Murlo Villa

Description

Details

A wonderful and much loved family home located in the glorious countryside south of Siena. Enjoying spectacular panoramic views and within easy reach of Southern Tuscany’s most desirable hill towns, makes this Tuscan farmhouse a rare find. Decorated and furnished with a wonderful mixture of Bohemian chic Italian style, whilst effortlessly combining quintessentially English touches.

Inside

The villa has been lovingly converted by its interior designer owner into an unusually light and airy property. Walking into the elegant hallway, with its wide staircase leading to the first floor, a contemporary painting by a well known Kenyan artist looks equally well at home with family pictures and a battered panama elegantly draped on a walking stick! The Drawing Room can also be found on this level.

A hugely elegant sitting room running the full width of the house provides a fabulous entertaining area, the centrepiece being a huge working fireplace surrounded by deeply comfortable white sofas, an ecclectic mix of artefacts and paintings, and a massive tapestry on the wall. From here, is a very large kitchen and dining area that must be the dream of all who imagine their perfect kitchen in the sun!

The space and diversity of its endless living areas, both inside and outside, means that guests will be reluctant to leave, luxuriating in spending their days just savouring the experience.

Bedrooms

6 Bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Large bathrooms, and the divine bedrooms are decorated and furnished in the owners distinctive style, understatedly grand, with the master bedroom suite being particularly comfortable.

The Ground Floor is home to 1 Twin Bedroom. While the first floor accommodates the Master Double Bedroom, 2 Doubles 2 Twins (one being more suitable for children) and 2 Bathrooms.

Entertainment

Satellite TV, DVD player, CD player, DVD library and lots of books.

Outside

Two French doors lead to a wisteria covered pergola and courtyard for breakfast in the shade, with a further shaded area for the alternative venue for lunch. The house is surrounded by garden and lawns, with several sitting areas, and endless corners to sit, snooze or read. Yet another “outside room” a converted barn complete with chandelier, has steps leading down to a formal area surrounded by lawns and a particularly large (fenced) pool, from which there are views to die for. Nearby, a fabulous shaded area with pergola, comfy day beds, wicker chairs, and low table has a distinctly Moroccan feel to it.

The property also enjoys a private pool and pool house. The pool is open from mid May until mid September. Outside these dates, the pool can be opened on request for an extra charge.

Location

Airports

Florence approximately 1 hour, Pisa approximately 2 hours, Rome approximately 3 hours drive.

Mainline Station

Buonconvento 15 minutes

Staff & Dining

Staff speak little English. Upon arrival you will be greeted by an English speaking member of staff who will explain all you need to know to ensure you enjoy your stay. Once settled they will only be a phone call away if you need translations or information relayed to staff.

A housekeeper works from 8.30 am 5 days a week. She will lay and prepare a continental breakfast. Make the beds and clean and tidy the house. Sheets are changed on Saturdays. Please ask her if you need extra towels. There are separate towels for the Pool. She can do washing and ironing depending on the state of the house and how many people there are. In other words time permitting.

A gardener will take care of the pool, tidy around the pool, mow the lawn, look after the garden and do any handyman tasks that are necessary.  He will tidy up the terrace and under the pergola from the night before within reason.  If you have the cook in the evening he will help her lay the table and get ice and drinks plus light the candles.

A cook service is available on request. She has a minimum of 4 hrs per visit.  It is important to let us know well in advance which meals you would like her to cook to make sure she is available. There is a back up cook if she is not available but without enough notice it cannot be guaranteed.  She can do the shopping and the cost of food will need to be settled directly between you.  Often she will prepare some things at home first. She is happy to work extra time if needed. Some people just like food to appear and not have to choose, she is happy to do that as well.  If you are a lot of people and want to have a party she can arrange extra people for an extra charge.  She can also leave food prepared for you if you prefer ( lasagna, salads etc) and can work on Sundays, we tend to say Monday –Saturday because it’s easier to have a fixed day but you can choose the day you don’t want her to work.  She will provide menus for you to choose from.
Please remember to ask about our concierge service which will take care of your every need…

Things to Do

For those that want to explore, Siena, glorious hill towns like the Brunello town of Montalcino are within easy reach. There are classical music concerts throughout the summer, and nearby Murlo has a famous Etruscan site.

Shops and restaurants in Buonconvento are only 15 minutes away. Larger shops in Siena, 40 minutes, Tennis Vescovado is also 10 minutes away.

Pienza 25 minutes, Montepulciano 40 minutes, Abbeys of Sant’ Antimo 40 minutes and Monte Oliveto 20 minutes.

Yoga is available with Tina either as classes in Buonconvento or private classes at the house. She speaks English. Private classes are E50 ph. Please let us know in advance if this might be of interest to you.

Elena is a brilliant Ayuvedic Masseuse, one hours massage is E50 and should be booked in advance if possible.

Tennis is available in Vescovado and Buonconvento.

Wine tasting can be arranged at Castelnuovo Tancredi.

There are hot springs and spas at Bagno Vignoni (20 mins).

Montalcino is 20 minutes away, Siena ½ an hour.