Cetinale

Description

Details

Renowned Baroque architect Carlo Fontana (a pupil of Bernini) expanded what had previously been a farmhouse into the grand villa that exists today. Set in formal and landscaped gardens with breathtaking views of the rolling landscapes and tuscan valleys. Dramatic, enchanting and historic. Perfect for extended family holidays, weddings and special occasions.

Step through the gate from the hamlet of Cetinal, you are greeted by the villas Southeast facade. The limonaia and chapel sits to the right, the fattoria to the left. In the centre, surrounded by box hedges are two statues by Guiseppe Mazzuoli.

To the West of the Villa, is the formal gardens, nearest to the villa is the flower garden, noted by Penelope Hobhouse as one of the most beautiful in Italy. The original entrance to the Villa was on the northwest facade, the present cypress avenue being the old road from Siena.  Above Fontanas, the imposing double staircase leads up to the great door. Continuing west along a walled grass avenue, are two large statues. The tall cypress trees, which were not part of the original 17th century design, frame the view of the villa from this point.

At the northwestern end of the avenue sits a theatre. The two busts here are of Napoleon and one of his marshals, commemorating the French emperors visit to Cetinale in 1811. From the theatre, the axis, which begins far below the villa with an enormous statue of Hercules, continues steeply uphill by way of the Santa Scala, some 300 stone steps to the romitorio, finished in 1713. A cross of  Lorraine adorns the front of the romitorio , with a bust of Jesus at the top and Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John below.

Inside

The Piano Nobile (drawing room) has a large fireplace. There are two dining rooms and two kitchens. The downstairs dining room (outside the main kitchen) will seat 26+ and the smaller one upstairs, about 12.  There is a children’s TV/playstation on the ground floor, and a cinema on the top floor, and a games’ room in the Limonaia. All the rooms and bathrooms are decorated to a high standard and there is a fine collection of art and statues (both in the house and on the estate).

Bedrooms

Sleeps 26. The ground floor enjoys 1 bedroom with ensuite while the mezzanine floor accommodates 4 Bedrooms, one with library, and 2 bathrooms. One bedroom would be ideal for a nanny, the other is a children’s dormitory, sleeping up to 4 children.The first floor enjoys 3 bedrooms with a further 5 on the top floor, again, with ensuites.

Entertainment

Games’ Room in Limonaia (just outside house) with Table Tennis and a Football Table. Kid’s TV room with Playstation, (with racing seat for Gran Turismo) Table football, Tennis court. Local trekking and horse riding agencies.

Outside

Surrounded by gardens and forest. Famous garden for private use. Private wood to the north of the villa, contains statues of monks and animals by Guiseppe Mazzuoli. Chapel containing Chigi paintings and confession booths. Walks around the estate are punctuated with 14 votive chapels, some with frescoes depicting the joys and sorrows of the Virgin. 300 stone steps up to Romitorio (hermitage). The property also enjoys a vegetable garden.

Location

Cetinale is about 15 minutes from Siena, and about 1 hour from Florence.

There is a small airstrip at Apugnano, about 10 minutes away, suitable for private panes. Siena has no airport, only a train station. Florence airport is about 75 minutes away and Pisa airport is about 1 hour 45 minutes away. We can organize a pickup from any of the airports, at extra cost.

Staff & Dining

Chef included. Fully equipped modern kitchen. Cooking lessons available. Large selection of Tuscan wine available. Fine Vintage Bordeaux and Vintage Port available but must be ordered in advance. List available on request.

Cetinale is about 15 minutes from Siena, and about 1 hour from Florence.

There is a small airstrip at Apugnano, about 10 minutes away, suitable for private panes. Siena has no airport, only a train station. Florence airport is about 75 minutes away and Pisa airport is about 1 hour 45 minutes away. We can organize a pickup from any of the airports, at extra cost.

Please remember to ask about our concierge service which will take care of your every need…

Things to Do