Take a short drive into the countryside below Siena and soon you will reach
Sovicille and the small village of Ancaiano. Here you will find the
entrance to one of Tuscany's most exclusive and historically important villas. He played an important part in defining the style of
Late Baroque Roman architecture, of which this villa is an excellent example.
Villa Cetinale was built in 1680 under the auspices of Cardinal Flavio Chigi for his
uncle, Fabio Chigi, who became Pope Alexander VII. The gardens are among
the most famous in Italy, and have been featured in many prominent books about
Italian gardens, including Edith Wharton's Italian Villas and their Gardens,
in 1904.
This villa is well suited for day trips throughout
Tuscany or simply enjoying the pleasures of a comfortable and alluring villa and
taking in the stunning landscape. The sprawling gardens extend uphill onto
a holy staircase through an area of 'Holy Woods' that leads to a monastery,
still prominently visible on the hill. It is said that Cardinal Chigi was
ordered to make the journey daily on his knees to atone for the murder of
another man, who was his rival in love. When you stay at Villa Cetinale, you
live among these legends of the past and create your own story in its magical
atmosphere.
The garden also features a marble-sided pool and numerous
statuary by Guiseppe Mazuoli. Its recent owner has been an English earl,
whose family has devoted its energy and resources to continuing its delicate
preservation.
Villa Cetinale accommodates up to 23 guests in 9 queen
bedrooms and 2 twin bedded rooms. There is also an additional space
especially for 4 children. It offers a multitude of modern conveniences
and entertainment possibilities tennis, swimming, sunbathing, children's rooms
with video games, table tennis and foosball.
Day trips can include
a delightful choice of hill towns and art centers, including Siena, Florence,
the little-known beautiful Romanesque cloister at Torri, the working
monastery at Monte Oliveto, or the ruined Cistercian abbey at San Galgano.
The unpolluted River Merse is close by, with many beautiful swimming spots.
Hiking and horse riding is also available nearby, and the Tuscany coast can be
reached in about an hour.
This extraordinary villa has only recently
become available for vacation rental and represents a unique and exceptional
opportunity for a luxury holiday.
The services of a chef are included in the
rental price, and there is a fully equipped modern kitchen. Cooking
lessons are available, as is a large selection of Tuscan wine and other wines on
request.
Amenities include:
- Bed, bath and kitchen linens
- Daily
cleaning service
- Chef
- Five gardeners
- House manager
- Staff to
help with serving food and drinks
- Baby cots and high chairs
- A complete
laundry including 2 washing machines, 2 dryers
- Two dishwashers
-
Microwave
- Ample parking
- Gas barbecue
- Disabled access to ground
floor bedroom and bathroom
- Internet WiFi service
- Phone on every floor
- Two large TVs and DVD/Blue-ray players
- Music in the bedrooms, high
quality stereo in drawing room
- Hair dryers in bedrooms
- Air conditioning
on request
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A
COMPLETE PROPOSAL INCLUDING PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Location:
Ancaiano - bus stop (1 km)
Sovicille -
cafe, restaurant, market, church, post office, pharmacy, bank (5 km)
Siena
(14 km)
Monteriggioni (15 km)
San Gimignano (44 km)
Florence (70 km)
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