Drive two hundred yards farther, along a narrow gravel road lined with densely planted cypress trees. Stop when you get to the cluster of medieval buildings nestled beneath a canopy of umbrella pines and ancient olive trees. This is Borgo Santinovo, whose flowering patios and broad shady lawns make it a top-notch choice for the hotter months. T here is a wide range of accommodations here, all with terra cotta floors, wood-beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls and in some, the original stone sinks. Naturally, the bathroom and kitchen fixtures are all modern.
Furnishings are simple and comfortable, and all the apartments have direct-dial telephones.
L oggiatino 1 and 2 are on the first floor. They can be rented separately or joined to form one larger apartment, in which case they share the ante-room, which has a fireplace. G li Olivi and Pergola are on the ground floor of the guest house, near the swimming pool. Occasionally it is also possible to stay in Il Caminetto , a cozy apartment with dining room, kitchen with fireplace, double bedroom, big bathroom with shower, and private balcony overlooking the swimming pool. Once in your car, it will take you no more than 15 minutes to get to San Gimignano.