Casa Isabella at San Sano, San Sano - Gaiole in Chianti - Siena

Savour the historic richness of San Sano whilst enjoying a relaxing day by the pool situated within the property’s private vineyard. Staying in the pristine village is a unique journey back into time when life was slow and passionate; and neighbours sat in their gardens and sipped wine whilst enjoying the sunset.

The village of San Sano is a step back into thousands of years of history. With less than 100 residents, San Sano is nestled among the vineyard-covered rolling hills of Tuscany. Within the small village, is the property once owned by a local winemaker, and now fully restored into individual villas with every detail carefully monitored to ensure the structures remain authentic and untainted.

San Sano has one restaurant, a small grocery store, and an intimate church with occasional Sunday morning services at 10 am. This medieval village is surrounded by walking paths, which are ideal for early morning walks and bike rides. The large pool is on the edge of the villas, adjacent to the vineyards. The pool is 14 meters by 7 meters, 1.5 metres at the deep end and is accessed by ladders. The paved surround has tables, parasols and comfortable sunbeds on which to relax whilst catching up on reading. The pool is fenced off and is open from Easter through October.

San Sano has a rich history – just ask any local! They’ll tell you about the “boozy frog” fountain in the small park where neighbours gather throughout the day. Many years ago, a resident of San Sano was a contestant on a game show and told an outrageous tale about how the frogs in his village got drunk from drinking Chianti wine from the bottle. It was such a wild story that he won the contest and with his prize money, he bought the fountain for the community to enjoy.

The villas in San Sano are ideal for traveling couples who want to split their holiday time between wine tastings, relaxing around the pool, walks in the surrounding areas and taking day trips to other villages, and dining in all the great Tuscan local restaurants. One couple may want to explore, while the other couple stays at the villa.

San Sano is a short drive to dozens of charming villages, and the larger communities of Gaiole in Chianti, Radda and 18km to Siena. It has everything anyone could imagine to capture the true Tuscan experience. A parking area is available for guests use with 1 covered space and 1 uncovered space allocated to Casa Isabella. 

This apartment, in the beautifully restored 17th century Casa Isabella, has a west-facing garden where guests can barbecue and watch the sunset over an early-evening glass of wine under the walnut tree. There are also superb views of the surrounding hills and vineyards. A central feature of the apartment, which has been restored in traditional style, is the original vaulted ceiling of Tuscan stone. There are also glazed terracotta floor tiles throughout. The private garden at the side of the apartment, is furnished with a table and six chairs on the patio and has a brick barbeque. A stone pathway leads to the swimming pool. Opposite the apartment is a small shop and delightful family-run restaurant, La Grotta Della Rana.

The fully-fitted kitchen has a dual-fuel oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer and toaster with ample kitchen and dining utensils. From the lounge, a hallway leads firstly to the main bathroom with shower. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom which has an iron-framed double bed, two bedside tables, a wardrobe, and chest of drawers with mirror. There is a large en-suite bathroom with a deep roll-top bath. The second bedroom has two single beds, and two further single beds which are stowed underneath. These can be pulled out and used if required. The thick exterior walls keep the apartment cool on hot summers’ days.  All windows are fitted with insect screens.

Open-plan Kitchen-Diner and Lounge
Dual-fuel oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, Nescafe Doce Gusto coffee machine, tumble-drier, dining table with 6 chairs, smart TV with Netflix, DVD player, sofa, armchair.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), chest of drawers, wardrobe, chair.

En-Suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
2 main single beds, 2 stowaway beds, wardrobe, chest of drawers.

Bathroom
Bath with shower attachment, sink, bidet, WC.

Our Thoughts
An excellent base-camp for a family or group of six who want to explore the wonders of the region. Casa Isabella carries a long history within its walls, and the interiors are beautifully designed. This is especially true of the homely open-plan lounge area, complete with elegant vaulted ceiling and comfy furniture. Just outside the front door you’ll find a terrace, shaded by a nearby tree and a great place to enjoy a family meal surrounded by the peace of this tranquil Tuscan hamlet.

Notes
1 double bed – cannot be converted.
4 single beds. 2 of these beds are stowed beneath the other two. They can be pulled out and used if required.
2 bathrooms – 1 of which is en-suite. 1 shower, 1 bath with shower attachment.
There are two parking spaces at Casa Isabella – one covered, one uncovered.

Pool Info
The large pool is on the edge of the villas, adjacent to the vineyards. The pool is 14 meters by 7 meters, 1.5 metres at the deep end and is accessed by ladders. The paved surround has tables, parasols and comfortable sunbeds on which to relax whilst catching up on reading. The pool is fenced off and is open from Easter through October.