A typical stone built Tuscan farm house in a wooded hillside setting, dating back to the 1800’s, where a particular breed of swallow, called Rondoni, flocks to the house to nest in its eaves, hence the name. At 500 metres high, “I Rondoni” is situated between Florence and Arezzo, enjoying breath-taking views of the Arno valley dotted with Chianti vineyards, olive trees, cypresses and picturesque villages. A farmhouse for generations, I Rondoni has recently been restored to a high standard, retaining its rustic charm and authentic character. The house retains the original wooden roof beams and genuine old “cotto” floor tiles in several rooms. The traditional bread-making oven still works. I Rondoni has a fully equipped kitchen with marble work tops, dining room seating up to 10 people, 3 double bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms, a further 2 guest toilets, 1 jacuzzi, 1 large sitting room and a cosy lounge, 1 panoramic balcony, a stone-paved terrace overlooking the garden. Wi Fi network. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE - A stone-paved terrace surrounds the house. Three traditional wooden entrance doors access different areas of the ground floor. The otherwise sunny terrace has a shaded area in front of the house overlooking the split level garden below where cypresses, pine and bay trees provide a haven for the swallows. The terrace and garden are perfect for sunbathing and enjoying al fresco dining often accompanied by enchanting fireflies THE HAMLET - I Rondoni together with 5 other stone houses clustered on the hillside is just 2 kms above the picturesque mediaeval village of Loro Ciuffenna. An enviable position with its own micro-climate, 500 metres high I Rondoni enjoys a gentle breeze which keeps you several degrees cooler on hot summer days than the valley below. I Rondoni is a convenient location to enjoy some of the most compelling Tuscan attractions: the Chianti region, famous for its wine tasting and olive growing, Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Cortona, Pratomagno Regional Park just to name a few. Typical Tuscan restaurants are easily reachable within 5-10 minutes drive from I Rondoni. So there is a lot to appeal to you whether you like country walks, history and culture or simply enjoy excellent rustic Italian cuisine. FIESTE (sagre paesane) AND MARKETS - The fieste of the local villages celebrating religious and rustic traditions, provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to mix with locals, sharing traditional dishes and wines. Regular markets for food and clothes take place weekly in all the villages & towns nearby (see list below). There are also specialised antiques markets, most renowned being at Arezzo, which takes place over the first weekend of each month and several antiques markets are held in Florence, in Montevarchi (fourth Sunday), in Terranuova Bracciolini (second Sunday). Closest Markets (within 10-15 minutes drive from I Rondoni) San Giovanni Valdarno: Saturday morning (food – clothes) Loro Ciuffenna Monday morning (food – clothes) Figline Valdarno: Tuesday morning MEDIAEVAL HERITAGE - Mediaeval Pievi (churches) are spread along the range of hills linking Florence to La Verna Abbey north of Arezzo towards the Romagna region. It is called the Pievi road which follows the route of the ancient Roman Etruscan road. The Pieve di Gropina, dating back to the year 774 is the perfect summer venue for music and cultural events just 3 kms from I Rondoni. COUNTRY WALKING - From I Rondoni you can enjoy daily walks to suit your energy level from gentle strolls to strenuous trekking in the eastern hills of the Arno in the unspoilt Pratomagno National Park or in the west side of the Arno valley in the Chianti hills. Walks can be easy and relaxing if you chose marked paths that run among olive trees and vineyards as well as alongside the “Balze” which are argilla pinnacles created by the erosion of the Arno valley. These feature in the background of the painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Alternatively, you can chose more challenging marked paths up steep hills through woods of chestnut, pine, spruce and oak trees for a 5 or 6 hour hike up to the summits. SPORTS - Enjoy a game of tennis on a traditional clay court among olive trees and cypresses in a most tranquil setting, 5 minutes drive, can be booked with the local Church of Montalto in day and night time. Full sized outdoor swimming pools and leisure facilities are avaiable at Montevarchi and San Giovanni SHOPPING - Glasswork and leather crafted products were originally part of Tuscan history and have since developed in internationally renowned luxury brands available in the Outlets and Malls located a short drive away in Levanelle and Leccio.