Antica_Canonica

L'Antica Canonica

Three Bedroom First Floor Luxury Residence

Entrance hall with settee and fireplace > Lounge with two settees, table and chairs, fireplace, satellite television and DVD > Dining room with table and chairs and fireplace > Kitchenette with cooker (4 gas rings, electric oven), fridge/freezer, and dishwasher > Two double bedrooms with ensuite shower room with shower cubicle, basin, bidet and w.c. > Double bedroom (which converts to a twin on request) with ensuite shower room with shower cubicle, basin, bidet and w.c. > Bathroom with hydomassage bath, basin, bidet w.c > An extra bed can be added to one of the bedrooms to accommodate an extra person > Central heating > Small terrace > Barbecue > Swimming pool > Washing machine > Covered parking > Twice weekly linen change > 10km to the town of Colle di Val d'Elsa.

In the heart of Tuscany, the Antica Canonica is on a country estate surrounded on all sides by beautiful unspoilt countryside. The historical residence, which origins can be traced back to the eleventh Century, has been recently fully restored and has a rich and interesting history. Originally a watch tower built in 1048, the building became the property of the church who transformed it into a Bishops residence and a medieval farming hamlet, later still the house and its grounds was used as a country retreat for many noble Counts and Dukes of the region. The tiny hamlet was eventually abandoned, but now it has been lovingly restored, preserving its ancient heritage, to form elegant apartments.

Facts:

Description:


Normal no. of persons:	6
Max. no. of extra persons: (for beds see description)	1
Size:	150 sqm
Floor:	First
TV:	Satellite
Beds (doubles/singles):	2 / 2
Bathrooms:	4
Central heating:	Yes
Fireplace:	Yes
Dishwasher:	Yes
Oven:	Standard
Washing machine:	Yes
Swimming pool:	16 x 8m
Terrace/balcony:	No
Garden:	Shared
Wine/olive oil production:	No / No
Distance to San Gimignano:	20 km
Distance to Siena:	25 km
Distance to Florence:	55 km

The Antica Canonica is on the first floor of the main building and was once the Bishops palatial rooms. Great care has been taken in the renovation and the furnishings are luxurious and refined. The original characteristics of the building have all been retained, beautiful high vaulted ceilings, archways, and terracotta floors are all featured. The three reception rooms are very welcoming. All have traditional woodburning fireplaces, and are elegantly furnished with antiques, persian rugs and beautiful light fittings handmade by specialist craftsmen. The Bishops lounge is the perfect place for relaxing with its large sofas, warm red fabrics, drapes and satellite television, and there is a second lounge with fireplace in the hallway leading to the fully equipped kitchenette and beautiful dining room. This characteristic room has crystal topped banqueting table, upholstered chairs, fireplace and a beautiful reproduction of the famous Guido Riccio da Fogliano fresco, the original of which is in the Palazzo Pubblico in the famous Piazza del Campo in Siena. Crystal glasses and fine china complete the refinery, creating the perfect atmosphere for a leisurely candlelit dinner. The three bedrooms are extremely comfortable, each being exquisitely furnished in different colours, with soft fabrics, canopy beds and en-suite shower rooms decorated with hand-painted tiles. A fourth bathroom near the bishops lounge boasts a large hydro-massage bath tub.

At the entrance to the villa is a small terrace with table and chairs which overlooks the estate towards the beautiful swimming pool and grounds. The swimming pool (16m x 8m), surrounded by lawns and landscaped gardens framed by the rolling wooded hills beyond, is a lovely spot to relax and have a cooling dip. Antica Canonica has its own private area at the pool furnished with sun-loungers, table, chairs and barbecue. Partly shaded and filled with flowers it is the perfect surrounding for an alfresco meal or just enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Tuscan countryside.

When you can tear yourself away from this idyllic retreat, Antica Canonica is excellently located for exploring the area and discovering the delights of Tuscany. San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Volterra are all close by and the famous towns of Florence and Siena with their countless art treasures and historic monuments are easily accessible via the main road links at nearby Colle di Val d'Elsa, an interesting town in itself, being famous for its crystal production and medieval quarter. In fact the owners of Antica Canonica have a lovely restaurant in the ancient hill town, featuring excellent refined cuisine, and with a large panoramic terrace for dining al fresco. Guests at Antica Canonica receive a complimentary voucher offering 10% discount at the restaurant. There is a further selection of local trattorias within easy driving distance of the residence, and it is also possible to hire a chef for the evening on request.

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PARKING in San Gimignano: The parking in San Gimignano is all round the historic centre (access to the historic centre is for residents only). Residents cannot park in town unless they have their own private parking space. They also have to park outside the town. Most of the public parking is in pay car parks. These charge by the hour and are quite expensive. We are able to offer you to park in a private car park at the price of Euro 25 per week. The use of this car park is not obligatory. If you decide not to use this car park, you will not have to pay this parking fee. There is free car parking on the outskirts of the town. You will need to watch the signs carefully as parking is restricted or not allowed at certain times (e.g road cleaning, local markets, school pick up times etc). These parking areas are further from the property you are renting (approx 10 - 15 mins walk) than the private car park we are offering you. Let us know at the time of reservation if you would like a space in the private car park. The fee of 25 Euros will be payable locally to the owner of the car park.

Nbr. of people:	6
Nbr. of extra people possible:	1
Cost per extra person (in Euros):	120 EUR payable to the owner on arrival

Cautionary Deposit:	250 EUR (local admin fee + returnable deposit)
	Payable to the owner on arrival
	Local Administration Fee:	0 EUR
	Returnable Deposit:	250 EUR