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In a hilltop position, overlooking the unique scenery of the green, vineyard-covered hills of Florentine Chianti, stands L’Antica Cantina.
Originally an Augustinian monastery, this welcoming historic residence dates back to 1480, the year of its construction. In the 16th century it hosted a young Michelangelo, during the period in which he frescoed a juvenile Pietà in the opposite church of Santa Maria in Marcialla, still visible and open to the public. (This is the only existing fresco of Michelangelo, apart from that in the Sistine Chapel). After various modifications, the property underwent its last transformation in the 18th century as a farm. In 1918 it was bought by the current proprietors and inhabited by the family until 1996, after which it was transformed into a tourist structure. Still today it is possible to admire much of the fine Empire-style furniture that was produced by the in-house carpentry workshop at the time of Napoleon, in the fashion of the time inspired by Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Grand Duchess of Tuscany. Within the little hilltop borgo of Marcialla, this old residence overlooks the green hilly landscape between Siena and Florence, in the heart of the Chianti region, famous throughout the world for its picture-postcard panoramic views and for the excellence of its wines. This magical atmosphere will give its guests unforgettable moments between the historic interior of the villa and its typical 19th century garden, located directly inside the property with the (heated from 2019)pool, guaranteeing unique privacy and relaxation. In the medieval cellar, located in the basement of the house, you can, on request, book a visit accompanied by wine tasting of the L’Antica Cantina wines. Its location makes this property particularly suitable for organizing interesting excursions in the surrounding area as it is well connected to the main motorway networks and is just a few kilometres from the principal art cities of Tuscany such as Siena, Florence, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and the little characteristic villages of Chianti Monteridolfi, Panzano, Badia a Passignano. N.B. In a separate wing of the house lives the gardener who will not disturb the privacy of the guests nor will interfere with the use of the park and pool which are for exclusive use of the guests.
Interior
The house has two floors. The main entrance facing the town piazza leads to the garden with swimming pool and to two areas of the house: on the right, up a small flight of stairs, you come to a suite of unique taste with a small sitting room, a bathroom with shower and a double bedroom; on the left is the tea room communicating with the dining room and TV corner. Continuing on, you come to the kitchen, a bathroom with a Napoleonic-style tub and a bedroom suitable for people with mobility problems (in use only if requested). Continuing up to the first floor, you come to six double bedrooms, five with ensuite bathroom and one with adjacent bathroom, all air-conditioned.
Park
A typical 19th century property with internal garden, in part surrounded by walls and in part by the villa itself, with various tall trees, creepers, box hedges, flowers, a large gazebo for the dining area, a gazebo with climbing plants for the relaxation area and the (heated from 2019) swimming pool surrounded by the solarium.
Swimming Pool
The characteristic swimming pool lies in one corner of the garden and can be reached from the main house and annexes across the small garden. Rectangular,(heated from 2019), with travertine stone edge and lined in sand-coloured PVC, with Roman steps for access to the water, internal lighting and 2 Jacuzzi seats. It measures 6 x 3,70 m with a depth of 1.20 m. The travertine-paved solarium is provided with elegant sunbeds. Next to it, the two gazebos organised for dining or enjoying cocktails allow you to pass a pleasant evening outdoors in this beautiful spot. There is also a heated outdoor shower. The pool is open from the last Saturday of April until the first Saturday of October.
Location
The villa, set on one of the many hills that give rise to Florentine Chianti, enjoys a typical landscape characterised by green rolling hills alternating with neat expanses of olive groves and vineyards, along roads bordered by rows of cypress trees. A short distance from the property is one of the most important road networks of Tuscany, thanks to which you can get, quickly and easily, to countless tourist destinations. The property is also easily reachable from the Tuscan airports and from the more distant ones; those of Florence and Pisa are just a few kilometres away. For those wishing to use public transport, you can get a bus to Florence or to Siena in the nearby piazza where you may find all the services.
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