Molino del Ponte is a 16th century millhouse that has been lovingly restored to maintain the integrity of the property with very little alteration of the structure. The original water-wheels, dike, and waterways are still intact. The Molino once served as the regional mill for the area, where local farmers brought their wheat to be ground.
The property occupies an enviable setting near Radda in Chianti, one of Tuscany's most acclaimed areas. Midway between Siena and Florence, it is home to some of the most famous vineyards in Italy. Molino del Ponte is comprised of rolling land demarked by cypress trees, shady little woods, and tall pines. Stone walls hem in olive groves. It is a tranquil and relaxing spot but is just minutes to beautiful hill towns and is well connected for touring all of Tuscany.
Three apartments--Ritrecine, Mola and Staio-are in one main building. Setaccio is a small independent house at the edge of the garden. Each apartment is comfortably furnished and has a kitchen equipped with gas range, refrigerator and all the necessary cookware and serving ware. All the apartments have a satellite TV, a DVD player and a stereo with CD player. Private parking and exclusive terrace or garden areas are set aside for each apartment. Wood beams, terracotta floors, and original stonework abound throughout the entire structure.
A large oval swimming pool (18x36 feet), shared by the guests, is rimmed with stone and surrounded by cooling lawn, and rests in a secluded spot with pastoral views. Gardens are extensive with plenty of room to roam. Outdoor furniture is provided for al fresco dining, along with a barbecue grill and a ping-pong table.
RITRECINE: The largest apartment is intriguingly restored as it retains the original stone grinding wheels and has a glassed window revealing the mill mechanism below. A private terrace is perfect for morning coffee or afternoon aperitivo. The kitchen has a hearth that doubles as a wood-burning pizza oven, and a farm-style dining table. It also has a microwave, toaster and American coffeemaker. A comfortable living room is nestled down two steps from the kitchen. The bedrooms and bathroom (bathtub with a shower attachment) open off a hallway. The bedrooms are furnished with wrought iron beds and antique bedside tables. There is a private terrace for relaxing.
MOLA: A stone-arched entrance provides an inviting welcome to Mola, which is roomy and romantic. Abundant exposed stone distinguishes the space. The living room is separated from the dining room and kitchen by a wide archway. Original antique stone feeding troughs for animals adorn a wall. The kitchen also has a microwave, toaster, and American coffeemaker. The bedroom is intimately placed down several steps from the living area and feels cozy with its barrel-vaulted exposed stone ceiling. Mola has an ensuite bathroom with shower. A private gazebo in the garden is reserved for guests of Mola.
STAIO: Gleaming wood floors and rustic wood beams make Staio a stylish studio. Compact but cute, it is splashed with pastel and is perfect for a couple. The king-sized bed is slightly set off from the main living space. A wooden wardrobe provides abundant storage space. An efficient kitchen unit offers a 4-burner gas range, an oven, a dishwasher and refrigerator. A pretty farmhouse table and chairs offer dining for two. There is a pretty private garden set aside for Staio guests. A connecting door to Mola can be opened if the apartments are booked together.
SETACCIO: A separate building at the edge of the garden, Setaccio was once a secondary mill house. Clever glass flooring reveals the stream running beneath the house. An open floor plan combines the living room with kitchen and dining space. The kitchen is outfitted with Carrara marble, a two-burner stove, and a small refrigerator with freezer, as well as a microwave oven and a toaster. A mix of wood floors and terracotta tiles lend ambiance, and wood beams maintain the buildings original charm. A spiral staircase leads to the bedroom, along with an ensuite bath with a shower. A nice balcony overlooks the garden. The latticed-brick windows that are typical of this area have been preserved. Setaccio enjoys two private outdoor areas: a furnished gazebo, and a hedged-in quiet garden.
The four apartments are each rented separately. The entire property for 12 people could also be rented together and would work well for a family or group of friends.
|
Weekly Prices |
|
Low
Season |
Mid
Season |
High
Season |
Ritrecine |
$1,155 |
$1,525 |
$1,800 |
Mola |
$765 |
$1,025 |
$1,285 |
Staio |
$515 |
$645 |
$900 |
Setaccio |
$765 |
$1,025 |
$1,285 |
|