General Description
Galante and Galantino are two recently restored, side by side townhouse apartments in the historic center of medieval Montefollonico. Dating to the 11th century, the town's name comes from the fullonico, a settlement of Cassinesi monks who used a nearby stream for follatura or the dying of wool.

Each unit has its own barbecue and a furnished garden with views and dreamy sunsets over two of Tuscany's prettiest valleys: the Val d'Orcia to the south and the Val di Chiana to the north. For those renting both units together, a gate joins the two garden oases.

Tastefully furnished and full of country charm, Galante features beamed ceilings, a dining room graced by a large fireplace and the added comfort of air conditioned bedrooms. Galantino being on the ground floor and buttressed by thick stone walls that keep it cool in summer, was likely a wine cellar back in the day. Both have window screens and CD players. Galante offers Internet access to those with their laptop. A laundry room with a washer is shared. Maid and meal service may be requested when booking.

The owner is an accomplished artist who converted a 12th-century, Romanesque church into an impressive ceramic studio. Once a week, during the summer and fall, she hosts our Wine Country Ceramics Actividayz - a workshop on decorating ceramics. Casa Galante guests receive a complimentary ticket for every three tickets purchased. Interested guests may inquire about visits to nearby thermal baths at a reduced rate.

Like the rest of the town, steep stone steps and cobblestone streets have survived the centuries. Stroll to a restaurant or two, practically outside the door, and meet the locals. Laughter and chatter are customary in Italy so don't be surprised to hear these during your stay.

Within 100 yards are two restaurants, a small grocery store, a butcher, a wine shop, the post office and a bank. Even so, a car is needed to reach this spot and to get around. Parking is found outside the town walls, 200 yards away. Smaller cars may drive up to the entrance to drop off luggage.

A 15 minute drive leads to more shops and a supermarket in Montepulciano. In even less time lies Pienza, the capital of pecorino cheese. Bagno Vignoni, with thermal baths, is a 20 minute drive; Chiusi with express trains to Florence or Rome: 35; Montalcino or Cortona: 40; Arezzo: 50; Siena, Perugia or Orvieto: 60; Florence: 90; Rome: 120.

Technical Description
Ground floor: Four steps down into living room with TV and CD player. Eight steps into eat-in kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge, dishwasher and door with four steps up to furnished garden. One bedroom with a queen size bed. One bathroom with tub and shower. This unit is not air conditioned.