Haybarn • Tuscany 2 Bedroom

Monteriggioni, Italy
size: 125m2 or 1346 Sq Ft.
sleeps: up to 5
baths: 2
Air conditioning: No, but fans are provided for your comfort
US Floor: 1st Floor; French Ground Floor
 
The Hay Barn on a Hill. In 1993 the owners of this unique 17th century hay barn took a year off from their work and renovated it with the help of a knowledgeable local friend. The design was provided by a Cambridge-based architect. Perched atop the highest hill on the family estate and surrounded on three sides by olive trees, the Hay Barn on a Hill, a local stone structure with traditional Tuscan tile roof, enjoys spectacular views (including the medieval towns of San Gimignano and Casole d'Elsa in the distance) and dramatic sunsets. Local terracotta floor tiling is used throughout the house.

The barn is divided into two floors: an open plan ground floor comprised of an entrance, anthracite gray custom kitchen with professional stovetop and oven, dining and living areas. A bathroom with shower, sink and toilet is also on this level.

The upper floor is reached by means of a modern design metal staircase & maple wood handrails. It accommodates two bedrooms and a full bathroom (with tub, shower, sink, toilet and bidet). The bedrooms, one facing east, the other west, have large windows along the entire length of the outer walls which provide exceptional light and stunning views.

The house is furnished with a special combination of antiques purchased by the owners during their travels to Tibet, India, Laos, Bhutan and other destinations, as well as pieces from Tuscany. Modern furniture and lighting fixtures provide beautiful counterpoints to the antiques.

The outdoor patio is located on the west side of the hay barn and includes a built-in barbecue, dining table and chairs, and and umbrella for additional comfort.

The Hay Barn on the Hill is located five minutes by car from the owners' main villa and can be used as an annex to this property by larger groups, or on its own for a maximum of four people.
The town of Colle Val d'Elsa, about 8 kilometers away, has 4 supermarkets, small shops, pharmacies, gas stations and much more to satisfy guests' needs.

** Coming soon, but not in 2009: A small pool will be located in the olive grove just below the house in which to cool down and relax during warm Tuscan summer days. The three-sided deck will provide space for reclining chairs and umbrellas.

** Please note: There is a small weekly surcharge for use of heat in the Haybarn, depending on your consumption. This charge does not apply in the warmer months when heat is not needed.

A comprehensive list of local restaurants is provided by the owners and includes inexpensive to three-star Michelin-rated restaurants.


Places of interest to visit
Siena, 20 minutes
Florence, 50 minutes
San Gimignano, 20 minutes
Arezzo, one hour
Pisa, 1.5 hours
Montepulciano, 45 minutes
Montalcino, 45 minutes
Pienza, 45 minutes
seaside (Tuscan west coast), 1.5 hours

Primary airports
Rome, 3 hours
Pisa, 1.5 hours
Bologna, 2 hrs
Milan, 4 hours