The owners of Podere Il Sapito thought long and hard about converting
these two farmhouses into eight apartments. They wanted a high quality
scheme. They instructed their Florentine architect to devise a conversion
with pleasant outdoor areas for each apartment, separate access and
above all lots and lots of planting to create lush, green privacy for
all. The finished effect is quite unlike any other we’ve seen.
There
are eight comfortable apartments, all with a musical theme. The main
house offers six: Vivaldi, Rossini and Donizetti, who need no introduction,
together with the less famous Florentine composer Cherubini (who moved
to Paris in 1788 at the age of 28), Boccherini (born in Lucca in 1743)
and Corelli (1653-1713). A short distance away are two 2-storey apartments,
Verdi and Puccini. Every single one has a private vine-shaded outdoor
terrace, with wonderful views over the Tuscan hills. Needless to say,
the indoor decor is good too: wooden beams abound on the upper floors,
with the occasional brick vault downstairs. Terracotta floors
feature throughout.
Vivaldi
and Puccini are the largest apartments with 3 bedrooms
and 3 bathrooms and comfortably accommodate 6 people. Verdi
is a half way house; it’s a two storey apartment with 2 bedrooms,
2 bathrooms and a gallery sitting room whose settee and armchair can
be converted into a double and a single bed if required (up to a maximum
of 6 people).
The
generous landscaping flows down to the pool, which is supplied with
sun loungers and a shady pergola. The pool incorporates a little paddling
area for tiny tots. There’s a children’s play area with
table tennis and swings among the olive trees across the way from Boccherini
and Rossini. There’s even a tiny shop where you can buy the farm’s
own organic produce. Their famous cinta senese pigs
produce divine salami; there’s cheese, the estate’s luscious
Chianti and even their own yogurt!
Should
you fancy sightseeing, you can be in the centre of Florence in an hour, Volterra in 30 minutes
or San Gimignano in 20. There are restaurants aplenty in the area including the delightful restaurant in the famous convent at nearby San Vivaldo. It’s hard to think of anything missing at Podere Il Sapito!
Puccini
We
had a super time staying at Puccini - the weather was just wonderful
- unseasonably hot for the time of year so we really enjoyed
being able to relax by the super swimming pool and its lovely
surroundings. It really was a beautiful part of Tuscany and
we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and exploring a different part
of Italy.
Karen
McQuaid, Surrey.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.The description of the property and directions
to it were very accurate, and the welcome warm.
Harry Johnston, Wetherby.
Vivaldi
A
success for all the family! We enjoyed our terrace and the BBQ
and the kids loved the pool and the astoundingly helpful staff.
We’ll certainly be going back - and that says it all really
...
Denise
Warren, London N8.
