Il Cardellino at La Colombaia, Cerreto Guidi - Florence

La Colombaia is a restored farm building divided into three sections which house a total of 9 villas and a reception. Care has been taken to create a simple but well maintained property in the heart of Tuscany with easy access to Cerreto Guidi, Vinci the birth town of Leonardo da Vinci and San Miniato, a town renowned for white truffles.

To one side of the property there is a large pool in full sun. It looks out to the pretty views that lay beyond the estate. To one side are three gazebos with barbeques for communal use. Next to the villas is a large, terracotta paved terrace furnished with tables and chairs.

Also on the property there is a vegetable garden which guests can use, and a bird cage with doves, from which the property gets it name. Near La Colombaia there are other villas however the gardens have plenty of privacy due to the hedges that surround the perimeter. The reception is manned for most of the day so there is often someone available for assistance should it be required.

Il Cardellino is a ground floor villa located on the edge of the main building of La Colombaia. It faces to the side of the property which provides it with some privacy. Outside the villa is a small paved terrace which has a table and chairs to dine al fresco. Shade is provided from the nearby, tall pine trees.

Inside is an open plan room with the original Tuscan villa ceiling of terracotta tiles and wooden beams. It is a bright room with a wooden dining table and four chairs in the centre. A comfortable double sofa and a sideboard complete the furnishings.

To the back of the room is a squared arch which leads into the tiny kitchen. It is adequately equipped and has limited work space but is perfect to provide simple meals for 2 people. It includes electric hobs and a small fridge with internal icebox.

The large double bedroom with a terracotta floor is to the right of the living area. It is furnished with a beautiful iron bed, double door wardrobe and matching bedside tables. The view from the window is of the side garden and little terrace. En-suite is a brightly coloured bathroom with shower.

Il Cardellino faces the approach road of the villa however this is a small, country road with only occasional passing cars. It cannot be easily seen due to the perimeter hedge around the property.
It's neighbour is Il Pettirosso, whose terrace can be seen.

The large pool is located in the perfectly manicured garden, a short distance away from the buildings. It is surrounded by a large terracotta sun deck with a shower on one side. There are many sun beds along one side facing the views over the boundary hedge.

Next to the pool is a large lawn with three furnished gazebos for communal use. From these areas of the property the views of the Tuscan hills covered with vineyards, stone villages and estates are pretty.
The pool is chlorine cleansed and has iron steps to enter. It is 7x14 metres and 11 to 1.2 metres deep. It's open from May to October, weather permitting. On request pool towels can be supplied for an extra cost.