Casale di Cellole

Just hearing the word ‘Tuscany’ conjures up the scent of cypresses, pines and wild fennel. You can instantly imagine the sunsets bathing everything in a warm light, rolling hills and undulating natural stone walls where geckos hide, flavorful, full-bodied red wine, panzanella and crispy-sweet cantuccini with almonds. It also brings to mind towns of historical and artistic significance, colorful laundry hanging outside windows and narrow alleyways. If you’re feeling a yearning for Italy again, then it’s time to pack your suitcase and head for the Casale di Cellole, not far from Siena, secluded among the vineyards, forests and fields of the Chianti region. Siblings Elisa and Angelo Sampieri inherited the dilapidated 18th century farmhouse from their father. Today, the lovingly restored property is home to five individual accommodations: Two barns converted into holiday homes with untreated natural stone and an open-plan concept, as well as three flats in the main house, where owner Elisa lives with her family. The fact that people with a great passion for beauty are at work here is evident everywhere (Angelo is an architect, Elisa a garden designer). They have succeeded not only in preserving the historical substance, but also in giving it a completely new look, combining traditional terracotta tiles and rough cement flooring with vintage pieces and modern design elements, and whitewashed ceiling beams with brightly colored accents. Outside, we’re greeted by a wild flower and herb garden with terraces and benches in the shade, where you can listen to the relaxing chirping and humming and enjoy the view of the surrounding vineyards. The longing for dolce vita will be more than fulfilled in a place like this, but will become even greater after leaving. So it’s a good thing that the doors are always open here! 

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The successful contrasts: Sometimes cool, sometimes cozy, light-colored exposed stone and dark steel, the designer chairs with the antique table—so beautiful!
• The carefully chosen details: Ceramics, flea market finds and creative decorations such as antique bird aviaries as wall decorations
• The secluded location in the middle of nature. The chances of encountering deer, pheasants or hares here are very good here.
• Elisa lives in the main house with her partner Alessandro and their three daughters. This makes you feel even more at home here—and you can quickly ask for tips on excursions or restaurants.
• Cats, Silkie chickens and lots of bees are also part of the farm. This is really great for young vacationers, who can always find something to stroke, feed or watch.
• As the Tuscan sun is really intense in summer, cooling off is always welcome. You can cool off in style in a former cistern, filled with salt water and without any chlorine.
• Cozy beds and the silence all around create ideal conditions for restful nights.
• All apartments have their own terrace, some with a lush pergola for shade, and a private entrance.
• Every season in Tuscany has its charm. Spring is particularly beautiful when everything is in bloom. Summer is lively and hot, but wonderful for swimming. The weather is usually good in autumn too and the towns and villages slowly become quieter. Even in winter it’s often still mild.
• You have a sweeping view over vineyards and olive groves from every accommodation.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• There are three apartments and two houses of different sizes for two to six people; the two vacation homes are located a short distance from the main house.
• Children of all ages are welcome; the hosts can provide baby beds and highchairs on request.
• Self-catering is the order of the day here, but the kitchens are well-equipped to prepare your own delicious meals (be sure to go shopping at the local markets!); there’s also a barbecue area. 
• Wonderful for chilly days: Every accommodation has a fireplace!
• There’s a lot to discover: The Chianti region, the Orcia Valley, the Crete Senesi, the art and culture city of Siena (seven kilometers away). The towns of San Gimignano, San Giovanni d’Asso, Radda and Greve are also worth a visit.
• The nearest shops and restaurants are around five kilometers away.
• in high season the minimum stay is one week, in low season three nights
• The nearest airport is Florence, about one hour away, or Pisa, just under two hours away. The Casale di Cellole can be reached by car from Munich in around eight hours.

CIN: IT052006C2DJLYC55M / IT052006C2OSGPDRCO / IT052006C2C9PC9O5J / IT052006C27B6X52F2/ IT052006C2J2YEQH74