Colle di Sotto, Montelupo Fiorentino - Florence

Sitting on a small hill about 45 minutes drive from Florence, Colle di Sotto surveys the alluvial plain around the nearby Arno. With panoramic views and a wide, open sky, it is one of the most convenient bases for visiting an impressive cluster of Tuscany’s cultural jewels. Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra, Pisa and Siena are all within easy striking distance, not to mention the less well-known but charming Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, and San Miniato, both almost on your doorstep.

The villa itself is a colourful little gem, which can sleep four to six people. Its large private infinity pool, set a few steps away on a lower level and which can be lit at night, is, however, close to magical. Feel like royalty as you walk down internal steps into water that appears to lap a wide surrounding landscape of vineyards and olive groves; sunbathe on the furnished terrace, cool off under the nearby pergola or enjoy the pool’s hydro massage area. Finish the day with an al-fresco meal on the furnished terrace to one side of the villa.

Ground Floor

Kitchen-Diner
Fully equipped, table and chairs, sideboard, stairs to mezzanine lounge, main entrance via double doors to terrace.

Bedroom 1
Iron-framed double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
Iron-framed double bed (cannot be converted to twins), chair, double doors to exterior.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

First Floor

Mezzanine / Lounge
Sofa, double sofa bed, side table, chest of drawers, fireplace, stairs down to kitchen-diner.

Our Thoughts
This is a small villa made characterful by its colourful interior palette of earth and sky tones, quirky styling and clever mezzanine lounge, which maximises light and space. Make use of the sofa bed and you can accommodate a party of six, but the two bedrooms make it ideal for four and a summer palace for two. You’ll always remember the glorious sunrises and sunsets here. The pool gives Colle di Sotto an undoubted wow factor, but don’t forget to revel in the locality’s major cultural riches.

Notes
Two bedrooms. Two bathrooms, both en-suite. The garden is unfenced.
There are 2 mountain bikes available for rental at the property.
Approach road: 200 m of good unpaved

Pool
The main section of the large infinity pool is rectangular: a projection at one end contains internal steps to enter the water, while there is a circular hydro massage pool in another corner. A paved terrace around three sides has sunloungers, while there are chairs below the nearby pergola.
Pool size: 10.5m x 7.5m, 1.2m-1.4m deep. Open mid-May through September, weather permitting.