Il Conventino                

Originally a 18th Century hilltop convent, Il Conventino is refurbished to luxurious standards offering accommodation for 4 groups of guests seeking an authentic Tuscan atmosphere.

The views around Il Conventino are extremely panoramic, looking onto rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves and other hilltop hamlets.

The Italian owners, a writer and an artist, have restored the convent to its original form. Each room has engraved oak beams and the original dusky pink terracotta flooring. The furniture is entirely antique and many valuable oil paintings hang on the walls. Each bedroom has ornate wooden headboards and crisp, embroidered white linen. There are breathtaking views onto rolling hills from all the bedrooms at Il Conventino.

Position: Il Conventino has a super position being just 27 km from ‘Porta Romana’, the imposing wooden gates leading to the centre of Florence. Two Chianti towns, Tavarnelle and Marcialla are approximately 4km, with restaurants, markets, bars, and supermarkets. Further places of interest include Greve, San Donato, San Gimignano and the city of Siena.

Summer evening family entertainment takes place on a daily basis in Marcialla’s piazza: magic shows, music and an open-air informal restaurant. There is a tennis court just 1km from the convent with a Summer open-air garden bar. More information regarding the area is available in our guides ‘Essential Chianti’ including the owner’s recommended local restaurants.

IL VESCOVO: first/second floor, 6 persons

First Floor Interior: lounge with open-fire, twin two seater sofas, dining area for 6 persons. Kitchen: fully fitted including fan oven/hob, dishwasher and a further dining area. Bedroom one: Double bedroom with a walnut wood wardrobe. Bathroom one: twin basins, toilet, bidet, bath-tub with shower fixture and separate shower cubical. Bedroom two: double bedroom with en-suit bathroom, sink, bidet, toilet, shower cubical. Please note this bedroom has one low level beam (6ft).

Second Floor Interior: bedroom three, a characteristic bedroom in the original tower overlooking panoramic views. Double bed, dresser, and wardrobe.

LE SUORE: ground/first floor, 8/9 persons

Ground Floor Interior: Main entrance through internal courtyard. Dining room: a large room with impressive open fire and banquet table seating 10 persons. Double doors leading down a few steps to outside garden. Kitchen: fully fitted including fan oven/hob, dishwasher and a further dining area. Lounge: upholstered lounge area with piano. Bedroom one: single bedroom. Bathroom one: toilet, bidet, sink and shower. Bedroom two: double bedroom, dressing table, wardrobe. Bathroom two: basin, toilet, bidet, bath-tub with shower fixture and separate shower cubical. Bedroom three and four: double bed, dressing table, wardrobe. The latter bedroom has a independent entrance to the internal courtyard.

First Floor Interior: bedroom five: double bedroom, double bed, wardrobe and dressing table. En-suit bathroom: sink, toilet, bidet, shower cubical. Second lounge: a formal lounge furnished with 18th century upholstered arm-chairs and settees, open-fire, patio doors lead to the internal courtyard steps.

Exterior: Il Conventino has an extensive garden area allowing all guests to have their own individual areas for sitting/eating outside. Large swimming pool, 15 by 7 meters, in panoramic position looking onto Chianti Classico vineyards and olive groves. There are changing rooms and showers at the pool side, which is furnished with sun-loungers. Guests may use the built in barbecue and bread oven for pizza making. Electric gates surround Il Conventino. Private parking.

A laundry room with a washing machine and ironing board is available for the guest’s use. Extra help may be organised on request at 15,000 lira (approx. £5 per hour).

The accommodation suitable for smaller groups of guests at Il Conventino (featured on the front cover and previous two pages) is described below. I Frati is situated on the first floor of the convent itself, whilst The Cottage is an independent building in a secluded spot with its own garden. The Cottage is suitable for a four persons or two persons seeking extra space.

I FRATI: first floor, 2 persons

Interior: Lounge with open fire and dining area with upholstered chairs. Low arch leading to fully fitted kitchen (double sink/oven/hob, 'fridge with small freezer compartment) and breakfast table. Double bedroom: double bed with hand painted antique headboard, wardrobe, dressing table. Bathroom: sink, bidet, toilet, shower cubical.

THE COTTAGE: ground floor, 2/4 persons

Interior: An independent, semi-detached cottage reached by a sloping, unsurfaced drive-way of approximately 200 metres. The Cottage is at ground floor level on the estate and in our opinion is suitable for a family of four persons or couples seeking total privacy. (The Cottage is in a secluded spot, surrounded by trees and thus views are restricted). Open plan lounge/kitchen with oven/hob and 'fridge/freezer. Dining area. Laundry room with washing machine. Bedroom one: double bedroom with antique wooden framed sofa and matching chair. Bedroom two: a twin bedroom with patio doors leading to the rear garden area. Exterior: private enclosed garden area, covered pergola and built in barbecue.