Introduction
In property, many places are described as “the new Tuscany”. It’s shorthand for somewhere really special that, once discovered, will become hugely popular, with massive demand for property and rentals.
The same undoubtedly holds true of the original. Tuscany is beautiful – its weather, the countryside and architecture, its stunning churches and museums and the irresistible food and wine. It’s the sort of place that people visit once and fall in love with, and want to come back year after year to keep the love affair going.
Le Fontanelle apartments give you the chance to own your very own piece of Tuscany at a great price. With a bank valuation confirming an 18% discount to market value, and our own research showing an average discount of 25% to market value, deals like this just don’t come along very often in Tuscany.
The region is a tourist favourite, with the nearby medieval “town of towers” San Gimignano welcoming 3 million visitors through its gates every year. The traveller’s bible, Lonely Planet Italy, confirms the area’s popularity:
“In high summer, San Gimignano in Tuscany can be as unpromising for accommodation as that Christmas Eve in Bethlehem”
The demand for high quality rental properties with excellent amenities is strong throughout the long high season. Properties like Le Fontanelle which have a communal pool, parking, garden or terrace space and 6 hectares of wooded area surrounding the development offering shade and seclusion will be much sought after. The added bonus is that in addition to good rental yields, you have the opportunity to use the apartment to treat yourself to a relaxing Tuscan holiday. It’s a perfect lifestyle investment.
The developers have much experience - since 1959 they have specialised in sympathetic renovations of existing and historic buildings. Le Fontanelle consists of a converted farmhouse, barn and stables, restored using local materials in the typical Tuscan style.
Deals like Le Fontanelle just don’t come along that often in Tuscany – when people find something to buy there, they tend to hold on to them for years, so property of this quality doesn’t come up for sale that frequently. So seize your chance – and enjoy La Toscana!
Warm regards,
Alise and Jonty Crossick
Le Fontanelle development is located 8km from the walled town of San Gimignano. This tourist hotspot attracts over 3 million visitors per year, many of whom will be looking to rent accommodation in the surrounding area.
San Gimignano has a feast of historic buildings and churches containing some stunning works of art including di Bartolo’s hair-raising depictions of the seven deadly sins. It also boasts a wide range of bars, restaurants and shops and several museums.
It’s an atmospheric and beautiful medieval town. Its famous towers are a reminder of its former glory – at the height of the town’s dominance in the Middle Ages, the towers numbered 72. Only 14 remain today. It also has everyday amenities including banks, a cinema and a medical centre etc.
Le Fontanelle development is within easy reach of Poggibonsi, the nearest town. Famed for its furniture industry, it is now a local hub with all amenities easily accessible, and larger shops including specialist outlets selling the region’s specialities - olive oil and fine wine.
The beautiful city of Siena is just a 25 minute drive from Le Fontanelle. Siena’s old centre is pedestrianised and has been since the 1960s. This means you can stroll along its ancient flag-stoned streets admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere without fear of traffic or exhaust fumes.
It is packed with atmospheric cafés, bars, trattorias and restaurants as well as designer shops and local artisans selling their wares. Its centre is a bewildering warren of twisting streets which can suddenly open out into wide open squares offering dazzling views of gorgeous churches and grand municipal buildings. Of particular note is the town’s distinctive green-striped Duomo at the top of the city, and the city’s hub, the sloped Piazza del Campo, edged with cafés and bars where you can sit and people watch, and contemplate climbing the 102m to the top of the tower opposite.
Siena is famous for its biannual horse race Il Palio, in the town’s main square. In July and August, the Piazza del Campo is transformed into a racing track and throngs of people gather to watch the world’s shortest horse race, contested by local representatives of the city’s ancient councils. The winner is awarded the prized silk banner or Palio and the town celebrates late into the night.
Whilst enormously popular with tourists, Siena is also a functioning city, with a popular university attracting students from all over the world. It is a regional centre for banking and houses the world’s oldest bank – Monte dei Paschi di Siena – as well as hospitals, markets and other industries including clothing, electrical and building supplies and foodstuffs.
Travel to and around the region
From the UK you can fly to Florence airport (around 1½ hour’s drive). You can also fly to Pisa Airport (under 2 hour’s drive from Le Fontanelle) from London, Liverpool, East Midlands, Prestwick and Dublin.
Pisa Airport receives flights from Easyjet, British Airways, Ryanair, Alitalia with flights starting as low as 1p.
Flight time from the UK is around 1 hour 45mins.
All the major car hire firms operate from these airports and having your own transport is recommended to get the best out of the region and all it has to offer.
Italy at a glance
Area: 301,318 km²
Climate: Summer: Hot across the country (24°C).
Winter: Colder in the north, milder in the south.
Time Zone: GMT+1
Population: 58,884,000
Language: Italian
Capital City: Rome
Political System: Republic
President: Giorgio Napolitano
Prime Minister: Romano Prodi
Currency: Euro
Joined EU: 1957 (founding member)
Dialling code: 00 39
Tuscany is home to a number of major visitor attractions.
Florence has a wealth of beautiful churches, not least the Duomo, and galleries stuffed with works of art, including the world famous Uffizzi gallery and iconic artworks such as Michelangelo’s David.
Pisa – in addition to its leaning tower, also houses some beautiful churches and museums.
Siena – gothic architecture, numerous museums and galleries.