Surrounded by beautiful countryside and panoramic views Giotto Grande on the Casaglia estate is in a traditional Tuscan house, unusually restored to now offer a large split level apartment. It is a magnificent location for enjoying country walks be it in the open countryside where the views are splendid in all directions or along the rustic footpaths of Casaglia’s own wood which have been signposted by the owner. The owner of Casaglia is very interested in the history of the area and the past way of life in Tuscany. This interest is particularly evident in the way he has decorated Giotto Grande to give it a taste of the atmosphere found in a country house of many years ago and in his producing by traditional methods olive oil, wine and saffron all of which guests will find available. In medieval times San Gimignano was famous for its production of saffron and the owner of Casaglia has been very active in the current revival of its cultivation in the area; you will find he has lots of suggestions as to how it can be used to create some splendid dishes!

The Casaglia Estate lies in 10 hectares of its own land and enjoys splendid views of the towers of the medieval town of San Gimignano 9km away. In the middle of the estate on top of a hill lies a watch tower dating back to A.D.1,000 which has been carefully restored by the owner; the tower was built for the protection of the nearby Castle of Fulignano. In the 13th century, whilst on his way to Naples, King Manfredi camped with his soldiers at Il Poggio di Casaglia, representatives of Poggiobonizio (now Poggibonsi) came to meet him there to offer him the keys of the city.

Giotto Grande is divided into two parts, one on a lower level and the other on an upper level. As the house is built on a slope each level has its separate entrance on the ground floor and is divided one from the other by a large panoramic terrace. The upper level enjoys the atmosphere of an old Florentine villa. It is comfortably furnished in classic Tuscan style and has very high ceilings. The lounge has a traditional wood burning fireplace and the dining room which has a long table with benches and chairs, boasts a colourful fresco in medieval style which was commissioned from a local artist by the owner. The kitchen / dining room and one of the bedrooms have glass doors opening on to a very large panoramic private terrace (100 sqm). The lower level is very characteristic, here there are a further two bedrooms and two shower rooms which retain the original slanted bricks at the windows. The entrance is also on the ground floor, or can be reached via steps from the large terrace which connects the two levels. The terrace is partly covered and is furnished with a large table and chairs for eating outside and sun recliners. It enjoys a spectacular panorama of the countryside and the towers of San Gimignano. In addition there is a patio in the garden at the side of the lower level which has a small table and chairs.

The delightful garden which surrounds the house is the owner’s pride and joy. Full of flowering plants and trees it is always immaculately maintained. In the garden is the lovely swimming pool (12m x 5.5m), which is furnished with sun recliners and sun umbrellas and enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The swimming pool is for the use of guests staying at Giotto Grande and is occasionally used by the owner. Also in the garden is a large built in barbecue for guests use, and a small football pitch is situated where it does not disturb the peace and tranquillity. On the first floor of the house lives a resident Italian family, and on the ground floor under the large panoramic terrace are utility rooms for the use of the owner. There is a covered parking space in the grounds close to the house.