In a beautiful position in the Chianti hills near San Gimignano, just 30 km from Florence, is located the Dimora del Castello, built on the ancient Via Francigena, that connected France to Rome during the Middle-age. The origins of the Dimora del Castello date back to the early 13th century. It was the residence of the Alberti Contes until the end of the 17th century after which it was transformed into a "signorile" villa. Traces of the original 13th century fortified castle are still discernible in the square brick tower and the defensive walls alongside the villa. The recent restoration of the villa has brought back to life the ancient splendor of this residence without altering its architectural characteristics, but enriching it with all the modern comforts. In front of the villa rental a big garden with a breathtaking view on the Tuscan countryside: dramatic views of the undulating, fertile countryside below, as far as the towered town of San Gimignano which is just visible on the horizon to the south. A staircase leads down to the swimming pool (5x10 depth 1,4 m)(18/04-30/09) with external shower, surrounded by a lawn and an arcaded loggia. A “limonaia” (former lemon conservatory) has been converted into a sitting room, with six arched windows offering sweeping views of surrounding countryside and it is situated next to a consecrated chapel of the 13th century. Beneath the castle is a little wine cellar, benefitting from a temperature that varies only two degrees between summer and winter. Included in the price domestic help 3 hours/day for cleaning of the bedrooms, continental breakfast, baby bed. Possibility of cook, domestic help (extra hours), food delivery service to request at the moment of booking and to be paid on the spot. Access through 1,2 km of unpaved road. Air conditioning and central heating. Parking on the premises. PLEASE NOTE: It is not advised to have more than 4 children under the age of 12 at this accommodation. Included in the price is an electricity consumption of up to 300kw. Consumption exceeding 300kw will be calculated and paid for on location. Arrivals must be between 03.00pm and 07.00pm. Check out 09.30am ACCOMMODATION: (Villa) Gr.Fl.: large living room (satellite TV, DVD player) with a fireplace, kitchen (oven, freezer, dish washer), dining room with fireplace and with French windows that access the courtyard, living/reading room with fireplace and computer with broadband line, 1 double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, WC. 1st Fl.: (access by a beautiful marble staircase): a long corridor leads to the 4 bedrooms: 1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and Jacuzzi bath, 1 twin bedded room with bathroom with shower and tub, 1 twin bedded room with bathroom with shower, 1 double bedroom with balcony that overlooks the front yard and with 1 bathroom with both shower and Jacuzzi bath, laundry room (washing machine) with wardrobe. (Annex - medieval tower standing alongside the villa with its own access): Gr.Fl.: living room 1st Fl.: 1 double bedroom , 1 bathroom with shower. Breathtaking roof terrace. LOCATION: 5 km Castelfiorentino (any kind of shops, restaurants), 24 km San Gimignano, 27 km Castelfalfi (golf course), 38 km Florence, 58 km Siena.Please note that all extra costs must be paid in Euro on the spot