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. Villa Donata is situated in a historic building on the estate, which was formerly a small castle where pilgrims would stop on their way to Rome, in the Middle Ages.
The building, which is built around a large central courtyard with climbing roses, clematis, ceanothus and traditional Tuscan irises, has recently been totally restored by Donata, to create 6 apartments, all with access to the courtyard and a large garden. Although in the same building, her own house is quite separate, at the far end of the building, and with its own private garden and swimming pool. It offers all the special charm, character and seclusion of a private home and garden, yet has the additional advantage of having the tennis court and children’s playground, shared by the apartments, within easy reach. For very large groups wanting a venue for a wedding, or other special occasion, the villa can be rented with the apartments to provide accommodation for up to 32 people.
The house is on two levels with windows facing south over the Val d’Orcia, and west over fields and woodland. From the front door steps lead down the lower garden level and an open outdoor living space with rattan sofas and armchairs to take full advantage of the spectacular views as far as Monte Amiata. The garden is filled with rosemary, lavender and thyme bushes, as well as fruit trees (apricot, plum, fig and quince), providing shade and privacy. There is a large swimming pool (15X5m), with a shower and changing room next door. The interiors of the house are absolutely charming and very comfortable. The dining room/kitchen area opens to a beautiful wisteria and rose covered pergola, perfect for dining outdoors in the summer and enjoying the views of the sunset. A wood oven in front of the pergola can be used to cook pizza and succulent roast meat. The interiors of the house are beautifully furnished with antique family furniture and paintings. This property offers a wonderful holiday base, for both exploring the Val d’Orcia, or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. Moreover, there is a cook to prepare breakfast and lunch included in the price, who will also prepare dinners on request.
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Ground Floor
Entrance hall. Cloakroom. Library/study. Large, sunny living room with fireplace and views over both the courtyard and the valley. Dining room/main kitchen with a raised fireplace and a large dining table (extendable to seat 14 people). Small kitchen (where the cooking is actually done). Living/TV room. Bedroom with two queen-size beds and en-suite bathroom.
First Floor
Double bedroom with queen-size bed and twin bedroom which share a bathroom. Small washroom with basin and WC. 2 Double bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom. One is called the “African” room for its paintings and sculptures from Zimbabwe, the other the “yellow” room for its shades of wash on the walls, curtains and bedspread, carpets from Morocco, and sunny exposure. Both rooms look south over the valley.
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