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Exceptional 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with swimming pool. An observatory in the garden and starry names for two heavenly apartments converted from an ancient barn mark this out as an exceptional property. The two apartments may be connected, and Villa L'Osservatorio may therefore be taken as a villa rental sleeping 9+2 people. The large covered balcony of apartment Orione, equipped with table and chairs for outdoor dining, can accommodate more than 11 people, and the outstanding living - dining room of apartment Aquarius is ready for your family lunch or dinner.

Two-bedroom Orione is on the upper ground floor, while three-bedroom Aquarius takes up the whole of the lower. Each is full of luminous light and space and has its own entrance, secluded terrace for dining al fresco, and access to the private garden. While the style is timelessly Tuscan - whitewashed walls, wooden ceilings, cool tiles underfoot and fine antiques to add character - every convenience from filter coffee makers to microwave ovens has been thought of.

The owners, who are keen astrologers (unsurprisingly!), live 50 metres away and share the immaculately tended gardens (though they are rarely at home). They and their guests may also, from time to time, use the pool, accessed by a flight of steps from the garden terrace. Three large but soppy dogs and a couple of sleepy cats roam free, so prepare to make friends (the owners prefer not to accept infants or children under 10 years).

At 530m above sea level and surrounded by woodland walks, the Observatory itself offers many diversions, but the mediaeval glories and superb shops of San Gimignano, Volterra and Certaldo are just a few kilometres away, while the lesser-known but no-less interesting towns of Montaione and Gambassi Terme are even closer. Peaceful San Vivaldo's little chapels in the woods are within 4km, and Florence, Siena and the coast are all easy to reach for day-trips.


A selection of comments from past renters may be viewed here.

Accommodation details:

Orione (2 bedroom apartment - Sleeps 4+2):

Large open-plan living/dining room and a well-equipped open-plan kitchen with hob, microwave oven and fridge.  From the dining/living area, via an internal staircase, you reach a delightful twin bedroom. The other two bedrooms have a double bed. The master bedroom suite includes a sunny conservatory with a CD player. Orione has another pretty bedroom suite either side of the living room (ideal for two couples). Two bathrooms with shower. The apartment is surrounded by sunny terraces and has a large covered balcony equipped with table and chairs for outdoor dining. Satellite TV, Hi Fi.

Aquarius ( 3 bedroom apartment - Sleeps 5):

The apartment is accessed from its own private garden area. There is a terrace for al fresco dining. Aquarius has two double bedrooms (en suite shower in one), a single room and a large shower room. Generous open-plan living-dining room and well-equipped open-plan kitchen with hob, microwave oven and fridge. Satellite TV, Hi Fi.

Laundry service is provided by the maid (payable locally). Iron & ironing board provided for communal use. Swimming pool: 12 metres x 6 metres (depth 1- 2 metres), open beginning May - mid-October. Towels are provided for pool use. Barbecue for communal use.

Approximate driving time to nearest shops & restaurants - 5-15 minutes; driving time from airport (approx.): Florence - 1 hour, Pisa - 1 hour and 15 minutes, Bologna - 1 hour and 50 minutes. Please, no infants or children under 10 years of age.

Via Curtatone e Montanara 14, 50053 Empoli, Florence, Italy