LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat

Photo gallery for LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat

Pool
The pool, in Nature
Interior
Interior
Exterior
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Toscana, Città Metropolitana di Firenze
  • Popular LocationCastello del Trebbio16 min drive
  • Popular LocationCathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore32 min drive
  • Popular LocationUffizi Gallery32 min drive
  • AirportFlorence (FLR-Peretola)60 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Living Room 2

1 Double Sofa Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat

Castellare is an ancient farmhouse in the woods with 4 accommodations, perfect for a family or friends holiday.
Four accommodations, all different, all cozy.
A private pool just for Castellare's guests.

Castellare is an ancient building complex on the high hills that surround Florence (just 20km away). It is set on top of a private hill, invisible from the public street, and completely surrounded by nature.
We offer four accommodations, warm and inspiring, and a swimming pool is in the main lawn.
The Stalla is our larger accommodation and is displayed on two floors. Upstairs two spacious bedrooms (a double and a triple) and a bathroom; downstairs a big open space with a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable livingroom area. The Stalla house is perfect for a family or a small group of friends. In restructuring it we tried to maintain its rustic and antique charme, so you will find an original stone floor and family pieces of furniture. Outside the livingroom door there is a private garden with table and chairs of wood.
The Loggia has an independent kitchen with a pretty view, a livingroom, a bathroom, and a bedroom on a loft under a roof of old beams. There's a private patio with table and chairs just outside the kitchen's door.
The Stalletta is a charming small accommodation with a bedroom, a spacious bathroom, and a room with a kitchen, a dining area, and a lovely relaxing area with a sofa (that can be used as a day bed) that has been custom made with parts of antique wood. Just outside there is a private little garden with table and chairs and a stone barbeque.
The Capanna is a small cottage of stone, with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a room with a kitchen a livingroom and a dining area. It's walls have been maintained in stone on the inside too, whitewashed to give more light and brightness. This retreat too has a small private patio with table and chairs.
All accommodations have sofabeds for one or two extra people to be welcomed. We also have cots and high chairs for babies, at guests disposal.
For a few years we had an etching workshop on the premises, and we have enjoyed the experience of welcoming artists for long stretches of time. Writers too embraced the inspiring nature of Castellare to come and work on their writing projects. This is why, although we have moved the etching workshop to another location, we still have special rates in the winter for those who wish to come and dedicate themself to art; may it be writing, painting, or even the exploration of oneself.
Many of the pieces of art you will see in the houses have been produced here..

Property manager

Ms. Catina Cecioni

Languages

English, Italian

Amenities

Pool
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 4 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Pontassieve

This farm stay is located in Pontassieve. Uffizi Gallery and Gallery of the Academy of Florence are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Central Market and The Mall Luxury Outlet. Galileo Museum - Institute and Museum of the History of Science and Boboli Gardens are also worth visiting.
Map
Toscana, Città Metropolitana di Firenze

What's nearby

  • Castello del Trebbio - 16 min drive
  • Historic Center - Downtown - 30 min drive
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 32 min drive
  • Piazza del Duomo - 32 min drive
  • Uffizi Gallery - 32 min drive

Getting around

  • Pontassieve Sieci Station - 17 min drive
  • Peretola Airport (FLR) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • Pizzeria Nappino - 11 min drive
  • Lago di Vetrice La Trota - 14 min drive
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Acone - 32 min drive
  • Ristorante Orlando - 25 min drive
  • Bar Il Galletto Gelateria - 24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 4 total).

What time is check-in at LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat located?

Situated in Pontassieve, this farm stay is 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Mulino a Vento - Fattoria Lavacchio and within 6 miles (10 km) of Castello del Trebbio and Arno River. Path of the Gods and Villa Gamberaia are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rachel R., Oakland, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful villa with wonderful owners
I had a truly wonderful experience staying at Castellare for two weeks with some friends and my parents. This was a trip that had to be postponed two years(!!) due to the pandemic, so it had some pretty high expectations to live up to, and it met them all. The property was so beautiful and worked very well do our group, allowing us to get privacy when needed, and come together as a group when we wanted to. We were able to easily get into Florence when we wanted, and we’re able to take day trips to explore the other hill cities throughout the Tuscan countryside. And we always were grateful for a dip in the beautiful pool at the end of the day. Catina and Jack were excellent, warm and welcoming hosts, welcoming us with a delicious homemade olive oil cake at the start of our stay and then giving us homemade tiramisu during our second week. And I can’t thank Catina enough for her graciousness and flexibility to allow me to reschedule my reservation two years in a row when I realized that the state of the pandemic would prevent me and my group from traveling. The trip was a dream come true, and I am so incredibly grateful! I would stay at Castellare again in a heartbeat and very much hope I get another chance to do so soon.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enchanting
I will review by sending the text I sent to my family once we got settled at Catina’s place: Well, what a surprise! After some twisty, turny roads, David and I emerged into this property of what dreams are made of! The grounds are lush, with flowers and herbs and fruit trees blooming all around! The cottages are modernized without taking from the character of their centuries-old history and filled with books, original art and Italian cookbooks. Most special are the hosts, Catina and Jack. They live on the property, which has been in Catina’s family for decades. While they would give us total privacy, we are drawn to their nature of wisdom and interest. I am sure I will have better perspective on LIFE after this week! AND David will know how olive oil is produced! Enchanting, indeed!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Duncan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Catina is the most wonderful host and the property and setting are idillic and extremely peaceful.
The location provides a real sense of connection with nature and the perfect place to soak up the Tuscan lifestyle.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lyoni F.

It is gorgeous and homey. A stunning place in the country, while being closes to the city.
The owner, Catina, is the most amazing of women, and I am so grateful to have met her. She has created an oasis for herself, and others. Her partner, Jack, greeted us, and he was very helpful and generous. He made us a homemade Tiramisu. This property is just stunning. I loved the pool. I swam in it many times. I loved the house, it was so peaceful. So many books to read. I found a good one. All the houses on this property are beautiful. I wanted to stay in all of them. I, picked the biggest one, for my friend and me to share. The road to get up to the place is pretty rocky, so, I am glad I had a good car. Most of the roads in Italy are pretty tight, and twisty, so, it isn't unusual. The drive up to the place is worth it for the magnificent views. I am so happy I chose Catina's place. I had a holiday to treasure. I would pick this place again, in a heartbeat. Thank you Catina and Jack, for providing me with such a great experience. You are in my heart forever.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Holly M., Durham, North Carolina

You will be so glad to stay here and to meet Catina!
The photos give an accurate picture of the beauty and peacefulness of this wonderful property. This estate is an escape from the hurly burly of the world. We were very happy with all that was provided. The pool was wonderful, looking over a fruit tree orchard and surrounded by plantings that attracted butterflies. Catina, our hostess, was a delightful person to meet and she recommended, local grocery stores, wines shops and restaurants which were all excellent. We were away from the classic tourist sites and really in Italy with the local people. We had wonderful experiences that were not of the typical tourist visit. Great food, wine, and wonderful local people. The location is very convenient to many places a visitor would want to see and the train was very easy to navigate and we went into Florence several times (20min ride) and explored wonderful nearby hilltop villages and towns, we were transported to a different time and pace of life. I understand completely why visitors to Castellare decide that they have to return.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018

About the host

Hosted by Ms. Catina Cecioni

Host profile image
My name is Catina, and my family and I (my partner and my son) also live on the spot. This property was bought by my grandparents, and it has always been a holiday home for family and friends while I was growing up. I have been the first permanent resident though, for now almost twenty years, and I adore living immersed in nature in close proximity with the wildlife. Expecially deers. The restructuration of the house took some time during which I started really enjoying all things "home", from furniture to textiles to ceramics. Offering guests a holiday retreat with the warmth and care of a home , in the peace of nature, has become a passion as well as my job.

Why they chose this property

Castellare's unique feature is it's location, completly sorrounded by nature. A driveway of about 700 meters connects the buildings to the main road, a charming winding street called Via di Parga with some breathtaking views. Then the driveway in the woods, where one feels the strains of contemporary life stay behind as the transformative power of nature takes over. Every time I come back from the center and the driving in traffic , I feel restored.
The house appears after the last curve as the most cherished retreat, a place where I have always felt welcomed, from the day I moved in, and it was just the cat and I. Although Castellare really conveys the feeling of being out of time, the neaby village of Molino del Piano (about 5 km away , downhill), embraced me like family. The people have something magical about them, as they are open and friendly and kind, and we easily bonded. To try and participate to local life, like going sometimes for breakfast or a coffee at the local bar ("bar" in Italian is a caffetteria), play tennis in the village courts, or even try the weekly appointment at the free cinema, may give a glimpse to what it means to live in the area. It's a life of simple pleasures, lots of smiles, friendship and all the inspiration one can wish for in perfect reach, may it be the opera , art to last for a lifetime of awe, the discovery of surprising corners of nature, the wandering in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.

What makes this property unique

The benefit I try to offer guests if the comfort of a cozy home, where it's a joy to return to after a day of adventures. I like that we are small, with just four accommodations. It's not luxury that I love, but the uniqueness of handmade things, silence, and the stories of people from the world. There are many mega resorts in Tuscany, but very few settings like this, unspoilt, and a bit magic.

Languages:

English, Italian
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