Il Colle di Sotto

A Hilltop Barn in the Ceramics Town of Montelupo

If it was for the views of the Tuscan countryside alone, this property would be worth the visit. But there's so much more to it. With its beautiful exposed stone walls, warm colors, wrought-iron beds and breathtaking pools, it's a romantic setting for a perfect getaway. 

There are two houses on the site, the Cottage and the Villa. Each has its own pool. They can be rented separately or as a single property.

The Cottage has two bedrooms, one with exposed stone walls and the other a gentle blue, both with antique iron beds. Upstairs there is an open-plan gallery with room for another two guests on a sofa bed. The cottage-style kitchen is fully equipped with all the amenities needed for a self-catered vacation, and there are two bathrooms with showers. The bedrooms have air conditioning, but the thick walls of the building (and the breezy location) mean the house is warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

One of the most striking features of this property is its large saltwater swimming pool, which blends in perfectly with the house and its setting. It offers amazing views across the Tuscan countryside, and is set in landscaped gardens and olive groves, framed by the rolling wooded hills beyond.  

New for spring 2022, the property's Villa and pool are available. Located on a Chianti hilltop, the ancient structure has been fully restored, offering stunning views of the valleys and countryside. Like the Cottage unit, it features original terracotta floors and reclaimed wooden ceilings, and showcases the best of contemporary Italian design. The villa is composed of two separate apartments, connected by an interior door, but it is rented as one property (with exceptions in low season - please inquire). 

The main floor has two large living rooms, a kitchen with arched windows and views across the valley, plus two bedrooms. Upstairs, there are two further living rooms, another kitchen, and three further bedrooms. Ceiling fans have been installed in the bedrooms and the kitchen of the first-floor apartment. There is air conditioning in the main villa's bedrooms, excluding the study bedroom (which is available on request for an additional charge per week, €400/week paid in cash at check-in).

It is possible to rent the villa (10 + 1 beds) with the exclusive use of the swimming pool or rent the entire property (14 + 3 beds) with the exclusive use of two swimming pools and jacuzzi.

Additional Information

All five suites have air conditioning and ceiling fans, and air conditioning use in the main villa is billed at an additional 400 euros weekly. Air conditioning the cottage is billed at 150 euros/week. Fees are payable in cash upon arrival.

Experiences

A large number of experiences are available. Choose from a special Tuscan welcome buffet of local meats, cheeses, salads and breads, guided wine tours, boat tours of Florence (with a glass of Prosecco), tours of the Tuscan hills by Vespa or vintage Fiat 500, perfume-making classes, pizza, pasta and gelato-making classes, truffle hunting, horseback riding, mountain bike excursions, and yoga classes. Also available are a babysitting service, spa treatments, and a private chef. Please inquire for the full range and for specific details.

Around

The villa is located in Montelupo Fiorentino, just outside of the city of Florence. Montelupo is known as the Town of Ceramics as it has been known for its local pottery since the 13th century. Guests can tour the ceramics museum and visit workshops. Other things to see in Montelupo include its castle, the remains of the first Florentine military settlement dating back to the 11th century. Florence is about 12 miles from the property, while Pisa and Siena are both about 30 miles away. Tour guides are available to bring guests to nearby cities and places of special interest.

Location

Montelupo Fiorentino, Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Montelupo is located 12 miles southwest of Florence. Nearest airport: Florence, Peretola (15 miles).

Best time to visit

Spring through fall