AGRITURISMO ODINA

Description:
We all heard about Florence, Siena, the leaning tower of Pisa and the hills of the Chianti region. Many know about the cities of San Gimignano, Volterra and Montalcino. Unfortunately, few know of the Pratomagno hills and Odina.

Imagine a wonderful morning in autumn; the sun is shining, the colouring of the trees is overwhelming and it seems as if life gets an extra dimension because of the clearness of the sky. On a morning like this, we set out to visit the agriturismo Odina, and have two descriptions to go by; the first leads us towards many a “strada bianca”, the unpaved country roads, and then there is a second, by-passing these.

Unfortunately, we of Elisabeth Travel seem to be addicted to always taking the wrong routes as first choice, and we got lost, of course. Every curve in the road gave its own, beautiful view, and we finally got where we should be. But please realise that the Italians do not always make logical use of the signposting and although we are the first to admit we are utterly hopeless in finding our way, you take care to do a better job of it!

Because of the enormous varieties in beauty, it is impossible to say which Italian region is the most beautiful. We all know the saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so it should be. This establishment, however, cannot but score very high, because the mountain on which it is located is at about 650 m. high and offers a breathtaking view – and please believe us, we do not exaggerate! – on two beautiful regions, i.e. the Valdarno valley and the luscious green hills of the Chianti. In the evening, when you are seated on your terrace at nightfall and the lights in the valley and on the surrounding hills start sparkling, the view is overwhelming. “Memories are made of this”, our theme, you can then easily make your own. Even years later you can say to your partner, and/or all those who were with you “ do you remember, that breathtaking sight we had when we stayed at…” And the others will then continue, knowing exactly what you mean by adding “oh yes, at Odina, in the Chianti region…”.

Odina is a very small, ancient village with but a few houses, restored in 1999 and situated on the Pratomagno hills between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The agriturismo Odina does not have television, hydro massages or telephones in the rooms. Instead thereof, there are beautiful woods with oaks, chestnuts and pines, where you will find lots of interesting flora and can spot deer, foxes, hares and many birds. This is the perfect spot for those who want peace and quiet, love to walk and/or explore the vicinity on mountain bikes. Only the chirruping of birds and crickets disturb the silence, especially when you get up early to explore. But if you crave for rest and silence for only part of the day, the big cities of the region are within easy reach. (See: distances).

There are four apartments and 1 holiday home on this complex. Hereunder you will find the description of the apartments; de description of the house you can find under nr. TC.V.217. The apartments offer ample staying facilities, with completely furnished kitchens (4-burner gas-stoves, dishwasher (excluded apartment Edera), oven, fridge, American coffeemaker), the furnishing of the apartments is very nice, in country-style, all but the smallest have an open fireplace and an own, private space in the beautifully tended garden with garden furniture and parasols. All bathrooms are provided with a hairdryer.

Our conclusion: only one word will do: the best!!

Facilities:
A terrain of about 2 ha., swimming pool (communal use), parking, barbecue, communal use of the washing machine, a small children’s playground and WiFi-Internet. The apartments have screens, dishwasher (not in Edera) and a booklet with information on the surroundings, museums, tips for restaurants (e.g. Osteria di Rendola), addresses of factory outlets where you can buy clothing from several of the leading Italian designers, wine-tasting, description of trips to make in the neighbourhood etc. At the reception you can buy the products made at Odina, such as olive oil, lavender, wine and special beans (fagioli). Please ask, if you are interested, for the special cooking sessions you can follow. Once a week, the staff organizes a tour in the garden filled with herbs and lunch or dinner (included). Pool towels are available and also included.

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Tennis 15 km (Montevarchi), golf 40 km (Poppi). In Grassino, near Florence, you find the Ugolino Golf Club. An excursion tip: Drive the Strada del Vino Terra di Arezzo (from the highway, exit Valdarno). In Arezzo, every first Sunday of the month there is a world famous antique market. Our advice in two words: Go there! All interesting cities of art and beautiful villages are within easy reach, such as Arezzo, Cortona, Siena, Florence and San Gimignano. More information on booking. Other tips: Take a boat-trip along the Lago Trasimeno to the Isola Maggiore and treat yourself to a wonderful lunch. And what would you say about a day trip along the cities and villages of the Chianti Classico region?

Distances: (approx. kms.)
Florence 53 km, Pisa 136 km, Siena 60 km. In the village Malva, at 4 km. distance, there is a small shop for your first needs. Supermarket, other shops, banks and post office in Loro Ciuffena 10 km, Castelfranco di Sopra 8 km, Terranuova Bracciolini 12 km and Montevarchi 15 km.

Lay-out of the apartments:
Edera (35 m², 2 pers.):
Ground floor: small living-room with kitchen corner.
First floor (mezzanine): 1 double bedroom and bathroom with shower.
Margherita (75 m², 4 + 1 pers.):
Ground floor (to be reached via 4 steps, therefore somewhat elevated): living-/dining-room with kitchen corner and 1 single sofa-bed, little open fireplace/barbecue, 1 double bedroom, with mezzanine floor with 2 beds (1.80 m. height), 1 bathroom with bath.
Vigneto (110 m², 5 + 1 pers.):
First floor: entree with small living area (1 single sofa-bed), living-/dining-room with kitchen corner and open fire place.
Second floor: 1 double bedroom with extra bed, 1 double bedroom, 1 bathroom with bath and shower.
Glicine (85 m². 4 + 2 pers.):
Ground floor: living-/dining-room with kitchen corner, open fireplace, 1 double bedroom, 1 kdouble bedroom, 2 bathrooms, one with bath and one adapted for handicapped persons, with bath and shower. One of the bedrooms has a small living area (with sofa bed).