Paradiso nel Chianti For Wine Lovers - Green Vacations

Character: Very historical 14th-century mill in a very peaceful spot in the heart of the Chianti. Advantages: Quiet, small and very friendly, enchanting setting that seems to be exactly as it was in the 14th century. Location: 3 km from Gaiole in Chianti. Very good for visiting all parts of the Chianti, including the wineries. Siena is about 25 minutes' drive. Click here to see a map. Size: 14 rooms with many of the original floors, ceilings and stone walls. Authentic antique country furnishings, some picture windows, one room has a fireplace. Features: Elevator, gorgeous swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, tropical shower, satellite TV, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone with modem hook-up, soundproof walls, safe, hair dryer, restaurant, Internet point. Price includes American breakfast, served on the patio in warmer months. Minimum stay: One night. Disadvantages: A few of the rooms are not reached by elevator and require climbing a few steps. Car needed: Yes.

“Midway upon the journey of our life
I found myself within a forest dark,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost.”
- from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s translation of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy - Inferno

These verses, among the best-known words in the history of poetry, accurately describe how Daniele and Elisa were feeling a few years back, around the time when they happened upon this very unique property in the heart of the Chianti. Concealed by its own dark forest, the couple’s “soul-mate” had been abandoned and forgotten for over a century. At its center, choked by overgrown vegetation, were the remains of a 14th-century stone mill that originally stood along the medieval route from Gaiole to Siena. Hopelessly in love with the spot at first sight, our heroes plunked down their life savings, rolled up their sleeves, cleared out the forest and completely restored the building to create a splendid hotel that offers 4-star elegance in an authentic historical setting. Combine the peace and quiet of the spot with their warm and friendly hospitality and you will agree that there are few places where you can spend a more relaxing, rewarding holiday.

When you come here, you turn off the main road and drive a short way along a level gravel road that follows the path of the stream that originally powered the mill. Within seconds the ancient live oak trees encircle you, pushing back the sounds and stress of the 21st century. After only a few minutes you will come around a bend and see a series of small spring-water basins connected by miniature waterfalls. Ice-cold even in August, they provide a wonderful opportunity for a refreshing dip in the midst of pristine nature. Of course if you prefer, you can also cool off in the gorgeous split-level swimming pool, which has its own waterfall and is beautifully illuminated at night.

After you have parked your car, you will walk a few steps over the graceful bridge, which was here originally and which Daniele lovingly restored stone-by-stone. Be sure to ask him to show you the photos of those stones when they were no more than a heap of rubble! Inside, you will take the elevator up to the 14 charming rooms, each with its own distinguishing features. Some have beam and brick ceilings; others have wood casement ceilings; all have terracotta floors, sumptuous draperies, wrought-iron twin or king-size beds, wooden wardrobes with full-length mirror, soundproof walls, satellite TV, air conditioning, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, a safe for valuables, and ultra-modern rose marble or fine ceramic bathrooms with hair dryer. The furniture was carefully selected by the owner’s close friend, an antique dealer, who made sure that it fit with the style of the period. Superior Rooms have a massage shower in the bathroom; Deluxe Rooms are larger and have a massage shower or Turkish bath or garden; the Classic Junior Suite has a whirlpool tub in the room; the Superior Junior Suite has a fireplace and a pink marble bathroom with whirlpool tub. There are a few rooms in a ground-floor annex: this requires a few steps up through the garden, but you are rewarded with peaceful seclusion.

Back downstairs, part of the original stables has been converted into a comfortable sitting room with a large fireplace and flat-screen satellite TV. Next door is the restaurant, where your hosts personally prepare typical Tuscan dishes, accompanied by a selection of wonderful local wines. So that you can have a truly well-rounded vacation combining cultural pursuits with hedonistic pleasures, the expert staff also offers personalized beauty treatments, which you may enjoy after your day trips to Radda, Castellina, Siena, San Gimignano and the many ancient wineries hidden in the cellars of the castles that crown the surrounding hills.

OPEN APRIL-DECEMBER

For this property:
A child 0-2 years old sleeps free in its parents' double room. A baby crib is free of charge and must be reserved at the time of booking.
A small animal is welcome and pays 5 Euro/night.
Half board is available for 35 Euro/day/person including water and coffee.
Not all rooms at Paradiso can be reached by elevator. Please let us know if you would have trouble climbing one flight of stairs or negotiating a few stone steps in the garden.

Paradiso del Chianti is 3 km from Gaiole, the nearest town, and 23 km from Siena, the nearest rail station.

Click here for information about private transfers to the property.

Please note that you need a car to stay here.

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