San Gimignano, Tuscany's most easily recognizable hill
town, resembles an opera — larger than life and full of flair. Casa Bella,
mere steps from the main piazza, embodies this operatic theme.
Set at the base of one of San Gimignano's medieval
towers, Casa Bella is abundantly spacious for two, or for one couple with two
children in tow. Upon entering the main living area, one is nobly greeted by
three, large, arched and soundproofed windows, high ceilings, original wood
beams, period antiques and an oversized family crest adorning one wall.
The use of air conditioning, present in the bedrooms
is included in the price. The decor is pleasantly simple and functional and
features a compact galley kitchen and a handy, combination modern washer/dryer
unit in the bathroom.
Traditionally, Italians begin the day with a
cappuccino (or espresso), a warm brioche and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Conveniently to the right of your building are two cafes lining the main
square. On the opposite side of the piazza is Gelateria Dondoli renown for its
homemade ice cream. This delicious attraction is easily spotted by daytime
lines outside its door. Enjoy it unhurriedly on an after dinner stroll when all
the day trippers are gone and the town is yours.
In San Gimignano even basic shopping makes for great
entertainment. Every Thursday morning, the main square becomes a thriving
outdoor market filled with stalls pitching everything from apparel to produce
to locally made delicacies. Beyond the square, dozens of artisan boutiques,
restaurants, wine shops, gourmet grocers and a handful of interesting art
galleries and museums colorfully compete for your attention.
San Gimignano's historic center is a restricted
traffic zone. While a car is not necessary for those adept at public transit,
guests renting an auto may drive to the front door to drop or pick up luggage.
The closest paid parking lot is outside the town's medieval walls —
approximately a third of a mile walk from Casa Bella.
San Gimignano has a bus depot with service to Siena
and the neighboring towns of Poggibonsi or Certaldo, both 15 minutes away with
train stations offering frequent service into Florence. For those looking for a
countryside immersion blending scenic drives with wineries visits and stops at
medieval villages not accessible by public transit, a car is recommended. By
car, Siena is 35 minutes away; Volterra, known for all things alabaster: 40;
Florence, the wineries of Radda in Chianti or Greve in Chianti: 45; Pisa or
Montecatini Terme: 60; Lucca, Arezzo or Cécina's sandy Tuscan beaches: 80;
Cortona or Montepulciano: 90; Assisi: 2 hours; Cinque Terre: 2.5 hours.
Air conditioning is present in both bedrooms with individual climate control. The cost is included in the rental price.
A general cleaning is included in the rental only for multiple weeks and every 7 days.
Fast internet Wifi is available throughout the house and it is included in the rental cost.
Gas heating is present throughout the house and it is NOT included in the rental cost. This is payable on consumption by meter reading on arrival and on departure. This is payable ONLY in Euro cash to the keyholder on departure.
A galley kitchen is equipped with gas hobs, electric oven and microwave. There's plenty of kitchen equipment to prepare a meal.
The nearest pay parking area is located one third of a mile away while the free parking area is less than a mile away. You are allowed to drive to the entrance door to the building to drop off and pick up the lagguage on arrival and departure. We will provide you with details of the parking areas on the confirmation voucher after the reservation is confirmed.
The television in the house has Italian channels with some movies in original language.
?A washer with a combination of dryer capability is present in the bathroom.
Included
in the price:
Utility
bills: electricity, water (not included is the gas heating)
Weekly change of linen with a light cleaning for
multiple weeks.
Internet
Wifi fast service
NOT included and payable in Euro in resort:
Mandatory:
Tourist tax 1.5Euro per person over 12years for the first 5 days: April to October. Payable in cash on site.
Gas Heating: in cooler months you might need the heating. This is not included in the price and payable on consumption. On arrival and on departure you will do a meter reading with the keyholder and pay only what you consumed. Payments only in Euro cash.
On request with a notice:
Extra cleaning
Extra change of bed and bath linen
| All year round daily rate | € 140,00 | Not included in the price: tourist tax 1.5Euro per person over 12 years for the first 5 nights. Heating payable on consumption |
Included in the price:
NOT included and payable in cash in resort:
For the widest and best selection of fresh produce, the best time is to shop on Thursday's street market in the early morning.
?Being located in the heart of an ancient town is a unique experience. San Gimignano retains its original feel and residents here are mostly locals that hands over their passion for their territory and traditions.
?Throughout Casa Bella are tasteful antique flourishes
?Touring around can be tiring. Comfortable sofas will welcome you back at Casa Bella.
?The family owner is passionate about theatre and antique books that you may enjoy viewing in company of a glass of local Vernaccia white wine..
Large double glazed windows overlooking the street scene below allow plenty of natural light. Original wood beams set against high, bricked ceilings attests to Casa Bella's authenticity
?The entrance to Casa Bella opens into a large living-dining room accented by high ceilings and crowned with the family's coat of arms
?Original antique frescoed ceilings require highly skilled techniques to maintain. The result is most fascinating and you have the chance to immerse in a refined ambiance much apprecitated by art lovers and non...
?The door to the right on this photo is to the kitchen
?The compact galley kitchen is adequately furnished for meal preparation
?Bedroom 1: this light and airy bedroom features a queen size bed and air conditioning
An oversized antique Tuscan armoire provides plenty of storage space
Bedroom 1: details
?More storage in bedroom 1
Bedroom 2: this air conditioned bedroom comes with two single beds (80cm x 180cm) that can be joined into a double. The window faces the pedestrian street leading to the main square. The stairs by the window lead to the loft with a single sofa bed for the 5th person.
Bedroom 2: loft with sofa bed for one person
Bedroom 2: loft with single sofa bed
?San Gimignano skyline. When in the centre, climb up the fortress to admire an expansive view over the Chianti hills.
?Activities during your stay: many wine farms are open to offer wine tasting and lunch as well as in the town centre you will find fine wine shops with a large selection of local labels. Cin Cin!!
?San Gimignano center with its many shops for you to visit
?Panino con porchetta is a bread roll with seasoned roast pork. For meat lovers, this is not to be missed.. many local shops will serve you with delicious ones in San GImignano
San Gimignano brims with handicraft workshops
?San Gimignano brims with handicraft workshops
?Strolling around the shopping streets in San Gimignano is sheer pleasure.. no sign of shopping chains but lots of local artists sell their piece of art
?Activities in the area: located about 20 minutes drive away from San Gimignano is the Castelfalfi golf resort for all levels. The setting is breathtaking and you might want to indulge also in a lunch with a view at their local restaurant..
?Activities in the area: located about 15 minutes drive is a horse riding place that offer outings in the countryside on a horseback. Ideal for families.
?Florence can be reached by car in 50 minutes or by train from the Poggibonsi train station located 15 minutes drive/bus.
?Monteriggioni on the way to Siena is a must see place in the area
Certaldo is a delightful old center located 15 minutes drive from San Gimignano and highly reccomended to visit and include a meal at one of the few restaurants in the old part of town that can be reach by cable car from the lower modern part of town.
