Pandora at Podere di Casalta, Castellina in Chianti - Siena

Podere di Casalta is a finely restored Tuscan hamlet of 9 villas that maintains all its original characteristics, with well maintained, simple gardens of local plant, shrubs and herbs. It is located in the heart of the Chianti within easy reach of Castellina in Chianti and Panzano in Chianti.

The pool is located a few steps away from the villas and is protected by a beautiful stone wall to one side, while the other has towering cypress trees through which there are fantastic views of the Chianti hills covered in vineyards and olive groves.

The hamlet, once owned by Galileo Galilei, is composed of two buildings around a quaint, traditional stone courtyard in which there is a pizza oven. To one side is an independent cottage while near the pool is a second, small cottage with the laundry. In front of the laundry is a large, stone terrace furnished with tables and chairs for communal use.
Parking - available on site

Pandora is located on the first floor of the central hamlet building. There is access to a large communal terrace with tables and chairs for dining al fresco.

Entering this lovely, well-furnished Tuscan villa is a small hall with a large oak cabinet. Three stone steps lead up into the open plan kitchen and living area. At the top of the steps is the kitchen where there is a large, high quality, wooden dining table surrounded by six chairs. Against one wall is the kitchen unit which is fully equipped and includes gas hobs, a small fridge with freezer compartment, a microwave with grill. There is also a traditional Tuscan stone sink.

Passing under a large terracotta arch across the room there is the lounge area. It has two large windows which provide plenty of light, making the room very bright. In one corner is a decorative fireplace. Huddled around this are two wooden armchairs with cushions and a comfortable triple sofa.

Off the kitchen two steps lead into a little hall which provides access to the sleeping area. To the left is a guest toilet with a large wardrobe across the back wall. A twin room is located directly in front of the steps. It is furnished with pretty iron beds which can be put together to make a double. Inside the room is a large wardrobe, mirror and wooden armchair. The window overlooks the internal hamlet courtyard. Next to the twin room is a big bathroom with shower.

At the end of the hall is the main bedroom. This is a triple room. On the lower level is a pretty iron double bed with delicate lace works on the headboard. This part of the room is furnished with a wooden chest of drawers, writing desk with chair and an armchair. The two windows look out over the Chianti hills.

A narrow iron spiral staircase leads up to the mezzanine floor where there is a single bed. Across the back of the room are cupboards while in one corner is a designer iron chair covered with cushions. Like the rest of the villa this room has the tradition Tuscan terracotta ceiling with wooden beams. The room is ideal for young adults or older children, due to the spiral stairs it's not recommended for young children.

The twin room can be made into a double, should you require this please request it when booking. Pandora's neighbour is Borea, both villas are accessed from the balcony. The communal terrace is about 30 metres away.
Small sized dogs are welcome on request. Please confirm size and breed when booking as certain breeds may not be allowed.

The pool is located up several stone steps behind the laundry room. It is protected from the hamlet by a high stone wall and iron gate. The other three sides of the pool are open with a cypress and fir trees.

Surrounding the pool is a large sun deck dotted with several umbrellas and sunbeds. Above the pool is a second, rarely used car park. There are some views of the Chianti hills through the cypress trees. The pool is 12 x 7 meter, 1.2-1.6 metres deep. Open from May to September, weather permitting.