Il Borghino

A magnificent property just 35 km from Florence. Extensive mature lawned gardens with large fenced pool. Complimentary welcome meal. Walk to tennis court. Early booking essential.

Il Borghino lies amongst the Chianti Hills, just 35 kms south of Florence. The former home of a noble family, who were rich merchants and patrons of the great artists, the property later passed to the Naldini del Riccio family. At the end of the 1950’s the villa was bought by the current owners who have restored it back to its original splendour.

The villa is set in the thousand year old hamlet of Palazzuolo and is surrounded by extensive beautifully maintained lawned gardens with olive trees, roses and Mediterranean plants.

On the ground floor there is a large entrance hall, and two antique benches, which can be used as a ground floor living room. On this level there is also a dining room with table that extends from 3 - 4.5 metres long and sideboards with crockery. Adjacent to the dining room there is a modern fitted kitchen with breakfast table and full range of modern appliances. Next to the kitchen there is a simpler twin bedded room with shower room en suite, more suitable for older children or nanny. There is also a double bedroom (which can be made up as twin) with bathroom en suite and view of the garden. From this floor, there is also access down to the wine cellar from the ground floor with the estate's wine and olive oil. Halfway up the staircase there is an office with internet access, telephone, fax and safe.

Outside there is a courtyard with gazebo covered with ornamental vines and table and benches for 20 to dine al fresco. This courtyard is hedged with laurel and also furnished with comfortable armchairs.

Stairs lead up from the ground floor to a sitting room with sofas and armchairs and large arched panoramic windows with views of the cypress tree lined drive. An arch leads through to a further sitting area with sofas and large Tuscan fireplace with coat-of-arms. The five bedrooms on the first floor are off this sitting room.

The lawned gardens gently slope down to the olive grove and the enclosed swimming pool. The swimming pool fencing is covered with mature climbing roses. The pool is surrounded by an olive grove and two hectares of grass and yellow flowering broom. At the end of the garden there are some trees where guests can relax on hammocks under the shade of the trees.

The property is set on the edge of the very small hamlet of Palazzuolo with a church. The charming and discreet English speaking owners welcome guests and are delighted to give sightseeing, shopping and restaurant recommendations and assist with any catering requirements. They live adjacent to the property but do not overlook the house or the gardens.

Room Description

Ground Floor: Entrance Hall • Dining room • Kitchen • Twin/Double bedroom with shower room en suite • Simple Twin bedroom (more suitable for children, young adults with shower room en suite)

First Floor: Large Sitting room • Three double bedrooms each with shower room en suite • Twin/Double bedroom with shower room en suite • Single bedroom (extra single bed can be provided to make twin bedroom) with shower room en suite

Facilities

Washing Machine, Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Satellite TV, DVD Player, PC (with Internet Access), Telephone, Safe, CD, Stereo, Ceiling fans (all bedrooms on the first floor)

Children's Facilities

A cot and/or highchair is available on request

Private Pool

Fenced with a gate which can be locked. 15m x 7m - 1.20m to 1.40m deep with ladder steps. Changing room at the pool with fridge. On the lawn there is a shady gazebo.

Pool towels are provided. The garden is not fenced. 

Welcome Provisions Included

A welcome gesture to offer you a drink after your journey; tea or coffee and biscuits, wine or juice and a snack. They are not sufficient for an entire meal. Owners will also generally leave a few other items to get you going such as some salt, sugar, oil, bin bags and toilet paper.

Food Hamper

Can be arranged for an additional cost and Euro 30 service charge payable locally. For guests who are arriving late or who recognize they may be delayed and arrive with no time to do shopping. Shops are shut on Sundays, so the aim of the Food Hampers is to provide two light meals and two breakfasts, to allow guests to go out for one meal, then do more shopping on Monday. We can adapt these hampers to take into account allergies, dislikes and dietary requirements, or according to whether there are children in the party.

Cook Service

As a welcome gesture, the owner leaves a complimentary arrival welcome meal. The cook is happy to prepare to cook for your party excluding Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.  This can either be lunch or dinner and must be booked prior to your rental. The cook charges 20 Euros an hour for her time for shopping and cooking for your party plus the cost of the food, payable locally.

Cook service is available on request, costs payable locally. £50 booking fee. If you are happy with these arrangements, we need to know as soon as possible if you would like her services to book her well ahead of time.  Please therefore ask for and complete the cook questionnaire and return it to us as soon as possible so she is informed in time that you would like her to cook for your party. Please note that the cook service is not available on Public Holidays.

CV Contact

An English speaking CV representative will be available by phone during your stay. Contact details will be sent with your travel documents

Maid Service

Cleaning twice mid week. Change of bed linen and towels on Saturday with a further change of towels on Tuesdays

Tenancy Times

Tenancies commence at 16:00 hours on the day of arrival and villas are to be vacated by 10:00 hours on the day of departure

Your Location

Airports

Florence 30 km. Pisa 107 km. Bologna 130 km

Local Shopping

Tavernelle Val di Pesa 1.5km

Places of Interest

San Gimignano 25km. Florence 30km. Siena 40km. Pisa 107km

Tennis Court

Within walking distance 800m

Available All Year