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The road winds upwards beyond Florence and Fiesole, with the city shrinking smaller and smaller as you climb, framed by the hills and woodland of a typical Tuscan postcard. The little stone house was once the living quarters of the retainers of the Mazzini family whose villa is next door. La Paggeria , which once was used as services of Villa Mazzini, dates back to 1850 and is situated in Montorsoli, in the district of Vaglia. Guests can enjoy beautiful swimming pool and Jacuzzi, surrounded by trees and plants, and with marvellous views over Fiesole hills.

The property was converted and renovated in 1976 and, after the works, the house became very well-lit. The large terrace with its trees and bushes and tiled pergola juts out over the surrounding countryside, from which the view spans over Fiesole and the dome of Florence and, on a clear day, as far as the hills of Siena. The building is surrounded by a terracing of 2000 square metres of hilly country with olive trees, high trunk cypresses, fruit trees and, in particular a centuries old cypress which is an integral part of the house.

The property is situated at 350 metres above sea level, and is about 10 km from Piazza Signoria. The guests' sitting room with its wide windows and fireplace leads on to the terrace where breakfast (continental breakfast) is served in the warmer months. Your host is an excellent chef and specializes in Sicilian dishes and can, on occasion, be persuaded to prepare delicious menus. Nearby are the famous gardens of Pratolino and Villa Demidoff, while guests may be tempted to rent mountain bikes or to walk through the woods as far as Fiesole. There is a riding stable a short distance away. Florence itself is fifteen minutes away by car or by the regular bus service.

Rooms: a double room with private bathroom with bathtub and French windows opening onto a terrace, another double room with external bath with shower, and a single room with bathroom in the corridor. Another double room (called Il Giardino, en suite bathroom with shower) is surrounded by a lovely terraced garden with a panoramic position; this room has two double entrances, one from the interior sitting room, the other one from the garden. Il Giardino stands out for its oriental flavour furnishings, all imported directly from Asia.

All the rooms have panoramic views. Minimum stay 3 nights.

Options: English is spoken. Children under the age of two are free of charge. Parking on the grounds. A laundry service is available, telephone in each room, Credit card Visa/Mastercard.

Where: the Florence railway station is at 15 km., the area is served by public transport with ATAF buses (n� 25) and SITA coaches; the bus stop is about 100 metres from the house, the airport 20 km. away.

Via Curtatone e Montanara 14, 50053 Empoli, Florence, Italy