Casa Dante at San Donato in Perano, San Donato in Perano - Gaiole in Chianti - Siena

San Donato in Perano grew from a cluster of small villages and houses built around the church of San Donato. It became fortified and joined a network of medieval castles which can still be seen on a clear day. During the 15th Century the fortifications were strengthened with the building of a double wall around the estate. Surrounded by fertile agricultural land the castle became a country residence to a wealthy landlord. It was bought in the 16th Century by the Strozzi family, who were an influential Florentine family.

The estate remained in the ownership of the Strozzi family for four centuries, when it was sold in 1967. It is now owned by a co-operative who decided to restore the hamlet and castle buildings, creating very individual accommodation. Great attention has been paid in using natural materials, and restoring the original features wherever possible.

The co-operative have 185 acres of vineyards, the estate is in the heart of the Chianti Classico region and therefore any Chianti wine produced is eligible to display the sign of the black rooster with the initials D.O.C. (Denominazione di origine controllata – Denomination of origin controlled). In addition to the cultivation of the vineyards the co-operative also have seventy acres planted with olive trees from which they make olive oil, bottles of which can be purchased in the hamlet.

The large swimming pool is set in an elevated position about 150 meter away from the villa with breathtaking views over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Located beside an olive grove to one side of the hamlet, the pools paved surround is furnished with sun loungers and umbrellas. The pool has two ladders for access one, at the shallow end and one at the deep end, there are also changing rooms for the use of the hamlet’s residents.

Casa Dante is one of two villas converted from two adjoining farm houses, creating very individual accommodation. Great attention has been paid in using natural materials, and restoring the original features wherever possible.

A flight of stone steps leads up to the paved terrace which you cross to reach the entrance to the villa. The front door opens into a lovely open plan ‘L’ shaped lounge/kitchen/diner, which has the traditional terracotta tiled floors and beamed and tiled ceilings throughout.

The very attractive kitchen area has modern fitted units, with an eye level built in oven, separate gas hobs, microwave oven, dishwasher and fridge with freezer section. The dining area with wooden dining table and six chairs is to the right through a wide brick archway.

There is a decorative open fireplace along one wall with the lounge area at the far end of the room. The lounge has two sofas a TV with some satellite channels, a DVD and CD player. Four windows run along the far wall allowing the light to flood into the room.

Steps up from the kitchen area lead to a small hallway with storage cupboard and a door to the ground floor bathroom which has a shower, WC and basin. Stairs from the hallway curve up to the first floor where the two bedrooms are located.

Both bedrooms have windows with views over the surrounding vineyards and can be made into doubles or twins as required. One of the bedrooms has a few extra steps up to it, as does the first floor bathroom, which has a full size Jacuzzi bath with hand held shower, basin and WC.

A further flight of stairs leads to the second floor laundry room with washing machine and separate dryer, iron and ironing board.

Outside the furnished terrace is the perfect spot for dining ‘al fresco’ or relaxing with a glass of wine made from the surrounding vines. From the terrace you have views across the vineyards and olive groves to the distant hillside. A short walk through the hamlet takes you to the pool area which also has breathtaking views over the Tuscan countryside.

One double bedroom (can be converted to a twin on request).
One twin bedroom (can be converted into a double on request).
A 5th person can sleep on the sofa bed on the ground floor.
There are mosquito screens on all the windows.

The hamlet of San Donato in Perano is located close to the Chianti towns of Gaiole and Radda, both of which have a choice of shops, restaurants and bars.

The large swimming pool about 150 meter away from the villa with its far reaching views measures 8 metres by 15 metres. The paved surround is furnished with sun loungers and umbrellas and there are changing rooms for guests use. Set in the grounds of the hamlet next to olive groves the pool has a fenced surround for security.

The two ladders which give access to the pool are located one at either end. The shallow end is 1.1 metres in depth increasing to 1.7 metres at the deepest point. The pool is open from the 1st of May until the 30th of September.