Palaia Apartment for Rent: Romantic and luxurious 1-bedroom apartment in medieval Borgo - Property 83015

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For five centuries the Borgo di Colleoli flourished as a wine-producing and olive-growing estate in the hands of the D’Agostino family. Today 68 individually-designed, privately-owned apartments have been created in the restored old buildings, the principal of which is the elegant family villa, now a small, all-suite hotel. There are two big swimming pools, one heated with open views across the hills, the other secluded. There are two restaurants, one an enoteca where anything from a glass of wine or an espresso to a full meal is available from early morning to late evening, the other where fine Tuscan dining is available each evening. At weekends there are often special attractions. Beyond the landscaped grounds the former D’Agostino estate extends across a vast tract of hills, valleys woods and open countryside, offering walking, biking and riding. There is a golf course 15 minutes away, and for the really adventurous paragliding at Forcoli, a national centre, with lessons available

The apartment is on the second floor of a former agricultural building, and has a main room with views on two sides, a bedroom with a window looking east towards distant mountains, with the landscape of vineyards, olive groves, hilltop villages and villas little changed since the Renaissance. There is a small kitchen equipped with refrigerator, microwave and hob and bathroom with shower and bidet. It is very light and airy, but if it gets too hot there is full air-conditioning. The bedroom has a large double bed, ample wardrobe space and a chest of drawers. The main room also has a sofa bed that can sleep two, a dining table and easy chair. There is a TV and DVD player, and the television signal includes BBC World, Sky and CNN. The apartment is on two levels, with the hallway, kitchen and bathroom three steps higher than the main area. There is also a spacious hallway leading from the entrance door, with storage space. The apartment's position is secluded and quiet, yet convenient.

The Borgo, nestling on a hilltop in the peaceful Tuscan countryside is located a little more than half-an hour from Pisa, the principal airport in Tuscany, with direct access to most parts the UK, mainland Europe and even New York. Florence, San Gimignano, Lucca, Volterra and Mediterranean beaches can all be reached within the hour. The nearest big village is Palaia, within walking distance, and one of Tuscany’s most enchanting hidden treasures. The countryside surrounding the Borgo is studded with many fine restaurants offering the splendours of Tuscan gastronomy and viniculture. The world-famous vineyard of San Gervasio is less than two miles from the Borgo.The nearest big town, Pontedera, is fifteen minutes away down in the Arno valley, and has hypermarkets, multiplex cinemas and department stores, as well as a railway station with frequent fast trains to Pisa and Florence. Before Pontedera is access to the Fi-Pi-Li, the arterial road that links Florence, Pisa and Livorno.

Other Activities: sky-diving. Skiing in winter an hour's drive away

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