Vespa is one of six apartments situated in a historic building on the La Foce estate. Formerly a small castle where pilgrims would stop on their way to Rome, in the Middle Ages, it was more recently part of a large farm where eight contadini families lived with their livestock until the mid 1950s. The current owner, Donata Origo, has restored the whole building which is built around a large central courtyard with climbing roses, clematis, ceanothus and traditional Tuscan irises. The estate of La Foce is situated in the hills overlooking the beautiful Val d'Orcia, in Southern Tuscany, midway between Florence and Rome. Renaissance and medieval gems such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Monticchiello and Montalcino are only a few miles away, and the property is also within easy reach of Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto. The area offers lovely walks among woods, and the characteristic crete senesi, cultural events and excellent food and wine, including the famous Vino Nobile and Brunello. Castelluccio, a medieval castle only one mile away, is the venue for the well-known music festival Incontri in Terra di Siena.
The six apartments sleep 2, 4 or 6 people, and share an enormous garden, swimming pool and tennis court. The garden blends into the natural landscape of the Val d’Orcia, with rows of olive trees and lavender lead to open fields and the view over the valley and the Monte Amiata. During the summer months tables and deck chairs are set in the shade in secluded spots, and barbecues provided for outdoor meals. Many lovely walks and mountain bike trails start from the property up into the wooded hills. Children are especially welcome and at the far end of the garden there is a playground for the smaller children and a trampoline. A tennis coach is available on request. The apartments are available to rent separately, or for larger groups, or all the apartments and Donata’s House (sleeping 10, with its own private garden and pool) can be rented for groups of up to 32 people. This latter option is perfect for a wedding, family reunion or other special event. A dining room and professional kitchen have recently been opened here, offering gourmet Tuscan meals with home-made pasta, seasonal ingredients from the vegetable garden or the countryside and woods, as well as fruit from the trees in the garden. These can be taken in the shade of the linden tree in the courtyard, or in the large dining room with a fireplace during the colder months.
From the courtyard staircases lead up to each apartment: Beco, Bersagliere, Fonte, Ronda, Tiglio, Vespa. Each has been carefully restored, retaining the old terracotta floors and wooden beams, yet furnished and equipped with modern comforts. The walls are washed in a light terracotta colour and an open fireplace makes each apartment warm and welcoming. Vespa is a two bedroom apartment (115m2), accessed by a double flight of stairs, leading to a small entrance hallway which Vespa shares with Bersagliere. The kitchen has views over the garden to the valley and has a traditional Tuscan dining table. A few steps lead up to the living room and the bedrooms. The rooms are furnished with attractive antiques that give it a special character The living room has a striking Empire sofa bed in honey-coloured wood and the twin bedroom has charming old beds and furniture. Amenities include TV, CD stereo and dishwasher. By opening the doors onto the common hallway Vespa and Bersagliere can be taken together to accommodate 6 people.
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