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Place:
Pisa
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Region:
Tuscany
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Evaluation: ****
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Surrounded by woods of oak and chestnut trees, at the top of a hill that dominates the valley called Valdera with Volterra in the background, stands the old medieval village of Chianni. At the edge of the village, along the road running through the village which leads to the sea (about 40 kms away), in the attractive hilly landscape typical of this area, lies Villa Gicaber. It was built in liberty style in the 1930s by noble landowners whose descendants still own it: and on the facade of the house you can still see the original designs, balustrades, terraces, window frames and many of the wrought-iron gates are still in place. The interior also has remained almost intact, with all the atmosphere and style of the 1930s: the furnishings are antique, with coats of arms, decorations and original frescoes, enriched by precious materials and furniture. The layout of the house has remained as it was, to avoid changing the original internal balance (and the bathrooms for this reason have been created by taking space inside the bedrooms). On the entrance level there are some large living areas, with a pleasant frescoed veranda and a dining-room with a large fireplace and a small kitchen, but there are other living areas on the top floor (with an additional area equipped for preparing breakfast) and at the garden level (which can only be reached externally via steps from the terrace): here, with direct access to the lawn dominated by an enormous centuries-old horse-chestnut tree, they have created a large area with a table for dining outside, TV area with chairs and sofas, leading to the kitchen. From the many windows overlooking the valley you can take in a spectacular view as far as the eye can see over a truly unique landscape, which you can also enjoy from anywhere in the garden, which has been furnished for relaxing outside, with its olive grove, large swimming-pool and a beautiful pergola for dining outside, complete with barbecue. Not far away is Casciana Terme (7 kms) with its thermal springs and health centre, and many of the famous tuscan sightseeing towns such as Volterra and San Gimignano. Florence can be reached in less than an hour by car: this is an ideal place for trips to the art cities, for wine-tasting and for gastronomy, and nature walks.
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Nearest town:
Volterra
Distance:
34 km
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