La Gattaiola

Built around a courtyard in the mid-nineteenth century (although it was almost certainly built around a much older house as some of the internal walls are around 2 feet thick!), the farmhouse, La Gattaiola, was formerly the hub of Gattaiola village.  Owned and run by one family, it served as the village bar, wine co-operative, post-office, grocers, butchers, haberdashers and even as a fruit and vegetable exporter.  It would also seem to have done a roaring trade serving the locals with olive oil and wine judging by the size and number of the (alas empty and disintegrating!) barrels and bottles found in the farmhouse’s cantina (cellar)!   After years of abandon, the current owners are slowly restoring the farmhouse and its garden into a delightful Tuscan home for family and friends and a holiday retreat for their guests.  The English owners live in another section of the farmhouse and are on hand to welcome you and assist guests if required

The farmhouse provides light and airy accommodation and has spectacular views from every window. It offers accommodation in two spacious sections of the farmhouse.  It has been elegantly and newly renovated to a high, tasteful standard with central heating.. We have aimed to create well-equipped accommodation providing a ‘home-from-home’ environment:

La Gattaiola is located on the 1st floor - the owners live in another section of the house on the ground and 2nd floors - and is a spacious and large 3-bedroom accommodation which may be rented throughout the year for long holidays or for off-season breaks sleeping  a maximum of 7+3 (10) people.  It consists of:

• 3 large roomy bedrooms to sleep 7 (two double bedrooms and one triple-bedded room)

• Large sitting-room with enormous picture window affording panoramic views.  One of the sofas converts to a double bed if needed

• Study with writing desk and a sofa which converts to a single bed if required

• Spacious shower room with WC, bidet and walk-in shower

• Spacious bathroom with WC, bidet and bathtub with shower attachment

• Kitchen and dining area to seat 10 people. 

La Gattaiola is extremely well-equipped with:

· Dishwasher

· Washing Machine

· Fridge/Freezer

· Cooker/Oven

· Microwave Oven

· Toaster

· Kettle

· Coffee-Maker

· Iron

· Ironing Board

· Plenty of quality crockery, cutlery, cookware, etc

The property is equipped with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers

There is a seating area in the south-facing garden for guests’ use which is south-facing and basks day-long in the Tuscan sun.  A beautiful brand new in-ground pool is being constructed for 2008 use and will measure 10m x 5m.  A covered eating area will also be provided for al-fresco dining with barbeque near to the pool.  The garden and pool area is accessed via gradual steps leading from the courtyard

There is ADSL Broadband internet connection at the farmhouse which may be used by guests on request although a charge may be made for this service and only limited access may be available at certain times.  The apartment has SKY satellite TV and there is a wide selection of DVDs for guests' use plus a collection of games and puzzles

A ‘lending library’ is located in the owners’ entrance hall and which guests are free to use and to which guests are welcome to make donations of any of their unwanted holiday reading to make room for those extra souvenirs in their suitcases!  There is also an extensive collection of literature of suggestions on what to see and do—see also Reasons to Visit

We occasionally have surpluses fruit, vegetables, herbs and nuts for purchase along with homemade jams, marmalades and sun-dried produce from our garden and orchard of almond, apple, cherry, fig, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, pomegranate, quince and walnut trees.  Unfortunately, we only have 11 olive trees which do not produce enough oil for any surplus and we can drink the wine produced by our 100 vines without any help…! 

*A baby's cot may also be provided on prior request

©2006