This charming stone built country cottage surrounded by age-old chestnut trees belongs to a large organic farming estate situated in the beautiful Tuscan rolling hills between Florence and the Appennines and was formerly used for storing chestnuts. The property enjoys stunning, unobstructed views of the enchanting Tuscan countryside and the Mugello valley, right across to the ruins and remains of the castle S. Leolino (XII century), and the Falterona mountain.

The estate covers a total area of approximately 200 hectares on which the Country Villa Londa 1 and the Country Manor Apartments Londa 3, with 5 separate holiday apartments, are also located.

Guests staying at the cottage Londa 2 are free to use the swimming pool (6 m x 12 m) at the Country Manor Londa 3, which is approximately 2,5 km away. The pool is open from mid-May to the end of September.

The owners are extremely hospitable and enjoy showing their guests the typical Tuscan culture. Especially families with children will enjoy discovering and experiencing the adventurous nature-based surroundings as well as appreciating a healthy lifestyle of organic produce direct from the farm. For example, get to know the farm animals close-up and see how the goats, rabbits and chickens are bred and raised as healthily and as happily as possible in a natural environment, learn all about organic gardening from the digging stage to the final cooking of the vegetables and fruit and discover just how well the organic crops thrive and prosper.. Your hosts invite their guests to actively participate on the farm - a welcoming opportunity for many that rarely have contact with animals and wildlife in their normal everyday life. Children will have fun feeding and helping out with the animals and fetching the eggs straight from the hen's nest. For those who enjoy cooking and would like to watch and learn for example, how to make homemade pasta or prepare tortellini, Gianna would be delighted to show you. And for those wishing to purely relax and unwind, the peaceful and tranquil surroundings and the beauty of the countryside ensures that guests enjoy a relaxing stay.

Organic Farming, Organic Livestock, Forestry
Covering a total area of approx. 200 hectares, this agricultural farm practices and follows the principles and objectives for organic farming:

Organic Produce:
- olive oil
- fruit
- vegetables
- crops
- pulses
- marmelade
- yoghurt made from goat's milk
- hay for animal husbandry

Animal Husbandry:
- chickens
- geese
- ducks
- peafowl
- rabbits
- pigeons
- goats

Forestry:
- wood
- wildlife

Recommendation
Savour and enjoy Gianna's culinary masterpieces prepared with own grown organic produce ! Breakfast and evening meals can be arranged and will be a pleasurable culinary experience.

Eco-Quality Criteria for the Cottage Londa 2 In addition to the "ICEA" certification for organic agricultural production, this holiday property complies with the following Ecolabel requirements:
Quality Criteria	Achieved
Low energy lighting: Min. 60% of the energy required for lighting is covered by the use of energy-saving lamps and light bulbs
Reducing levels of water and electricity consumption through less frequent exchange of bed linen and towels at guests request
Energy efficiency for outdoor lighting through use of automatic sensor devices
Heating: Installation of a reduced energy efficieny heating system (min. 90%) for minimum impact on the environment	Wood burning heating + fireplace, self-sufficiently supplied
Electricity for the heating system supplied by renewable energy	Wood burning heating + fireplace, self-sufficiently supplied
Providing guests with information on conservation and environmental protection with tips for energy and water efficiency	verbally on request
Waste/recycling management: Aiming to reduce waste and recyle as much as possible
Guests are informed about the local environment and its flora and fauna: Information leaflets available on local nature parks and particular areas of natural beauty
Information on hiking paths and cycling routes available
Cuisine: Meals are prepared using local produce from the region

A natural water source from the Appeninine mountains provides the entire estate with its complete supply of water !

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Enquiries / Bookings
es@toscana-forum.com
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Country Cottage Londa 2

Ground floor is approx. 80 sq m, sleeps 6 (+1)

- 1 living room with kitchenette and fireplace
- 2 bedrooms, each with a double bed
- 1 bedroom with a single bed
- 1 bathroom with shower
- large garden with garden furniture
- swimming pool, (Manor House Londa 3) 2,5 km away

Amenities
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and satellite TV

Outside facilities
Garden with garden furniture and grill (coal), swimming pool and washing machine (Manor House Londa 3) 2,5 km away, parking.

Distances
Local village: Londa approx. 7 km (of which 1 km track road)
Restaurant: in Londa
Shopping/groceries: in Londa
Autodrom Mugello: Scarperia approx. 30 km
Florence: approx. 38 km
Arezzo: approx. 85 km
Siena: approx. 123 km
Lucca: approx. 135 km
Pisa: approx. 143 km


Area and Activities

Prepare homemade Tortelli with Gianna
Very tasty !




Your host, Gianna, and her goats
A delicious yoghurt is made from the goat's milk !




Wildlife on the estate
Deer, wild boar, hares ... Gianna and Marcello will tell you where the animals like to hide out in the woods !




Soft-Trekking




Small lake near the villa




S. Leolino church




The village of Londa
The village of Londa is approximately 7km away from the estate and located about 30 kilometres North-East of Florence, which can be easily reached across the Pontassieve along the banks of the river Arno. The area surrounding Londa is characteristic Tuscan countryside with woods and olive groves in abundance and many wonderful hiking paths. In Londa you will find shops, banks, chemist and restaurants, for general provisions and important needs.




The village of Poppi
Poppi is situated approximately 20 kilometres South-East. The former main town of the Arno valley lies in the upper part of Casentino, a less well-known area, even amongst Italians. Due to its geographical location and its history, Casentino has remained a distant and isolated island in the heart of middle Italy. Once the residence of Count Guidi in the 13th century, the Castello dei Conti Guidi has become the visible symbol of Poppi.




The Mugello Racing Track
For all motor sports fans, the Mugello racing track is located just 25 kilometres away. The Italian Grand Prix for motorbikes takes place here every year as well as the German Touring car masters. The track is also often used for Formula 1 training and test drives, especially by Ferrari. The racing programme and dates are published on the official website of the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello.

Moutain bike tours
To the east of the estate is a vast conservation area and the Casentinian woods with glorious tracks for mountain bike trips and tours. A great way of discovering the wonderful, enchanting countryside and idyllic villages.

Golf, with a view
The Casentino golf club lies in a panoramic location near Poppi, (500m high), with views across the entire Arno valley. The complete course can be observed from the clubhouse. The clubhouse, surrounded by oak and chestnut trees, dates back to the 14th century and has been fully renovated. The 9-hole course is very interesting and must be played with great care; technique and precise strokes are required.

Attractions in the area
La Verna, the oldest Franciscan monastery was founded in 1214 by Francis of Assisi. Vicchio, the birth place of the famous Renaissance painter Giotto di Bondone. Scarperia, famous since 15th century for production of knives. Designer-Outlet in Barberino di Mugello. Here you will find over 90 fashion shops and boutiques, mostly from italian designers.

Extra Services	Breakfast service Shuttle bus service (from/to Florence airport)
Pets	Welcome free of charge
Security deposit	150 €
Confirmatory payment	25% at the time of booking
Balance payment	to be paid locally in cash
Arrival times: Departure times:	from 16:30 10:00 am (latest )
Supplementary Info Service and Additional Offers .....................................................................................................
	For tourist information and further details on this region of Tuscany please refer to the link below:  Info Florence and province
	For more information on events, folklore and festivities throughout Tuscany please refer to the link below:  Local festivals and events
	Dogs are welcome where you see this sign ! For more information about vacation with dogs as well as a list of accommodation welcoming pets, please refer to the link below:  Info on vacation with dogs
	Looking for an overnight stop on the journey down; Brenner-Lake Garda-Tuscany?  Accommodation Lake Garda area
	In need of a rental car? We would be happy to arrange it for you  Car Rental.
	NEW ! Special offers for repeat and last minute customers! Also discounts for advanced bookings and bonuses for your next booking!  Bonus
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Discounts and Special Offers 2010 (Should several discounts apply, only one will be credited, which being the most favourable for customers. Minimum booking requirement: 7 day stay)
15% Last minute discount for all bookings (from Sat. to Sat.) received 1 week or less prior to departure
Price per week 2010 for 5 people
Season A 6.1.-3.4. 10.4.-29.5. 25.9.-18.12.	Season B 3.4.-10.4. 29.5.-26.6. 28.8.-25.09. 18.12.-6.1.	Season C 26.6.-28.8.
390 €	550 €	650 €
Included
Electricity, gas, water, bed linen and towels changed weekly
Supplements
Final cleaning	50 € fixed charge
Heating	wood burning oven/heating: fixed charge 50 € per week (wood available from owner)
Pets	free of charge
Infants cot / childs bed High chair	30 € per week
(+1) extra person 6. bed	50 € per week
Airport transfer	50 € (single journey)

This property can also be found under the following categories:

Accommodation inland
Accommodation for private use
Eco friendly accommodation
On vacation with dogs


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Enquiries / Bookings
es@toscana-forum.com

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