Astrid

Description

Villa Astrid is an incredible example of 1960s architecture, nestled in Tuscany's lush, green countryside. Cleverly converted former warehouse now offers a luxurious villa lifestyle for up to four discerning guests, just two kilometres from the small town of Montisi, near Montalcino. Located in Southern Tuscany, it's a wonderful base for exploring the delights of this popular Italian region. You're surrounded by gently rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and several charming villages within reaching distance. The wine-producing town of Montepulciano is just over half an hour's drive away and Siena is well worth the hour's drive north-west, for a full day's sightseeing.

Villa Astrid was designed and lived in by two Austrian sculptors and architects. The ‘box' concept of the industrial design allows huge windows for admiring the beautiful scenery and for flooding this incredible villa with light. Surround yourself with fine pieces of art, sculpture, designer furniture and open-plan living, both indoors and out.

There are two bedrooms, both featuring en-suite bathrooms which boast large rain showers, and gorgeous tiling, as well as an indulgent bathtub. The contemporary kitchen is well-equipped and leads on to the spacious living and dining areas. Beyond the large glass windows, the shaded terraces around the villa invite you to step outside.

Villa Astrid sits in generous gardens, with lawns, mature trees and total privacy. Your shaded terraces feature designer furniture and effortless style, and are the perfect place for a morning coffee or pre-dinner drink. For indulgent afternoons, make your way to your private pool for lazy afternoons soaking up the Tuscan sun on a pool-side sun lounger and taking the occasional dip in the cool water. From here, you can admire the medieval ruins of Montelifre Castle, perched on top of a nearby hill.
Serious swimmers will simply love the lap pool. It's an incredible 20 metres long and ideal for maintaining your fitness routine, and burning off the irresistible Italian cuisine and wine. For your pool-side comfort, Villa Astrid provides a luxurious outdoor shower.

#### Features
Villa interior (220m2)

-Spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen area with designer furniture, central fireplace and large glazed doors leading out to shaded terrace, lawn and pool
-Contemporary, kitchen with dishwasher, oven, hob, coffee machine and a breakfast bar
- En-suite bedroom with one double or two single beds with a large rain shower
- En-suite double bedroom with a large rain shower. Shared access to bathtub and outdoor shower

Outside grounds

-Shaded terrace and comfortable seating
-Outdoor dining table and chairs
-Pool-side shower
-Large lawned gardens
-20 metre lap pool and 5 sun loungers
-Private parking

Facilities

- Air conditioned bedrooms
-Wi-Fi
- Flat Screen Television
-DVD player
-I-pod docking station
- Bluetooth Box
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine and Tumble dryer
- Iron and Ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Sauna
- Electric bikes to rent
- Board games
- Highchair and cot
- BBQ

#### Location
The very thought of Tuscany conjures up images of cypress trees and green hills, with olives and vines growing in warm sunshine. A holiday at Villa Astrid puts you at the heart of rural Tuscany and you will be immersed in all of the above. The views from the terraces, pool and gardens are picture-perfect and the area's olives and regional red wine can be bought from the local shops in Montisi. This small, medieval town sits on top of a hill and provides a lively centre, which is often adorned with regional flags. Discover restaurants serving the regional pici pasta along the narrow streets, which open out to the old walls and breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside.

A trip to Tuscany isn't complete without a wine tasting tour. Head to Montepulciano (25km), just half-an-hour's drive from Villa Astrid, for a date with Vino Nobile; the famous red wine of Montepulciano. The wine cellars are built beneath the streets of the town, so you can wander from site to site, learning and tasting as you go.

For a full day's sightseeing, Siena (55km) will take about an hour in the car but you can easily fill the day with exploring the medieval streets, famous Piazzo del Campo and stunning Duomo di Siena. After you've climbed the four hundred steps to the top of Torre del Mangia, you may need a sit down. Pull up a chair at any one of the restaurants lining the piazza, and recharge on Sienese delicacies. For a more hands-on food experience, make sure you're here on a Wednesday to explore the morning market at La Lizza, near the old fortress. It's the largest market in Tuscany and worth an early start to beat the crowds.

For shorter trips out from Villa Astrid, the, the idyllic Tuscan town of Pienza (13km) and hot thermal springs in Bagno Vignoni (29km) are wonderful to visit.