An unpaved road (about 2 km long) leads you from the main road to the top of the hill, takes you to Podere San Paolo, a 13 Ha property on top of a hill dominating the surrounding hills. Il Fienile is one of two houses on the property, the other one being the main residence of the owners. This peaceful, secluded villa sits with stunning views over the surrounding hills. As you enter the property, olive orchards, a small vineyard, cypresses and agaves welcome you. Il Fienile is immersed in mature gardens and olive groves, with views over woodland and cultivated land (Palaia, Volterra, San Miniato and the Val d’Arno can be seen in the distance). The property has also its own small vineyard, which is used to produce organic DOCG Chianti and IGT Trebbiano Toscano (wines that can be tasted and bought at the property). Organic oil is also produced at the property, also on sale.
Il Fienile has been renovated in 2019 using reclaimed traditional materials and old construction techniques by local artisans (cotto tiles, wooden roof), creating an elegant and unique blend of traditional antique furniture and modern comforts. Its unique blend of traditional materials, antique and modern furniture makes it a dream Tuscan house to rent. The electricity on the property comes from renewable sources.
The property is sustainable with very low greenhouse emissions, and our land products are all certified organic. Most of the electricity on the property comes from our solar panels, which generate about 80% of the electricity that we consume in summer, and about 50% in winter. The underfloor heating and cooling in the two houses use electric, air heat pumps run. The buildings have been restored using traditional materials and techniques, while assuring a top quality heat insulation. The oil and wine produced at the property (also for sale) are certified organic (biological). No pesticides are used anywhere in the property.
Situated on the first hills of Chianti in the province of Pisa, it is about 20 km from the town of Pontedera (25 min drive), where all the necessary services (shops, banks, restaurants, and post office) can be found. Essential shopping, coffee, a pharmacy, a doctor, a cash machine, aperitives and ice-creams are available in the small village of Palaia (5 km away), while the closest supermarkets are in Santa Maria a Monte (about 15 km away) or San Miniato (about 12 km away). Castelfalfi Golf Resort, a 27 hole facility is 24 KM away: an ideal break from sightseeing.
Palaia, a social and political hub during the Middle Ages, can be reached by car in 10 minutes, or on foot in 2 hours. It is a quiet village with historical buildings and a very beautiful church, the Pieve of San Martino. It offers three good restaurants, a pub, a bar (with an excellent coffee and ice-cream), a couple of grocery stores, a pharmacy, and is the starting point for scenic excursions of great beauty.
Il Fienile is very favourably located for trips to the seaside (e.g. Marina di Pisa, or Marina di Vecchiano, are about 60 km away, 1 hr drive) or to the most famous Tuscan cities. With the nearby motorway network, you can easily reach the major cities of art and tourist spots in Tuscany: Pisa is 46 km away and can be reached in about 40 minutes; Florence (66 km away), Lucca (42 km away), San Gimignano (42 km away), Volterra (45 km away) can be reached in about 1 hour; and Siena (90 km away) and Arezzo (137 km away) can be reached in about 1 hour and a half. Forte dei Marmi (85 km away), Pietrasanta (86 km away) and Carrara (with its marble caves) are about 1 hour 15 minutes away. Pisa International Airport is at about 40 minute drive, and Florence airport is at about 50 minute drive.
From the Villa, you can walk to the very simple local church, the Eremo di Agliati in about 10 minutes, and then continue for longer walks immersed in woodlands. Palaia can be reached on foot in about 2 hours following an unpaved road running on the side of the hills (20 minutes by bike). A nice 2-hour walk can take you through the woods from the top of the hill to the bottom, and then back home. Your favourite hiking app will show the many excursions available in the area, for all levels of expertise, from simple strolls in the countryside to expert climbs in the Carrara marble Alps.
Il Fienile suits best families or friends in search of peace and quiet, who love being immersed in nature while close to the best sights Tuscany has to offer.
Swimming pool: 18x5 m, up to 2.4m deep; it is fully the guests’ responsibility to use the pool safely. ; an adult must supervise children at all times, the pool must be closed if no adult is present. The pool will be shared with the owners who live at about 100m in the main villa when present. The smimming pool is open between 1 June and 30 September, and close the other months.
Garden: pergola with outside table (sits up to 8-10 people), private access, view over the valley, access to swimming pool.
