Podere Le Monache set on a hillside dominates one of the most picturesque and spectacular landscapes in Tuscany. with distant views over hills out to sea towards Livorno and Pisa. Originally a convent wrapped in history Le Monache has a magical and mystical atmosphere. Whether you are lazing by the pool or strolling in the olive grove or simply relaxing in your apartment you are in another world. Restored with ultimate care to safeguard it's history. Perfect for small or large family vacation rental. Great care has been taken to restore all of the original features, including vaulted ceilings, open fireplace and beamed ceilings . Meanwhile all the modern conveniences have been incorporated.
The property has central heating, air conditioning is not necessary as the house dates back to the 11thC. and the walls are over a meter thick, keeping the house at a comfortable temperature. There is a laundry room with washing machine for the use of the guests. The kitchen is equipped with very good range of stainless steel utensils and place settings. The sitting room is furnished with large sofa, side tables, lamps and Satellite TV. The beds in each of the rooms are comfortable with sprung slat bases and good quality mattresses. Bathrooms are fully tiled with large pedestal wash basins, bidet, wc, large mirrors and enclosed power showers.
We are 300m above sea level and in open countryside, in the summer heat we have the sea breeze in the afternoon and evening. The house is suitable for families as we are situated in a small hamlet with all amenities walking distance . There is a village shop delicatessan, 2 restaurants/pizzerie, post box, and a small Church.
The swimming pool is 6mx15m surrounded by a terracotta patio, with sun loungers, tables and large parasols. The gazebo has table and 6 chairs. There area 2 large barbecues on wheels, a wood burning oven for pizza or grilling. The gardens are surrounded by hedges of laurel, bay leaf, and oleanders; one area of the garden has rosemary hedges, shrubs or myrtle and pomogranates, fig trees, mulberry and plums. Herbs are placed around the garden for use of the guests. The middle garden is a formal rose garden with box hedges and terracotta pots. The car park is inside the gates of the property shaded by secular oak trees and young lime trees. Beyond the gardens there is 4.5 olive grove an woodland. We produce some the bes Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in the area. Some of our guests join us during the harvest from picking the olives to taking them to the Olive-press and bringing the oil home!
Monache 2 has built in cabinets and appliances, tall refrigerator/freezer, 4 burner gas hob, built in oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, stainless steel utensils, porcelain crockery, cups, mugs, glasswares.
Outdoor furniture, private parking, Wifi.
Monache 2- has 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge and kitchen opening into patio overlooking the countryside and gardens.
Woodland and olive-groves surround the hamlet of Iano in this quiet and unsung corner of Tuscany. The location is ideal for those who enjoy walking , with footpaths that start from the property. For an Eco-tourism vacation we area named 'Parco Benestare' Wellbeing/wellstay Park, we have pheasants, cuckoo, porcupine, hedge-hogs and wild boar that roam in our property from time to time we also see a tortoise. We are situated in an area known as the Heart of Tuscany within easy reach of Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca. We are also close to San Gimignano, Volterra, and Certaldo. Castelfalfi less than 10 minutes drive from the house, offers an international standard golf course stables and tennis courts are walking distance.
We can also arrange for wine tours, and cookery courses.
Iano dates back to 1004, Le Monache was built during this period. Le Monache (the nuns) was a convent of Dominican Nuns or Poor Clares until the 19thC. who worked and lived a life of seclution and silence in a Quiet Place. Over centuries it passed into the hands of the locals who made their own imprint on the building and continued to farm the land. World War II also left its mark Le Monache with its underground tunnels became the hiding place for the Resistance and young boys and girls during the retreat of the Germans from Volterra. Today the old road now paved which connects us to Volterra still runs through the hamlet. We began restoration 1991 with the last phase of restoration completed 2004.
