La Collina 8, Gaiole in Chianti - Siena

This is a true getaway. You are up among the hilltops of central Chianti – a place to arrive and let the fresh air, filtered by neighbouring forests, fill your lungs. Perched on a small, high promontory, La Collina gives you nearly 360-degrees of sky and extensive views, particularly from the private pool and its terrace.

A cluster of three buildings, including an old hay barn, has been cleverly adapted to offer four suites and a communal kitchen-diner that could work equally well for an extended family or group of friends. Everyone has their own private quarters to retreat to, but you’ll want to spend a lot of time outside here. The grounds are especially magical in the mornings when the mist has settled in the valleys below, but you are basking in the sun. During the day, mature trees offer shade for your sun lounger and a wisteria-draped furnished terrace makes a great place for lunch. At dusk, the sunsets are spectacular. Sienna, Arezzo and Florence are good day trips; and you have the charming Chianti town, Gaiole, just half an hour away.

Main Building

Ground Floor

Kitchen-Diner
Table, two benches, two chairs, settle, kitchenette.

Suite 1: Mela

Hall
Fridge.

Lounge-Kitchen-Diner
Sofa, table, two chairs, bench, kitchenette, fireplace, main entrance.

Bedroom
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), chest of drawers, bureau, chair.

Bathroom
Bath with handheld shower, sink, WC.

Suite 2: Capanna
Ground Floor

Lounge-Kitchen-Diner
Sofa, table, three chairs, settle, chest of drawers, fully equipped kitchen, stairs to first floor, door to furnished terrace, main entrance.

Bathroom
Shower, twin sinks, WC.

First Floor

Bedroom-Lounge
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, two sofas, armchair, pouffe, coffee table, wood-burning stove, double doors to covered terrace (with wicker sofa), stairs to ground floor.

Suite 3: Niki

Lounge
Sofa, coffee table, table, four chairs, wardrobe, cupboard, main entrance.

Bedroom
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), chest of drawers, chair, door to exterior.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Suite 4: Julia

Lounge-Bedroom
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, side table, sofa, table, three chairs, door to small terrace with two chairs.

Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Our Thoughts
This converted farmstead offers real seclusion and tranquility. And few places can compete when it comes to such a dramatic background for that evening sundowner. We love the lozenge-shaped pool and its terrace: they sit in the grounds particularly well and give wonderful views. We predict a few tussles over who gets Capanna, but as long as the winner shares its terrace – such a lovely spot for morning coffee, a midday beer and finishing that last glass after dinner – there shouldn’t be any complaints.

Notes
Four bedrooms. Four bathrooms, one en-suite. There are no fridges in Niki and Julia; and the staircase in Capanna is not suitable for young children. The owners’ apartment is on the first floor of the main building, which has Niki and Julia on the lower floor, however they will not be there during your stay. There is Wi-Fi available in the house, but the connection is strongest in Capanna, beside the pool and in the park area.
Parking - 4 uncovered spaces on site.

Pool
The good-sized irregularly shaped pool has ladder steps to enter the water. There are sun loungers and deckchairs on the surrounding paved terrace.
Pool size: 17m x 5m, 1.2m deep. Open from May through September, weather permitting.