The La Foce estate 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 1 mile away, is the venue for the well-known music festival Incontri in Terra di Siena. The property dates from Etruscan times, but the villa was built in the late 15th century. In 1924 the property was bought by Antonio and Iris Origo, who farmed and developed the land here, and today the estate - a combination of woods, cultivated fields and olive groves - is run by the Origo daughters, Benedetta and Donata.
The Villa is built on three levels, following the hillside and surrounded by the famous garden, designed by the English architect Cecil Pinsent, is considered today an ideal combination of the landscape and XXth-century architecture, blending Italian and English traditions and taste. The garden is completely at the disposal of La Foce guests, except for Wednesday afternoons, when it is open to the public from 3 to 7 pm (this is a requisite for most ‘Heritage’ houses and gardens in Italy), when visitors are taken on strictly guided tours. Three gardeners look after the premises, including the swimming pool opposite the ‘limonaia’. Meals are often held under the pergola in the garden, where guests can relax in the shade of roses and wisteria, lulled by the sound of water from the nearby fountain.
The house is full of old-world charm, with beautiful antique furniture, comfortable beds, and plenty of space for both privacy and family gatherings, in the large music and living room with fireplace. There is a delightful library with fireplace and sofas, a sunlit living room with satellite TV, a central frescoed and balconied dining room for special evenings, a second dining room closer to the kitchen, a breakfast room with double glass doors facing the inner ‘fountain’ garden, and a study. Upstairs, there is a lovely separate sitting room and a second kitchen. All rooms have stunning views over the garden and valley. Wi-fi internet access is available and heating (if required) is included in the rental price. The rental price also includes shopping for meals (not on Sundays), and preparation of continental breakfast, lunch, and two dinners per week. There is a tennis court on the estate, and guests can book the court at the office.
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