Farmhouse Accommodation in Tuscany
La Corte 1
Click image for all photos
AboutTheExperience
Plan to spend lots of time at this lovely farmhouse accommodation in Tuscany, where you'll be able to experience an elegant slice of true Italian life. You'll have your own well appointed apartment in this farmhouse in Tuscany, and access to the grounds, which includes a wooded hiking area, a tennis court, and a picturesque swimming pool. You'll also be within walking distance of Orentano, and within day trip distance of Florence and the coast when retreating to this Tuscany vacation rental.
LocationDescription
This apartment is located in the countryside, within walking distance of the small Tuscan village of Orentano, perhaps known best for its traditional shows, organized throughout the year. The most significant of these occurs in February: the children's carnival, a kind of festival/parade with floats designed to delight and inspire the imaginations of little ones. In July there is a pizza and beer festival featuring traditional Tuscan dishes, and in August comes the cake festival, celebrated with the creation and display of one elaborate, gargantuan cake! You can always find a restaurant, a pizzeria, and various small shops in town. The surrounding area also produces two famous DOC wines: Montecarlo and Chianti. The nearby medieval hamlet of Altopascio is also well worth a visit, as it has a long and interesting history dating back to the 12th century. Altopascio also offers a Thursday market, a bakery, supermarket, and an internet point. But if you have a taste for more urban delights, this Tuscany apartment also has easy access to the Autostrada, so you'll have no problem taking day trips to various Tuscan highlights, including Lucca, Pisa, and Florence.
Florence: 59 km
Pisa: 45 km
Versilia (beaches): 42 km
Lucca: 15 km
Montecatini Terme (golf course): 14 km
Altopascio (A11 motorway): 3 km
Orentano: 200 meters
ExteriorDescription
This villa apartment is situated in an ancient complex dating back to the 18th century located in the countryside near the village of Orentano. Up until the first half of '50s, the property was used as a farmhouse, and then the owners began a tasteful restoration with special attention to its original architectural characteristics. Surrounding the complex, the property extends outwards and includes a wooded area ideal for taking hikes, a lawn with a tennis court, and a swimming pool (12m x 6m) with a jacuzzi. There is also a tennis court with rackets and balls available. The complex, which is attached to another house on one side, has been divided vertically into 3 apartments, each with a private equipped outdoor area including a barbecue, either behind or on the side of the accommodation.
InteriorDescription
(198 m2) Ground Floor: This apartment is decorated with very comfortable Tuscan-style furnishings. Inside you will find a living room that includes a fireplace, two divan beds (each suitable for sleeping one), satellite TV, and a VCR. The kitchen/dining room is fully equipped with an oven, dishwasher, and washing machine. This floor also has one bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower.
First Floor: Upstairs you will find four bedrooms, each with a 160 cm queen-size bed. There are also two bathrooms. One has a sink, toilet, and shower, while the other has a sink, toilet, and bathtub.
FeaturesDescription
Available Amenities: Shared swimming pool (open May-Sept), shared tennis court, fireplace (wood provided), satellite TV, VCR, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, baby bed, high chair, private outdoor area, barbecue, security alarm system.
Arrive & Relax: Stocked with enough food to get your group through Saturday night and Sunday, this property allows you to show up, drop your bags, and settle in without a hassle. No searching for a grocery store after that long flight, and no worrying about Sunday store closures. You can deal with the details later... after a meal and a good nights' sleep! Arrive & Relax provisions include:
Mineral water (6 bottles), Orange Juice, Milk, Coca Cola, White wine (1 bottle), Red wine (1 bottle), Tea bags, Coffee, Fresh fruit, Cornflakes, Eggs (6), Yogurt, bread, butter, jam, Nutella, cheese, ham, Pasta, Tomato sauce, Green/black olives, Fresh tomatoes, Olive oil (1 bottle), sugar, salt, Toilet Paper (4 rolls), Napkins.
Extra Services: The following are listed as an aid for trip planning; the services and prices are approximate and cannot be guaranteed by Rentvillas. All extra services are payable locally in cash.
Chef Service: Typical dinner about 35 Euros/person including wine (all meals available upon request)
Extra cleaning service: 15 Euros/hour
Extra baby bed: 50 Euros/week
Extra high chair: 25 Euros/week
Heating: According to consumption
Nearby Attractions: Orentano, Altopascio, wine tasting, hill towns, hiking, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, the coastal towns of Versilia.
Please Note: There is no telephone at this property. Bringing a cell phone is advised.
Property Seasons & Rates (USD)
| Date Range | | Weekly | | | | | | | | | | Min
Stay |
|
Sep-04-2010 - Sep-11-2010
|
| $2,337
$1,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Sep-11-2010 - Sep-18-2010
|
| $2,053
$1,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Sep-18-2010 - Sep-25-2010
|
| $2,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Sep-25-2010 - Oct-09-2010
|
| $2,053
$1,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Oct-09-2010 - Dec-18-2010
|
| $1,800
$1,440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Jan-08-2011 - Apr-16-2011
|
| $1,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Apr-16-2011 - May-21-2011
|
| $2,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
May-21-2011 - Jun-11-2011
|
| $2,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Jun-11-2011 - Jul-02-2011
|
| $2,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Jul-02-2011 - Aug-20-2011
|
| $3,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Aug-20-2011 - Aug-27-2011
|
| $2,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Aug-27-2011 - Sep-10-2011
|
| $2,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Sep-10-2011 - Oct-08-2011
|
| $2,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
|
Oct-08-2011 - Dec-17-2011
|
| $1,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 wk
|
For exact pricing and conditions, click the View Availability button and then click View Pricing and Conditions.
Arrival Times
Please note: Official Arrival Times:
Conditions *
Security Deposit
- Upon arrival at the property you are required to pay to the property representative a security deposit payable in cash. The security deposit will be returned to you prior to your departure minus any extra charges or accidental damages to the property. The listed security deposit is: 500 EUR
Additional Expenses
- Heating if used will be charged at the weekly rate of: 30 EUR
- Final cleaning charge per person: 15 EUR
- Minimum final cleaning charge: 60 EUR
- If available, telephone is extra and charged according to consumption.
Other Notes
- Extra maid service is usually available upon request and is paid locally.
- If available, heating is allowed by Italian law only from November 1 to April 1 with exceptions made for extreme weather
- If you arrive outside of the acceptable arrival times you will be charged a late arrival fee
- Clients are expected to depart the property by 9:00 am, unless otherwise indicated.
- If available, cook service must be arranged at least two months prior to arrival and is subject to the availability of the cook.
- CLIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO GIVE A PHOTOCOPY OF THEIR PASSPORT TO THE LOCAL MANAGER WHEN THEY ARRIVE AT THE PROPERTY.
* These prices and conditions may change based on your arrival date and length of stay. For exact conditions, please click on the View Availability button, enter your dates, and then click on View Pricing and Conditions.
View General Rental Agreement
Questions? Please ask us!
Receive free advice from your own personal Travel Advisor.
Call us: 1-800-726-6702
Outside the US: +1-805-880-1228
Mon-Fri 7:00-5:30
Sat 10:30-2:30 Pacific Time
Email Us
Quiz Our Customers
Ask questions directly to our customers who stayed at this property
Ask a Question
Popular Favorites
Like this property? You may like:
Customer Ratings
Overall
Peace and Quiet-
View
-
Outside Area
Living Room
Kitchen-
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Based on 14 Reviews
Customer Reviews
Overall:
We were three couples and all felt the villa was more then promised. The interior was spotless and the furniture was sturdy and comfortable. The grounds were very well kept, and while it was too cool to swim when the pool opened during our stay we spent time in the sun planning our next day's adventure. The owner met us upon our arrival and explained the workings of the house heat, clothes and dishwasher, and keys. She returned the following morning with fresh local bread and a pie. She left a contact number and then we did not see her again. In other words she was helpful but not ever present.
Enjoyed Most:
The spaciousness of the two living room areas, large bedrooms and 3 full baths and expansive private grounds made us feel like VIPS.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The nook-type kitchen table in the middle of the room was a bit awkward for six people to maneuver around but this was a minor issue. While mattresses were very firm, we all reported a good nights sleep.
Surrounding Area:
We liked being right in the small town of Orentano were we ate once or twice and very close to the good sized Altopacio.
It was a quick drive to Lucca. One day we just drove up into the mountains and discovered a series of villas and beautiful scenery with no guidebook required. It was wonderful to just explore on our own.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Our Villa was in Orentano which was a mile to the center. The next good size town was a 5 minuter drive
Tips or Restaurants:
Two miles from our villa was Il Vilico a family Italian restaurant with 3 generations. The grandson was our waiter and when he had trouble explaining one item on the menu, a young man from the next table jumped up to help and made the experience fun. The Pasta dishes and the grilled spare ribs were the best.
The villa had linens and towels and paper goods. We find throughout Europe no one uses washcloths so we bring them from home.
Larry, April, 2010
Show All 14 Reviews
Enjoyed Most:
The location was ideal with quick access to the autostrada and located midway between Pisa and Florence. Even more special was the owner's daughter-manager. She was delightful and helpful. We hired a cook for two of the nights which turned out to be the owner and her family. A feast is an understatement, and the warmth and hospitality was overwhelming. She helped make dinner reservations and called ahead to a local winery for a private tour. Incredible.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The villa is charming but not posh. The mattresses were rather hard, and the towels could be improved. Also, I would suggest whoever rents it to arrange to have housekeeping at least midweek. Editor's Note: The owner has confirmed that the mattresses were newly purchased in 2006. Also, upon arrival the owner will ask how many towels are needed. If you want pool towels, be sure to ask. January 2010.
Surrounding Area:
It was wonderful to have a pool and tennis court to enjoy when touring gets exhausting. We had a particularly hot week and the kids loved the pool.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Orentano was a very cute tiny town with patisseries and a wonderful restaurant. Very easy walk.
Tips or Restaurants:
Benito's in Orentano. Da Pode restaurant in Sovestro outside of San Gimignano. On a cliff with amazing views and obscenely wonderful pasta and Florentine Steak.
Check In Out:
Again, the manager was very accommodating.
Charisse, September, 2007
Show All 14 Reviews
Enjoyed Most:
The outside area. We really enjoyed the pool and the tennis courts.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The beds were hard. Editor's Note: The mattresses were newly purchased in 2006. As a general rule, Italian mattresses are firm. January 2010.
Surrounding Area:
We drove to Lucca - 20 min, Pisa - 30 min, San Gimignano - 1hr 20 min, and the beach - 30 min. We also enjoyed the pizza and beer festival that Orentano had to support their soccer team. We were the only Americans but they were really nice to us.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Orentano was close but I didn't feel it was close enough to walk and I didn't feel safe on the narrow winding roads.
Tips or Restaurants:
I would bring beach towels. We needed them for the pool, the beach and when we road the train to Cinque Terre. All the grocery stores are closed on Sunday so do you shopping before you get to the Villa on Saturday.
Deanna , July, 2007
Show All 14 Reviews