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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany Chianti Review 2607: Romitorio di Serelle, Apartment
apartments on estate near Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany Chianti 
WhenOct 2006, 1 week LocationThis agriturismo is a former monastery that was recently renovated into separate apartments. The villa complex was well maintained; it was in a beautiful location overlooking the Ruffino vineyards all around. It was in the countryside, but in an excellent location that was central to many towns: Castellina in Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Radda, Greve, Florence, and numerous other towns in between. We used our apartment as our base, and went out each day anywhere from 10 minutes away to an hour away, spent the day wandering from town to town and thoroughly enjoying each little town we stopped in. The villa had a lovely pool that we relaxed by one afternoon. Nearby AmenitiesThe closest town is Castellina in Chianti, about eight minutes drive through the curvy roads in Tuscany. The town had all the basics ... a small grocery, and a couple restaurants as well as a few shops. The House/ApartmentThe villa complex consists of approx 12 separate apartments of various sizes. One separate building had two apartments that could probably be combined for a couple of families. The entire complex dates back to the 1200's and was stunningly restored, very beautiful and traditional. We rented a 2bed/2bath apartment. GardenThere were plenty of outside areas to sit, some private, some shared. Most overlook all the vast vineyards and olive groves from the terrace to the horizon. The pool was fairly large with lots of lounge chairs around, with the unending vineyard views. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasFurniture inside, and outside, was all in excellent shape and our apartment and common areas were extremely clean. In our apartment, there was only a sofa in the living room, so we could have used an extra easy chair or two, so one of us had to sit on a dining room chair but we weren't inside too much to make a difference. Bedrooms/BathroomsThe beds were very comfortable and plenty of linens were provided. There was plenty of storage for clothes in closets and drawers. The bathrooms were fine, but our shower was somewhat small compared to what we're used to in the States, but doable. KitchenThe kitchen had the basics, and not much more as far as cooking utensils. I'm sure we could have requested larger pots or pans if needed but we ended up eating most of our meals, other than breakfast, out. Problems or BonusesThe complex in general was a wonderful surprise and we were thrilled with the whole villa, as well as the location and the entire area. Agency and Representatives (and price)Roberto is the manager and speaks fairly good English. We are learning basic Italian and it was fun to try our language out on each other. He was most helpful in arranging a vineyard tour for us, and giving directions to various cute little towns, and just generally very accommodating. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?We would, without a doubt, highly recommend Romitorio di Serelle to any and all -- and I hope to one day go back and stay. Things to do in this areaIt was fun to just drive along and stop at a little town we'd come across, as well as to go to some of the typical touristy places. Just a wonderful area! This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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