Casa San Gabriel – Il Fienile

Past guests rave about this pretty cluster of three stone cottages with words like "Perfect", "Heavenly", "Magical" and "Paradise" littering the guest book and, with their simple but beautiful interiors, idyllic pool and truly mesmerising scenic setting, it is pretty easy to see why. But, from a parent's perspective, it is the fabulous attention to in family friendly touches and services that make Casa San Gabriel the kind of place many find themselves returning to time and time again.

Owners Chrissie and David have two young daughters themselves which has also given them a keen insight into what it takes to enjoy a relaxing holiday with tots in tow. It shows in the handy collection of toys, books and baby gear provided (see breakdown in grey column left), the brilliant little kids play outdoor area and the ever popular weekly pizza night, when junior guests adore getting involved in making their own dinner and mum and dad get to enjoy a sociable glass of wine and some of David's home-made olive oil, which is also supplied in the handy cottage welcome packs.

When not exploring the many easily accessible nearby towns including the famously beautiful Arezzo, Assisi, Gubbio and Florence, grown-up guests generally find themselves unwinding on their private terraces, none of which are overlooked and each furnished both for lounging and dining including a BBQ, whilst little ones can be free to roam with new found friends of both the two and four-legged variety – Casa San Gabriel has its own very sweet dog and small Alpaca herd.

Accommodation Overview:
Il Fienile (The Hayloft) is the largest of three cottages at Casa San Gabriel and is split over two levels with a mezzanine double (can be twin) bedroom on set above an open-plan lounge, kitchen, diner area which leads onto a bunks room (space for a cot) and shower room (baby bath available) with WC. The clever design makes the most of the little cottage with a handy kitchenette, complete with four-ring hob, mini-oven with grill, fridge and sink all tucked into a beautiful traditional-style cupboard, with separate pull-down work surface. The large comfortable sofa can be used as an additional double, bed whilst the pretty round dining table and chairs for four inside, is handy for playing games or drawing but generally overlooked for dining in favour of the private terrace dining table, which is covered by a shady pergola and offers breathtaking views over the verdant valley beyond. The terrace also has deckchairs for lounging and a BBQ. All cottages at Casa San Gabriel now have air-conditioning.

PLEASE NOTE: Although the picture shows the staircase at the cottage is open, the owners have created a side stair enclosure and provided a stairgate which should be used to protect curious babies/toddlers from attempting the stairs unsupervised.