Villa Lucia

This luxury Tuscan farmhouse sits in the midst of unspoilt countryside in the Province of Siena. Ideal for a couples’ retreat, this rural villa has five bedrooms, a private heated pool and spectacular views in every direction.

When the owners discovered this derelict old farmhouse in 2004, they thought its location was rather too good for it’s then inhabitants; a family of pigs. The house, now meticulously restored, perches on a south-facing hillside, overlooking Monte Amiata and the Val d'Orcia park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 70-acre property comprises beautifully-landscaped gardens, olive groves, woodland and farmland. Villa Lucia sits between the Pienza and Montepulcino, about a 15-minute drive from each. These two captivating Renaissance towns are a gourmand’s delight, each with a speciality to indulge in. Pienza is brimming with food shops and trattorias selling Pecorino, a traditional cheese made from sheep’s milk. In Montepulcino, visit one of the town’s wine cellars to sample the red wine that’s produced in the surrounding vineyards: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. If you feel like venturing further afield during your stay in Italy, the cultural hubs of Florence, Siena and Rome – and their respective airports – are all roughly an hour’s drive away.

Entering the villa, you can feel the care and attention that went into the seven-year restoration project. The house is finished to a very high standard with hand-made terracotta tiled floors, antique furniture and modern comforts including underfloor heating and cooling systems. The five bedrooms are beautifully finished, each with luxury bed linen and bath towels. Four of the bedrooms have en suite bath/shower rooms, and the fifth has its own separate bathroom. Three bedrooms have king beds, one has two single beds, and one has a small double bed. On the ground floor, there’s an elegant living room, a large well-equipped kitchen and a dining room seating up to 14 guests. For al fresco meals, choose from two dining terraces, one shaded by a pergola. For a little alone time, slip away to a secluded third terrace, an intimate, wisteria-covered hideaway. The 12m private swimming pool is heated by solar panels, with additional heating available at no extra cost. Other on-site activities include table tennis and badminton, or guests can kick back in front of the 50” TV in the separate TV room.

Villa rental includes housekeeping five days a week, with a mid-week linen change. Extra services are available on request, including a cook service that comes highly recommended. Two excellent local chefs are available to cook and serve meals or bring prepared food to the house, as well as offering cooking lessons for guests.

This unique luxury villa offers guests a taste of ‘la dolce vita’; food, wine and relaxation surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

**Please note that only children aged ten or older are welcome at Villa Lucia**