Zafferano
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Special Discounted Rates |
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Earn discounts for longer stays and enjoy more value for your money!
- Rent one week at our normally low rates.
- Rent two weeks and save 5% off both weeks.
- Save 10% on rentals of three weeks or more.
If you would like to book a rental for 2007, please call Parker Villas at:
United States or Canada: 800-280-2811
United Kingdom: 0800 032 1704
All other countries: +1-781-596-8282
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Property Information |
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Fans of the movie “Tea with Mussolini” will adore this beautifully restored
apartment in one of the towers of Piazza della Cisterna. This picturesque
square was the main setting for the film.
Due to overcrowding in the 13th century, building restrictions limited
expansion in affluent San Gimignano, forcing feuding nobles to build
vertically in order to show up their neighbors. In 1278, there were 72
towers dominating the hill town’s impressive skyline. After the plague
decimated Europe’s population in 1348, a centuries long recession left
most of the towers in a state of ruin. Some local families were able to
save part of their towers by cutting them down to a more manageable
size, as was done here.
Though not the tallest tower in town, guests must be prepared to tackle
the many steep steps connecting the three spacious levels of this
apartment; about 85 from street level to the third level with its rooftop
terrace. Additional steps join the 13th-century tower to a newer addition
that’s attached.
Inside, tasteful designer furnishings are interspersed with carefully
restored antiques. The combination elegantly bestows a medieval air to
the comforts of modern day life. In the newer section are enormous
picture windows and a furnished, rooftop terrace overlooking lush rolling
countryside all the way to the Chianti hills.
The ancient tower with its brick walls and arched windows looks out on
the piazza. Its importance is affirmed by fresco accents and decorative
wall niches that display a priceless collection of Etruscan and Roman
artifacts.
These amazing antiquities are family heirlooms acquired by an ancestor
who served as King Carlo III’s Conservator of Archaeological Patrimony
and who was responsible for the excavation of Ercolano. As a reward for
his discovery, he was given these artifacts, as well as the title of Marquis
of Cuma.
Being spread across three levels, with a bedroom on each, and several
large rooms, the apartment is spacious for three couples. There is air
conditioning in all bedrooms, the main living room and the study. Modern
conveniences such as a washing machine, a dishwasher and a CD player
have been added.
A cook for evening meals and maid service may be arranged at the time
of booking. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed.
As San Gimignano’s historic center is in a limited traffic zone, guests
renting a car are met at the entrance of town by the English-speaking
caretaker. Guests leave their luggage at the property entrance and are
accompanied to a garage space located 500 yards away.
On Thursdays, early risers are rewarded with a bounty of bargains as the
town’s weekly outdoor market takes place in the main square just outside
your door.
Two other hill towns whose artistry is unsurpassed are each within 20
minute drives: Volterra with its translucent alabasters and Colle Val d’Elsa
with its exquisite crystal. Siena is reached in 45 minutes by car; Florence
or Pisa: 60.
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Smoking : Yes |
Pets : No |
| 3 Bedroom(s) |
3.5 Bathroom(s) |
Sleeps 6 |
| Bed Set Up: 2 queen, 2 single, joinable |
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| Property Rates |
| | | Period | Rates | | | Year Round | $ 3865 |
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| Other Rates Info |
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Heating, electricity and phone calls are payable locally.
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| Availability Calendar |
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| Property Notes Availability |
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| Property Amenities |
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- State/National Park Nearby
| - Fishing Nearby
| - Boating
| - Shopping
| - Restaurant Nearby
| - Adventure Packages
| - Sailing
| - Wineries and Vineyards
| - Group & Reunion Rental (family, retreat, & reunions)
| - Honeymoon
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| Other Unlisted Amenities |
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First level: One bedroom with two single, joinable beds and en suite
bathroom with shower. Laundry room with washing machine.
Second level: Main living room with fireplace, TV and steps up to the
furnished, rooftop terrace. Dining room with fireplace. Living room with
CD player. Eat-in kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher.
One bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with tub and
shower. Half bath.
Third level: Study with minifridge and door to the furnished, rooftop
terrace. Loft bedroom with a queen size bed. One bathroom with shower.
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| Property Activities |
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Shopping and dining: There are a variety of restaurants and shops in San
Gimignano, all within walking distance from the property. A cafe bar is
just outside the apartment entrance.
Public Transportation: The San Gimignano bus station, with service to
Florence and Poggibonsi, is a 500 yard walk from the property. The
closest train station is in Poggibonsi, a 15 minute drive away, with service
to Siena and Florence.
Within walking distance: Just outside your door is Piazza della Cisterna,
one of the two main squares of town and home to a stone well dating
back to 1237, and a number of 13th and 14th century towers. Piazza
Duomo, the other main square of town, is adjacent to Piazza della
Cisterna, and features Collegiata - the town's Romanesque cathedral and
the Santa Fina chapel featuring frescoes by Ghirlandaio.
Golf / Swimming / Tennis: In Castelfalfi, a 35 minute drive away, at the
18 hole Castelfalfi Golf & Country Club, also featuring a swimming pool
and tennis courts. Open year round, closed on Tuesdays.
Open air markets are held in Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza Duomo on
Thursdays and in Piazza dell' Erbe on Saturday mornings.
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| Web Site |
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| Reservations Information |
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Parker Travel Advisor
| | | Day Phone: 1-800-280-2811 | | | Evening Phone: 800-280-2811 | |
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| Click Here to send an email directly to owner/manager |
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