Fienile at La Ripa, Ulignano - San Gimignano - Siena

La Ripa is a small hamlet of three Tuscan rental villas and the owner's private villa. It is a short distance away from San Gimignano whose towers can be seen from one place in the garden. Within walking distance is the small town Ulignano.

The pool is down a few steps, a short distance from the villas. Each villa has its own private garden. There is also the well maintained communal gardens and a small olive grove which guests can enjoy. The garden has plenty of trees, providing shade from the warm Tuscan sun, and shrubs providing plenty of privacy. There are limited views however it is a wonderfully silent and peaceful estate although not far from a town.

Fienile is located on the first floor, above Padronale. There are terracotta steps up from the garden to the front door. Immediately at the bottom of the steps is a pretty pergola which shades a table with chairs.

Inside this villa the decor is also a lovely mix of refreshing pale blue and ivory. The spacious room has a comfortable double sofa in a corner and two bamboo armchairs. In the centre is a small wooden dining table with four chairs. A beautiful wood burning stove provides the room with character and is ideal for the cooler winter and autumn evenings.

The separate kitchen is off to one side. Although small it is fully equipped and includes gas hobs, an oven and a large fridge with separate freezer compartment.

There is a bedroom off either end of the lounge. One is a pretty double with a romantic four poster bed and double wardrobe. En-suite is a bathroom with shower.

The other room is a twin which can be converted into a double if requested in advance. The room is furnished with a double wardrobe and a chest of drawers. It has a private bathroom with tub and handheld shower.

1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom.
The twin room can be made into a double if requested when booking.
The parents of the owner stay in the fourth villa on the property, they will use the pool occasionally.
There are two friendly and calm dogs which are free to roam the garden. This must be kept in mind if you plan to bring a pet.
The entire estate is fenced and pet secure although the pool area is separated only by bushes.
There is a neighbouring estate across the road, but there is plenty of privacy in the mature and well maintained garden.

The irregular shaped pool is located a short distance away from the buildings of the hamlet. From the gardens around the houses there are several steps down to the pool area. Immediately around the pool there is a fantastic terracotta sundeck, around which is a small area of manicured lawn which gently slopes away.

The area is dotted with sun beds and umbrellas to relax under the warm Tuscan sun. Further shade is provided part of the day by the nearby trees. There are limited views but the area has plenty of privacy from other estates. The pool is 17x7 metres and 1.4 metres deep. It's open from 15 May to 30 September, weather permitting. The owner's family do use the pool occasionally.