Villa Forcoli Standing on the ruins of an old 18th century farmhouse on the hill of San Jacopo, in the heart of the Valdera, this charming house is the result of careful restoration work, nestling in the well-tended green of a wonderful garden, protected by a garrison of olive trees and with a spectacular view over the surrounding hills. The original terracotta and the exposed chestnut wood beams contrasting with the pastel tints of the rooms and the light-coloured wood of the numerous... ... doors and windows that open out onto the park, the beautiful hand-painted floral decorations and the sober and refined furnishings define the aesthetic style of Dimora San Jacopo which has no lack of modern amenities for your stay in top comfort. All the rooms have air-conditioning and wifi connection which extends out to the garden and to the beautiful infinity pool set in a splendid secluded and panoramic location. Thanks to the set-up, a central body with the common areas and three further apartments (with separate living room/kitchen), the house is perfectly able to accommodate up to 21 guests who wish to spend their holiday together but, at the same time, have their own private space, both inside and outside thanks to the extension of the garden and the variety of set-up living areas. The geographical location of the house, too, will prove invaluable for undertaking numerous cultural itineraries of the highest level: the main towns of Tuscany, like Volterra, San Gimignano, Pisa, Florence, Lucca and Siena, the Etruscan Coast, the Livorno coastline with its beautiful beaches and clear sea and the famous seaside resorts of Versilia. Just a few kilometres away is the TEATRO DEL SILENZIO, a natural amphitheatre nestling in the beautiful setting of the hills of Lajatico where every year, under the guidance of the tenor Andrea Bocelli, the famous musical event takes place. Just minutes away are the prestigious spa resorts of Casciana Terme and Uliveto where you can experience a unique and rejuvenating programme of wellness and beauty. Other strong points of the property are its proximity to the major airports of the region (Pisa and Florence), to towns like Forcoli (1.5 km away) and Palaia for daily shopping and to a great pizza restaurant just 400 m away. To facilitate the guests of Villa Forcoli, a special agreement has been established with "IL GIRASOLE bar, restaurant, pizzeria" located close to the property. It can be easily reached on foot (3/4 minutes walking being 350 m away). Guests may take advantage of a good menu ranging from an Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner with table service. Interior: Villa Forcoli has two floors for a total area of about 401 sq m and comprises the main body and three adjacent apartments that are not connected internally but with separate entrance and all with living room/kitchenette. The main entrance leads into the spacious common area, a large open-plan room with sitting area, dining area and fully-equipped kitchen. From here you go to a service area with laundry room and guest bathroom and a hallway onto which open a double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower, a twin bedroom and another bathroom with shower. A staircase next to the bathroom leads to the upper floor composed of a double bedroom and a twin bedroom sharing a bathroom with shower. UNIT 1. It is located on the ground floor with the entrance at one side of the house and consists of two bedrooms, a double with private bathroom with shower and a twin with bunk beds and a third pull-out bed, served by a bathroom with shower. UNITS 2 and 3. Behind the main entrance two flights of stairs lead up to the other two apartments located on the first floor. Both are composed of a double bedroom, a twin bedroom and a bathroom with shower. Park: About 800 sq m of parkland frame the house, protected by the extensive olive grove of the property (fenced for about 2 hectares) completely planted with grass and perfectly accessible. In the beautiful well-tended garden, with Mediterranean herbs, laurel and strawberry trees, lavender, rosemary and rose bushes bordering the internal pathways, alternating with a young collection of cypress trees and numerous oak, turkey oak and magnolia trees that dot the driveway and frame the pool area, can be found many comfortable areas for relaxing outdoors: a pergola with sofas and two dining areas located near the French windows of the house. There is also a large covered parking area, located just after the entrance gate. In the estate grove, accessible by a staircase located near the parking area, is placed the archery and a gazebo with table tennis, table football, swing and slide for children. Swimming Pool: In an area of the garden overlooking the open scenic landscape, lies the beautiful, newly-built infinity pool, about 20 m from the house and accessible down a slightly sloping paved path. With 5 spectacular Roman steps, the pool measures 6 x 14 m with the depth varying from 1.30 to 2.70 m. The border is in terracotta and the interior is lined with beige tiles. It is surrounded by a large terracotta-tiled sunbathing area provided with comfortable sunbeds. There is a cold/hot-water shower and a wooden gazebo with table and chairs. The pool has salt purification and can also be used at night thanks to both internal and external lighting. It is open from the last Saturday in April until the first Saturday in October. Pets: Yes. € 40,00 per animal per week to be paid on site Handicap: No Fenced-in property: Yes * Location and distances The property is situated in the area of the Pisan Hills, a hilly region rich in chestnut woods and land cultivated with vines and olive trees in the centre of Tuscany, in the southeast area of Pontedera and bordering with Volterra and the park of the Upper Valdera. This area, of great natural importance, is dotted with numerous borghi rich in significant historical and architectural relics. The borgo of Palaia itself, of ancient Etruscan origin, is about 7 km from the house and contains buildings and churches of great artistic interest and an important 13th century church on a promontory with a beautiful panorama ranging from the area around Florence to Volterra, continuing across the upper Valdera to Pisa and the coastal area. The area offers plenty of opportunity for recreation: nature and sports lovers can take advantage of the long hiking and mountain biking trails, can go horseback riding along the country lanes (about 4 km away, in Treggiaia, is the riding club Lo Scoiattolo), or play golf at the 9-hole course of San Miniato, about 26 km away, or at the 18-hole course of Castelfalfi, about 20 km away, which also has a green and a practice bunker. Health conscious guests can take advantage of the prestigious spa facilities in the area, those of Casciana and Uliveto are just a few kilometres from the property. About 10 km away in Pontedera you can find all necessary services and shops (while just 1½ kilometres away is the little town of Forcoli where you can also do your shopping) as well as the Piaggio Museum, famous throughout the world, with the entire series of historic Vespas. The villa is easily reached from both north and south thanks to the A1 motorway (Autostrada del Sole) and the highway between Florence and Pisa and Livorno (S.G.C. FI-PI-LI), with exit at Pontedera, about 10 km from the property. The airports in the region are fairly near, with that of Pisa (35 km) just thirty minutes away, while that of Florence is about 64 km away. In addition, for those wishing to travel by train, the railway station of Pontedera, on the Florence-Pisa line, is about 13 km away. Airport: Pisa 35 km, Firenze 64 km, Roma Fiumicino 368 km, Milano Malpensa 372 km Train station: Pontedera 13 km Highways: Coming from North or South: highway A1 exit Firenze Scandicci and highway S.G.C. FI-PI-LI- exit Pontedera 10 km; Coming from the Pisa International airport: highway S.G.C. FI-PI-LI exit Pontedera 10 km Shops and services: Forcoli 1,7 km Beaches: Tyrrhenian Sea - Livorno Coast: Castiglioncello 47 km, Marina di Pisa 49 km; Versilia: Lido di Camaiore 54 km, Forte dei Marmi 77 km Access roads: Paved up till the entrance gate Attractions within 100 km: Pisa 39 km, Lucca 40 km, Firenze 66 km, Casciana Terme 16 km, Lajatico (Teatro del Silenzio) 17 km, Uliveto Terme 30 km, Volterra 35 km, San Gimignano 38 km, Pistoia 59 km, Viareggio 63 km, Greve in Chianti 73 km Altitude: 53 slm