Do you want to experience the real romantic Tuscany lifestyle of then and today - history and modern comfort? - then the 'Villa' is the place for you.
The Tuscany 'Villa' is located in a tiny medieval hamlet closed to the famous fortress of Monteriggioni. Mid way between Florence and Siena it is most central to all important sights of Tuscany. This luxury Villa represents 700 years of Tuscany history, once being part of the fortified hamlet of Strove. Completely renovated some years ago and retouched in 2013, it still has its typical flair thanks to its original old oak beam ceilings and "terracotto" floors. It is elegantly but very comfortable furnished with beautiful antique pieces of Tuscany , most of them handpicked over years by the owners, the young, cosmopolitan Italian couple Alessandra and Emanuele.
With its back and sides, the Villa is incorporated into the external, fortified walls of Strove. Step out the back door and you are right on the old charming market place, within steps to shopping facility, a bar and restaurant.
The house's front with the lovely terrace is facing to the east with breathtaking 180° views onto the close Siena hills, the below gardens with private Pool and the famous Monteriggioni castle. Its setting is very private. This is a "Natural resort Area" where it is possible to watch protected birds and sometimes, during the evening roe deers and foxs.
Arrival is on the circular village road, used only by very few locals. Since the house has a raised position, entry to the property is up some stairs to the airy terrace with plenty of Tuscany garden furniture inviting you to a sun-flooded breakfast or 'alfresco aperitif' admiring the surrounding scenery. A jasmine covered cast-iron fence guarantees privacy.
Smelling roses are located at the house iron gate entrance.
One enters into the vast ground-floor L-shaped reception area that also serves as dining room and cosy lounge (Satellite TV, dvd, cd player) Wi-Fi free Internet access . Part of the room is also occupied by the well-furnished kitchen with its raised open fireplace . The kitchen offers all that a cook might want: a 4 flame gas stove, electric oven, large fridge/freezer combination, dishwasher, microwave, american + italian coffeemaker, toaster, plenty of dishes and pots, etc.etc.
A staircase of Tuscany grey sandstone leads upstairs to the sleeping and living sections of the house. At the top of the stairs is a sliding door that opens onto a hall. To the left is a twin bedded room (beds can be united into a double on request), with ensuite complete bathroom with shower stall. To the right is a beautiful double bedroom with ensuite complete bathroom with shower stall. A last door in the hall, to the left and down one step, opens into the formal living room with large monumental fireplace, large enough to burn entire logs, decorated as it is customs with the family's coat of arms. On the left of the living room are doors to two bedrooms: a double bedroom with delightful eagle nest-type balcony with breathtaking views and a twin bedded room, both with ensuite complete bathrooms with shower stalls. a bedroom with small queensize bed and fully equipped bathroom may be booked additionally .
A door on the right of the living room remains closed. On the right and down one step, is a landing with a door that opens onto an external flight of stairs that leads down to the hamlet piazza, where guests can arrive also by car to let off luggage. Another door in the landing opens into a laundry room with iron and ironing board. From all large airy windows (all fitted with mosquito screens) you may admire the Siena countryside at your feet.
Across the road one enters through a cast-iron gate into the paradise of a 5000 sqm well-cared park area with its Pool (7x14 mt) at exclusive use of our guests, extended lawn, laurel hedges, fragrant roses, a grape-covered loggia and barbecue facilities. A small cottage houses with changing facilities. Inside this garden is also the parking area. All this is reserved for the private use of guests only. Olive groves, vineyards and fields surround the garden with views spacing from Monteriggioni to San Gimignano and the Chianti hills.
Only 6 km away the large town of Colle di Val d'Elsa with major shops, facilities and 6 hole golf course. On Friday there is the "open air market", where it's possible to buy fresh vegetables and more. Its also Tuscany's center of Crystal glass manufacturing at approx. 6 km. Access to Siena-Florence freeway is at approximately 6 km in direction Monteriggioni , passing the old monastery of Abbadia Isola. Unique Experience in Siena: from May to September, there is the possibilty to have dinners on the Streets togheter with local people, for the "Palio" Race, famous all over the world. It's very fanny and cheap !!! Other famous towns and cities such as Siena, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Florence as well as San Gimignano or Volterra are close, some less then 1 hour away. A must are also Pisa, Lucca, the coastal area as well as Lucca and Arezzo. Don't miss the southern part of Tuscany with its important wine towns such as Montalcino, Montepulciano or the famous Cortona, the chocolate town of Perugia or the Pecorino cheese town of Pienza.
The discreet owners, very busy with running a well known gourmet distribution shop, live in a separate, small wing of the Villa, with its own entrance. If you need assistance leave a message or call them. Try some of their products or some of their own Olive Oil or Chianti red wine.
They will help you arranging Winery tours, Tastings, tours to the Crystal factories, hikes or bike rental as well as Cooking Classes and Tuscan specialties Dinners at the villa itself.
The Villa is located along the "Via Francigena", the Medieval Pilgrims road that goes to Monteriggioni and Siena.
We would like to share a bit of the history of this particular place.
The villa, situated right next to the famous pilgrim road Via Francigena, is located in the hamlet of Strove of "Etruscan" origins. It was later transformed into a Roman 'castrum' and again served military functions in the medieval wars between Siena and Florence. Since the walled fortress of Monteriggioni, dominating the country-side is very close, the hamlet of Strove was probably connected to the military machinery of the Siena republic.
Actually the first historical mentions of the Villa and Strove talk of its partial destruction in the 14th century and its turning into a farmer's village. After the decline of the Siena republic the Villa was rebuild, its old remaining parts renovated. Internal and external prospects were transformed and enriched so it became a very elegant aristocratic family residence where contemporary poets and artists were hosted especially during summer season.
Between the end of 17th century and the beginning of the 19th century, due to a very strong deforestation farming became good business. Consequently the 'Villa ' was transformed into a more sober country house with extend grounds cultivated with wine, olives, grain and fruits.
But thanks to the efforts of the current owners, who bought the property in the 1800, the Villa as returned to its origins and splendor as a medieval villa around Siena.
Attention "snowbirds" !! Tuscany offers pleasant temperatures, low rates, all major Italian sights within 1 days drive, hot spring and spa, dining and wining at its best.
