La Porcilaia at Pretaccione, Castelnuovo Berardenga - Siena

Facing south West to the open countryside Porcilaia is a large self contained cottage that enjoys a sunny aspect from sun rise to sun set enjoyed from the large private terraces and garden, from here there are great views of the famous rolling hills decorated by the old stone farm houses and small holdings that once worked the fertile land. In this high ceiling and spacious house remain the original terracotta ceilings giving a cool open feeling throughout.

There is a covered terrace furnished with an iron-framed table and chairs and sunshade, two sun loungers and a small herb garden for guests use. This is a superb place to dine in the open air under the Tuscan skies both by day and by night with wide-open views of the valley.

The front door is accessed from the garden and up five terracotta steps to a small raised terrace. Entering through the front door you are struck by the space available in this house. To the left is the living area with a large open fireplace; there is a comfortable sofa and easy chair.

To the right is a white wood kitchen finished with a large granite work surface fully equipped which includes 4 gas hobs, an electric oven, a fridge/freezer, a dish washer, a toaster  and coffee maker. There is a kitchen window looking down the valley that gives a bright aspect to the kitchen.

Behind the living area is the dining area furnished with a Tuscan dark oak wood table with six matching dining chairs. There are ample kitchen/dining facilities for six people provided. This well laid out cottage has a bedroom and bathroom either side of the main living area keeping the nighttime areas private.

The left leads to a small hallway where the washing machine is placed, leading into a bathroom and bedroom. To the left is the bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower. Ahead is a big room with large windows facing south and double doors leading to the second terrace. There is a hand made iron bed frame with orthopedic mattress with two bedside tables with drawers and a reading lamp, a double wardrobe and a dressing table mirror.

To the right of the house there is a mirror image a white bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower. Ahead is a huge bedroom with windows facing south. There is a hand made iron bed frame with orthopedic mattress with two bedside tables with drawers and a reading lamp, a double wardrobe and a dressing table with mirror.

The bedrooms can be made up with double or twin beds.
There are four tennis rackets available in the house, bring your own balls if you want to play tennis.

Podere Pretaccione, 1000 year old, was once the home of itinerant priests. Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, Pretaccione provides a restful, rural setting just 20 minutes from historic Siena. The main building has been carefully restored into eight spacious apartments, each comfortably furnished in keeping with the terracotta floors, stone archways and beamed ceilings. A large swimming pool and tennis court with garden furniture are set on a lawned terrace just below the farmhouse.  The ancient stone patios provide expansive views of the Arbie River as it winds through the valley toward Siena.

The houses all have private gardens with terraces furnished with tables and chairs for al fresco eating. The pretty village of San Sano, 4km away, boasts an excellent country style restaurant and a small grocery store with a bar.
Pretaccione is on the property of the Dievole Winery and spa, a short drive or a healthy walk up a country road. Visitors are always welcome for wine tastings and special dinners at the winery.

Approach road - 1km good unpaved road - 500 mtrs bumpy unpaved road not ideal for motorbikes.

The fenced swimming pool is 14 meters x 5.5 meters and 1.30 - 2.30 meters deep. It is open from Easter to October. Lawned terraces offer plenty of open space around the pool area, there is a terracotta pool-surround terrace furnished with comfortable sunbeds, this area south facing and enjoys full sun.

Pretaccione has a full-size, concrete based tennis court that is situated in the gardens near the pool. The court is in an open position - perfect for working on your game whilest enjoying the views of the Siena hills, after you can take a dip in the pool and bask in the Tuscan sunshine on the furnished terrace.