Spend pleasant moments on the green hills of Tuscany

Agriturismo Antica Fornace is located between Pisa and San Gimignano. It is the ideal base for those who wish to visit some of the most beautiful art cities in Tuscany, without having to compromise on a holiday in green surroundings with plenty of relaxation. The farmhouse L'Antica Fornace is set on the highest point of the estate, from where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the Pisan hills. It was renovated in 2008 with great attention to the details of the traditional Tuscan style, and the rooms and apartments are now equipped with every comfort, including air conditioning.

Here you will be taken care of by Lucia, a real driving force who prepares breakfast for you every morning, arranges cooking classes and helps you find good restaurants in the area. As she has a background in the shoe industry, she is also happy to take you to visit producers of leather shoes and bags.

Description of the apartments

On the ground floor there are four apartments with a spacious living room, a kitchen with all facilities (dishwasher, fridge etc.), a bedroom with double bed, bathroom and an outdoor terrace with direct access to the pool. Each apartment has a name dedicated to the Tuscan landscape (Granaio, Frantoio, Vigneto and Limonaia) and is individually furnished.

On the first floor there is a large apartment (Fornace), which contains a living room and kitchen with all amenities as well as two double bedrooms with bathrooms. This apartment has its own outdoor area by the barbecue, with tables and chairs for when you wish to eat outside.

If you are looking for a romantic holiday, the Le Rose suite is a good choice. It consists of a double bedroom, a bathroom and a private terrace with panoramic views.

Glamping tents

As a supplement to the other apartments at Agriturismo Antica Fornace, the owners have created an area with two glamping tents. Glamping simply means camping without having to compromise on the comfort you find in the apartments. There are currently two tents, Alba and Tramonto, which give you and your family the chance to get a little closer to the Tuscan countryside. If you are two families travelling together, these two tents are perfect, as they are set a little apart from the remaining apartments. The tents have air conditioning.

In the summer of 2019 Local Living sent a test family to Antica Fornace to try the glamping tents; you can read about their experience on the Local Living blog.

Relaxing by the pool

During your holiday in Tuscany there is plenty of opportunity to relax by the swimming pool, which enjoys a beautiful panoramic position in the large garden among olive trees and right next to a lovely vineyard. The owners of Agriturismo Antica Fornace run the place with great respect for the environment and for their guests. The swimming pool measures 14 x 7 m and has a depth from 1.40 to 1.80 m. Roman steps lead you gradually down into the water.

The restaurant is located next to the house. Every morning breakfast with regional and typical Tuscan products is served here. A welcome dinner is also served in the restaurant every Saturday evening.

On-site production

Agriturismo Antica Fornace’s vineyards are located in the Chianni area, and wine is produced from various grape varieties: Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Merlot and Canaiolo. Tasting these is almost a “must” when you spend your holiday here. There is also the possibility to experience the grape harvest, which takes place in August/September.

Extra virgin olive oil is also produced on the estate. The olives are picked by hand in October and November, and guests are likewise welcome to take part.

During your stay you can relax by the pool, enjoy the panoramic terrace during wine and olive oil tastings, or seek shade under the trees in the garden.

There is also a playground for children.

The surrounding area

For those who love trekking, there are many opportunities in the wildlife reserve, where you can observe animals such as pheasants, hares and roe deer, and five good routes are described for you to follow.

From Agriturismo Antica Fornace it is easy to reach the Tyrrhenian coast, and some of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany are only 30–45 minutes away by car. Pisa, Florence, Volterra, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca and Livorno are all rich in art and culture and are ideal for visiting. For more information about routes and trails, feel free to ask Lucia, who is often on the property. She is also happy to help you reserve tickets for museums or arrange transport.

In addition, the following activities are available in the area:

Bike rental in Peccioli – 10 km

Horse riding – 3 km

Golf Club Castelfalfi – 10 km

Everything is in place here for a wonderful holiday in Tuscany.