Gaze out towards olive trees as you relax by the swimming pool in this remote and idyllic setting in the hills south of Siena. Sleeping 14 to 18 guests, Casale Faggiola is the perfect Tuscany getaway for family and friends seeking authentic character and natural beauty, just over 5km from the medieval village of Buonconvento.
Step inside the main villa and appreciate the spacious living and dining room with doors opening out to the grounds – you may even be able to catch a glimpse of Montalcino as you admire the views. There is also a well-equipped kitchen on the ground floor - guests can gather on the covered terrace for Tuscan feasts on warm summer evenings.
The upper floor of the house is split across two wings allowing up to 14 guests to rest peacefully across seven bedrooms (with air-conditioning and ceiling fans) and six bath/shower rooms. The south wing also features another pretty living room and Tuscan-style kitchen, meaning there is ample space to relax and spread out.
Another 4 guests can stay in the charming cottage just above the swimming pool and olive grove. Unwind in the cottage’s living area with its stone fireplace, prepare simple meals in the kitchen and sleep in one of the two air-conditioned bedrooms, both with en suite facilities.
Complimentary breakfast is included each morning and there is housekeeping five days a week. Dedicated staff can help arrange an array of other services (at an extra cost) such as lunch and dinner, yoga sessions, massages and babysitting. They can also organise activities including horseback tours, bike rental and golf (preferential rates are offered at two courses, including one only 7km away).
Wine-tasting is also an option, after all the house and its grounds are part of a huge estate that produces wine, extra-virgin olive oil and other products from its vines, olive groves and organic farmland.
Beyond Casale Faggiola, head out and discover the glorious landscapes of the Senese hills and Val d’Orcia. Start off in Buonconvento with its medieval heritage and wonderful restaurants serving local specialities. A little further afield, the enchanting hilltop village of Montalcino is not to be missed - Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most famous wines.
Drive through the iconic landscapes of the Val d’Orcia passing cypress trees, vines, olive groves, oak forests and tiny hamlets. Visit historic Pienza, a jewel of the region – try its highly regarded pecorino cheese. Not forgetting Siena of course with its architectural masterpieces – its centre is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In a rural location in the hills south of Siena, Casale Faggiola is set in its own verdant grounds with olive trees by the swimming pool. It is part of a huge 600-hectare working estate that produces extra virgin olive oil, wine and other products from its vines, olive groves and organic farmland. The iconic Tuscan landscapes of the Val d’Orcia are a short drive away, alongside the hilltop village of Montalcino.
The setting is remote yet you are just a short drive from the main road that leads to a popular local osteria/restaurant (2.5km) and medieval Buonconvento (5.5km) with further amenities such as a supermarket and other places to eat. Buonconvento is referred to as one of the area’s prettiest villages. Pass its 14th century city walls, then wander along the handsome Via Soccini and soak up its charm. Dine out in restaurants and try traditional specialities such as pappa al pomodoro, panzanella, white truffles and Chianina beef, accompanied by local wine of course.
E-bike/mountain bike rental can be arranged as can horse-riding, tennis and golf. Indeed, guests can benefit from preferential rates at two golf courses, Club Castiglion del Bosco (7km) and La Bagnaia Golf Resort (25km).
The beautiful hilltop village of Montalcino (20km) will enchant you with its cobbled lanes, rich heritage and perched setting with glorious views. Climb the ramparts of the fortress (look out for festivities taking place here such as the Jazz and Wine festival in July) and visit the 14th century cathedral with its belltower and paintings. Montalcino also produces one of the Italy’s most well-known wines, Brunello di Montalcino, in its surrounding vineyards.
Drive through the UNESCO classified Val d’Orcia en route to Pienza (39km), passing cypress trees, vines, olive groves and oak forests alongside tiny hamlets and historic villages. Pienza is a jewel of the region, also recognised as a World Heritage site and particularly famed for its production of cheese, Pecorino di Pienza.
In the other direction, it goes without saying that Siena (33km) is another perfect day out with its blend of history, art and culture. You can’t miss the huge medieval square, Piazza del Campo, where the Palio takes place, and climb Torre del Mangia for stunning vistas. Explore the Siena Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with intricate mosaics and stunning frescoes, then stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets to admire the well-preserved architecture and bustling atmosphere across one of Italy’s most famous historic towns.
1) Main villa and cottage - 9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (18-person rate)
2) Main villa only - 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms (14-person rate) Property Interiors (650m2)
Main Villa – Ground Floor
- Living and dining room with doors opening to garden
- Kitchen, well-equipped
- WC
Main Villa - Upstairs North Wing
- Bedroom (16m2) with king-size double bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and en suite bathroom with shower
- Bedroom (14.7m2) with king-size double bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and shower room next door to bedroom (no window)
- Bedroom (19m2) with king-size double bed, air-conditioning and ceiling fan
- Bedroom with two single beds (can be joined as king-size double), air-conditioning and ceiling fan
- Shower room (next door to above two bedrooms)
- Family room (between north and south wing)
Main Villa – Upstairs South Wing
- Living room with wood fireplace
- Tuscan-style kitchen
- Bedroom (15m2) with two single beds (90x190cm each, can be joined as king-size double), air-conditioning, ceiling fan and mosquito nets. Bathroom opposite bedroom
- Bedroom (16m2) with king-size double bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and mosquito nets. Bathroom with shower opposite bedroom
- Bedroom (15m2) with canopy queen-size double bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and en suite bathroom with shower. Adjoining room (no air-conditioning) with two single beds (190x90cm each)
Separate Cottage (located above the swimming pool)
Ground Floor
- Living room and kitchen with stone/brick fireplace
- Bedroom (25m2) with double bedroom (can be split as two singles), view of pool/olive trees and en suite shower room
Upstairs (via open-tread stairs straight to bedroom)
- Loft-style bedroom (28m2) with queen-size double bed, air-conditioning and en suite shower room
Outside Grounds (3 hectares)
- Swimming pool (5x11m, depth: 1.2m). Open approximately April to October (opening times 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.)
- Sun loungers (x10) and deck chairs (x4)
- Covered terrace for al-fresco dining
- Barbecue area
- Pergola with outdoor lounge
- Herb garden
- Table tennis
- Bocce court
- Large grounds (unenclosed, partly sloping) with steps and different levels
- Parking
Facilities - WiFi
- Washing machine
- Hairdryer
- Smart TV
- Fireplace
- Iron and ironing board
- Table tennis
- Air-conditioning (only featured in bedrooms)
- Mosquito nets (some bedrooms)
- Yoga area with mats
