PODERE DELL’ALLORO
Holiday apartments
Bed & Breakfast
ABOUT US
In 2016 we took a giant leap into the unknown and invested every last penny into the derelict Podere dell'Alloro (Bay Tree Farm) in Palaia, a small pretty village in the Valdera region of Tuscany. We wanted to live in this beautiful part of Italy and share our home with people who want to come and discover its riches. Our farmhouse and its land can be traced back to 1586 and when we bought it, it had been empty for over 20 years so was slowly falling down. We have restored and converted the main house into four apartments – one for us and three to rent – 1 x 1 bedroom and 2 x 2 bedroom. The barn or 'fienile' is being rebuilt in October this year and will be 3 bed x 3 bathroom unit that will complete our little rental complex.
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Our goal is to provide the same sort of experience that made us fall in love with Tuscany and show guests the best that the region has to offer. We will introduce you to our wonderful community and ensure you enjoy a relaxing holiday with us.
We are surrounded by 13 hectares of olive trees, meadows and woodland, mostly wild and untamed. You can wander through the woods down to the valley, where you may see another person or you may not! As well as lots of birds if you are lucky you may see deer, rabbits, hares, badgers and at dusk maybe even a porcupine or wild boar. From the top of the hill there are 360° views of the surrounding area stretching out to the Apennine hills in the distance.
We have been trading since the summer of 2019, the pool and landscaping were finished in 2022. Our apartments are brand new and perfectly appointed and we provide every comfort to ensure you have a relaxing, enjoyable holiday. We can show you places to visit, where to eat and drink and help you with anything else you might need.
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OUR SERVICES
Breakfast
We do a bakery run each morning and can deliver fresh bread and pastries to your apartment. Please order by 20.00 for delivery next morning.
We also provide breakfast upstairs in the main house. Please give at least 24 hours notice.
Internet
All apartments benefit from free wifi. At this time we do not have wifi in the pool area. The mobile phone signal in the area is not fantastic although it is generally adequate for guests' needs.
Gardens
There are extensive gardens around the main buildings for you to enjoy. You may also explore further afield in the woodland and olive groves although small children will need to be supervised as there are steep drops into the valley.
Housekeeping
Your rental includes cleaning, bedlinen and towels. If you would like any additional services such as mid-stay cleaning, change of sheets or additional towels these can be provided at an additional cost.
Pool
The unheated pool is 12m x 6m x 1.5m and has stairs for easy access. It has a state of the art chlorination and filtration system.
In-house dining
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If you'd like to stay in but don't want to cook, we can cook for you. We just need 24 hours notice. Choose from a selection of dishes listed in the welcome pack in your apartment.
GALLERY
Breathtaking sunsets
THINGS TO DO
Wineries
Podere dell'Alloro is surrounded by vineyards and wineries and many producers offer tours for visitors. We can either arrange these for you or help with information on where to go.
Cultural Sites
All of the best known sites such as Pisa, Florence, Lucca, Siena, Volterra and San Gimignano are between 30 minutes and a two hour drive away. Beautiful unspoilt beaches are easily accessible for a day trip and the famous Chianti region is not far away.
Markets
Every day is market day somewhere. Stock up on cheese and wine and presents for the people back home or just absorb some local colour.
Cycling
We are in the middle of some of the most beautiful and exciting cycling routes in Italy. Every day lycra-clad groups of men and women cycle past the end of our drive. We can arrange airport transfers and logistics for groups and help to plan your itinerary.
Restaurants
Even though we are in the countryside there are three good restaurants within walking distance and six in Palaia a short drive away. There are venues for all budgets and if you want to celebrate a special occasion we can recommend and book for you.
Shopping
Palaia, the local village 4km away has all the basic amenities including a bank, post office, pharmacy, petrol station and various food stores as well as a great ice-cream parlour, coffee bar and a pub.
GUEST REVIEW
