San Donato in Perano

Location: San Donato in Perano

Location address: San Donato in Perano - Gaiole in Chianti

San Donato in Perano grew from a cluster of small villages and houses built around the church of San Donato. It became fortified and joined a network of medieval castles which can still be seen on a clear day. During the 15th Century the fortifications were strengthened with the building of a double wall around the estate. Surrounded by fertile agricultural land the castle became a country residence to a wealthy landlord. It was bought in the 16th Century by the Strozzi family, who were an influential Florentine family.

The estate remained in the ownership of the Strozzi family for four centuries, when it was sold in 1967. It is now owned by a co-operative who decided to restore the hamlet and castle buildings, creating very individual accommodation. Great attention has been paid in using natural materials, and restoring the original features wherever possible.

The co-operative have 185 acres of vineyards, the estate is in the heart of the Chianti Classico region and therefore any Chianti wine produced is eligible to display the sign of the black rooster with the initials D.O.C. (Denominazione di origine controllata – Denomination of origin controlled). In addition to the cultivation of the vineyards the co-operative also have seventy acres planted with olive trees from which they make olive oil, bottles of which can be purchased in the hamlet.

The large swimming pool is set in an elevated position with breathtaking views over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Located beside an olive grove to one side of the hamlet, the pools paved surround is furnished with sun loungers and umbrellas. The pool has two ladders for access one, at the shallow end and one at the deep end, there are also changing rooms for the use of the hamlet’s residents.

On site is the Restaurant San Donato which has breathtaking views from the terrace overlooking Radda, it is also a great spot to watch the setting sun at the end of the day. On a second terrace below sits the San Donato bar where wine tasting is available daily and local San Donato produce can be purchased.

Osteria Le Braci adjoins the bar, where it is possible to order anything from a snack to the finest Fiorentina steak, cooked on the open wood burning fire for lunch or an evening meal.

The accommodations

To see full information on the accommodation, including floor plans, please click on the photos:

Casa Dante

4 people

Bathroom 2