| Donnini, a Tuscan village just 29kms South East of Florence,
overlooks the fascinating Valley of Vicano and slopes down to the distant offshoots of Pontassieve. Here, just off the main square, is the Casa del Forno - a stunning location for a beautiful,elegant and charming villa, owned by local baker,talented tenor and true Renaissance man, Sandro Benini.
Sandro's warm and generous hospitality will provide you with an authentic and unforgettable experience of the best of Tuscan living.
He has created in Casa del Forno a unique combination of comfort and sophistication. It is exquisitely furnished in traditional Florentine style - the frescoes, antique furniture, superbly landscaped gardens, terraces and panoramic swimming pool all blend sublimely into the beauty of the surroundings. Here guests can find among statues, cypresses and flowers a place in the sun or in the shade to read,talk,relax and enjoy a glass,or two,of local Chianti wine.
For guests who book for two weeks or more Sandro will provide an evening of Tuscan food and "bel canto" in the villa.
Otherwise this is available on request.
Guests can also have, on request, a half day's demonstration of Tuscan cooking.
Tickets for museums, theatres and concerts in Florence, Verona and Arezzo can be booked in advance
Among the other services offered in the Casa del Forno are a laundry room with two washing machines, a clothes dryer and ironing equipment.
Cots and high chairs can be rented at a small extra cost; Accommodation:
The Villa has 3 double bedrooms (1 may be turned into a twin) for 6 people.
3 bathrooms (1 with bath and separate shower, 2 with shower).
The entire Villa is furnished with beautiful and traditional Tuscan antiques.
The walls are frescoed, the ceilings have original ancient beams and the floors are covered with handmade terracotta tiles.
Upper Floor
Spacious living room, elegant yet comfortably furnished, with large panoramic terrace for outdoor dining and relaxing.
Choosy open kitchen with dining area (4 plate cooker/oven,dishwasher, fridge and deep-freeze)
Piano, CD-Tape-Stereo. Satellite TV-VHS DVD Terrace and pool deck furnished with table and chairs, deck chairs,
sun beds and umbrellas .There is also a barbecue
Lower floor
Reached by an internal natural stone staircase 2 magnificent bedrooms and two luxury bathrooms.
Safety deposit box
3rd Studio Bedroom
The studio has a private entrance. It has a fully equipped cooking-corner,shower,TV and safety deposit box.
From a romantic four-poster bed there is a panoramic window at pool level with a stunning view of the Tuscan hills.
The studio, incidentally, may be rented separately during the Winter season.
Private swimming pool ( 3.80m x 7.60m )
There is an adjoining external shower.
Private parking
Location :
The property is just off the main square of the village of Donnini. It is surrounded by, and overlooks, Tuscan hills covered with vines, olive groves and cypresses.
The village has food stores, a bar, a pizzeria, a post office, a butcher shop, barber, hairdresser, mechanic and especially the superb bakery (Il Forno) belonging to owner Sandro and his brother, Andrea. A wide range of restaurants are within a short drive of Donnini
In the neighboring village of Tosi (4km) there is a bank, pharmacy,and 24 hour petrol station and small weekly market (Friday a.m.)
Florence is a mere 29 km away - 30 minutes by car or by train from the local station of S. Ellero 3.5 km from Donnini.
Arezzo is a drive of 50 minutes, Siena 1 hour 30 minutes.
Your Host
Your host, Sandro Benini , is a fourth generation baker who, every morning,
produces an array of freshly baked breads, cakes, pizzas and biscotti.
He is also a tenor of 'bel canto' and he has recently produced a CD of well-known and well-loved Italian songs.
He likes to provide his guests at the villa with an authentic Tuscan experience by combining these two passions in a Tuscan evening of food and song , which he offers to guests who book two or more weeks,or which can be otherwise arranged on request.
With a booking of two weeks minimum we offer guests a complimentary Gala Tuscan supper cooked and served in Villa (or on terrace depending on weather)with lyrical concert by pianist and tenor between courses.
This can also be arranged at a cost per head for those who
book for one week only.
Romantic studio apartment for two may be rented separately
during off season.
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