certified ICEA and TOSCANO,IGP). A sample is given to all of guests on arrival.

Places to Visit

Things to see
*Nearby the man size terracotta statues of San Vivaldo and Church which date back to the 15th Century.
San Gimignano - the town of the Beautiful Towers.
*Visit our great cities of Art, the Museums and Art Galleries of Florence and Siena, the Tower of Pisa, Vinci, where Leonardo da Vinci was born which houses a Museum, Volterra with its Roman theatre and Museo Etrusco with a wealth of Etruscan artefacts.
*The historical centres are all within easy reach so sightseeing, Museums, Art Galleries, Churches and Ruins are enjoyed with little effort.
*The Great Gardens of Tuscany, Florence, Siena, Lucca.


Local events
Florence Not to miss Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a leading festival of opera and classical Music
Siena Il Palio di Siena in the fan shaped Piazza del Campo, July 2nd and August 16th
Lucca Festival Puccini, at Torre del Lago, during July and August
San Gimignano The Summer Festival from June to October offers, Opera, Concerts at the open air theatre on the Rocca.


Things to do
*Late October and November we harvest the olives and invite our guests to participate in what is a working feast! Picking olives, and enjoying great food and wine! Podere Le Monache is situated in the area known as the heart of Tuscany, and is within easy reach (less than a one-hour's drive) of Florence, Siena, and Pisa. It's also close to San Gimignano and Volterra. Castelfalfi, once the summer residence of the Medici family, is less than a 10 minutes drive from Le Monache, it offers an international standard 18-hole golf course, tennis courts,stables, large-game-hunting and fishing reserve.
*Music - Maggio Musicale in Florence (May Music Festival)
*Opera - Torre del Lago , Puccini Festival July – August ( 1 hour away)
*Teatro del Silenzio, L'Ajatico- Boccelli's concert - First week of July
30 minutes drive from Le Monache.
*Nearby we have classical music concerts in our neighbouring Church Cloisters regularly.
*Events Calendar published Monthly with Festivities in neighbouring villages and Towns, found at the house.
*Markets all year around in villages, towns and cities.
*All information on the area and events, is in each apartment in a compiled Folder File.
*Visit the wineries and Castles of the Chianti and in our immediate area.
*Have in house one to one or group cooking lessons.
*Hunting for wild mushrooms and truffles.
*If you enjoy the outdoors we offer walking, trekking, biking, golf, tennis, riding, fishing, hunting and archery.
*We can arrange for wine tasting, wine tours, Olive oil tasting, and in-house cookery courses, during the months of *March to June and September to November.


Coast & beaches
The nearest seaside resorts are Tirrenia and Rosignano with sandy beaches 45 minutes away; further south there is Cecina with water park 1 hour away. And further south the beautiful Isle of Elba.


Golf
We have a golf course is within a 10 minute drive from the house.

Rates

Notes on prices
Prices shown are for the property per week in Pounds Sterling
In the price we include all electricity, gas, water and local taxes
All linen is provided including swimming pool towels
Central heating is not included it is paid locally if required
We also provide cots with linen, high chairs for infants
30% deposit required upon making a booking
Payment can be made by debit card, credit card, cheque, or bank transfer
Long winter lets priced per month, please contact owner
10% REDUCTION for 2 persons during mid-season


Changeover day
Changeover day is Saturday with the exception of Low season when you can arrive any day of the week.
*Please note: on arrival the apartments have initial supplies: Toilet paper, hand soap, washing up liquid, salt, pepper, sugar, tea, coffee, jams, bottle of Chianti wine, sample of our Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.