The Antico Podere Il Gualdo is a small agricultural and touristic complex in the heart of the Sienese Chianti countryside, situated on the right hand side of the high Arbia valley. It is composed of 7 apartments which can accommodate from 2 to 6 people.

The buildings date back to medieval origins and are located at an altitude of 550 Mts. above sea level, in a scenic position which gives onto wide views of the hills and valleys of the area and surrounded by the numerous olive groves, whose cultivation makes for the principal activity of these small holdings.
The surrounding countryside is full of roaming forests of "Roverella" and pine trees, within which have recently been renovated the old roads and paths which allow you to enjoy pleasant strolls and walks amongst the woods.
A small lake, (situated only a hundred Mts. from the main buildings) created from the spring of natural water which provides the Gualdo with its water supply, completes the magnificent ecosystem of the holdings.
As the valley faces towards the north east it is exposed to the frequent and pleasant summer breezes, which render the Gualdo's climate ideal even in the full summer months.
Only a few minutes distance is a fully equipped riding stables, where it's possible to take excursions on horseback through the woods and countryside. In addition there is a sports complex with tennis courts available, and it's also possible to rent mountain bikes.
The holdings is surrounded by ample spaces for outdoor recreation in general and has numerous terraces and patios fully equipped.

The term Gualdo derives from the longobard word wald which signifies the special woods, privileged and for the use of it's sole patron.
In the area of the Trebbio and Livernano castles the feudal landowners were the counts Guidi, hence it's probable that the woods were their private possession, giving the origins to the name of the Gualdo.
Over the centuries the site, which is practically on the borders between the Florentine and Sienese territories, was subject to several domains and feudal lords, the evidence of which is visible in the symbols and emblems on the inside and outside of the buildings.
Today the Gualdo consists of three rural buildings, with the typical characteristics of growing constructions, the fruit of a series of additions and integrations undertaken during the centuries, with reference in particular to the 12th and 13th centuries.
The apartments are fully fitted and furnished in style, with antique terra- cotta floors, beamed ceilings, wooden fixtures, and at the same time are fitted with all modern comforts. All the electrical wiring, the plumbing and the heating have been recently re-installed to the new requirements of the EC regulations. There is also a free laundry room for the use of all the apartments
To conclude, a brief note on the principal characteristics of the extra virgin, sinolea, oil, produced on the Antico podere del Gualdo.
The ideal ecosystem for the cultivation of the olives, the careful selection of the variety, the hand picking and the delicate extraction by cold press of the sinolea, confer to the Gualdo olive oil an exclusive blend
of aromas and flavours, fruity, harmonious and of rare elegance.
The oil is sold on the property, with a special discount for any of the guests of the Gualdo.

Description:
Ponente : (2)
It is composed of a living room with a cooking corner, a matrimonial bedroom, a shower room. External space equipped.
Gazebo: (2)
It is composed of a living room with a cooking corner, a matrimonial bedroom, a shower room. External space equipped.
One of these apartments is equipped to welcome disabled people.
Solatio: (4)
Placed on the first floor, it is composed of a living room with a sofa bed, a chimney, a kitchen (dish washer), a matrimonial bedroom, a double room, bathroom. External space equipped.
Oliveta: (4)
Placed on the first floor, it is composed of a living room with a sofa bed, a chimney, a kitchen (dish washer), a matrimonial bedroom, a double room, 2 bathrooms. External space equipped.
Levante: (4)
Placed on the ground floor, it is composed of a living room with a sofa bed, a chimney, a kitchen (dish washer), a matrimonial bedroom, a double room, 2 bathrooms. External space equipped.
Preludio: (6)
Placed on the first floor, it is composed of a living room with a cooking corner (dish washer), 2 matrimonial bedrooms, a double room, 3 bathrooms. External space equipped.  
Maria Pia: (6)
Placed on the ground floor, it is composed of a vast living room, a kitchen (dish washer) with a big chimney, 2 matrimonial bedrooms, a double room, 3 bathrooms. External space equipped.  
 
Features:
Swimming pool (6x12) open from 26/05 to 29/09, solarium, tasting room, laundry in common to all apartments.

Nearby:
40 minutes from Florence (45 kms), 15 minutes from Siena (20 kms), 25 minutes from San Gimignano (30 kms), 10 minutes from Monteriggioni. (10 kms)

Prices 2009 : 
Can be rented from 25/04 to 18/10
Low season : 25/04-30/05 ; 19/09-18/10
Medium season : 30/05-11/07 ; 22/08-19/09
High season : 1/07-22/08
House linen is provided
The final cleaning is included in the price
Water, gas and electricity are included in the tariffs
Heating: 2€/hour

 

	Low season	Medium season	High season
Gazebo & Ponente	465.00	575.00	690.00
Solatio	625.00	750.00	940.00
Levante & Oliveta	690.00	815.00	1000.00
Preludio	940.00	1125.00	1440.00
Maria Pia	1000.00	1250.00	1500.00
Maria Pia + Gazebo	1250.00	1500.00	1940.00