Near Siena, Tuscany
Property 5440
16 Guests
8 Bedrooms
8 Bathrooms
1,115 square meters indoor
60 Hectares outdoor
Torre d'Olivo is marked by an exceptional tranquility and sense of peace. This is a home combining the utmost sensitivity for the historical and architectural integrity of these ancient structures, with the addition of all the most desirable 21st century comforts and conveniences. The skilled and attentive owners have seen to all these details themselves, designing the spaces to be at once luxurious, private and authentic.
Torre d'Olivo is a medieval hamlet, or borgo, dating as far back as the tenth century. Developed, embellished and fought over during the Dark and Middle Ages, the property was ultimately abandoned for some four hundred years. The estate passed into the hands of today's sensitive owners about forty years ago. Gradually and with great care and insight, the knowing owners ultimately dedicated the last twenty years to bringing the property to today's very high standard. Enjoying it as a vacation villa gives you an opportunity to appreciate the particular social history of which it is a part.
The property comprises some 14 hectares, an entire wooded hillside in the Montagnola - Senese hills. This is the area between Florence and Siena along the via Francagena, or pilgrim's path, to Rome. Trade and religious pilgrimages as well as the continual battles between Florence and Siena generated much colorful history between the tenth and fourteenth centuries. Fortunately for those on vacation to experience the stirring beauty of Tuscany, the area is virtually unblemished by modern structures. This setting affords exceptional views and the delight of really lovely drives through the hills to explore the countryside.
The position of Torre d'Olivo is ideal for those wanting to deepen their appreciation for Tuscan culture and art, occupying as it does a desirable position approximately 20 minutes from Siena and 50 minutes from Florence. Monteriggioni, with its striking wall of towers, charming piazza and two noteworthy restaurants, is 15 minutes by car. From here, a variety of country roads bring you deeper into Chianti, letting you explore the hill towns on any number of picturesque country roads. San Gimignano can be reached in 25 minutes, an essential stop among the broad range of options for easy day trips to scenic and historic points of interest. Volterra is one of the many under-appreciated centers of art and culture in Tuscany, situated in a distinctive landscape of the Metalifere hills, and an excellent choice for those wanting to explore further afield. Close by is Colle Val d'Elsa with a charming historic center 'above' as well as a more accessible diverse modern shopping area. Torre d'Olivo is also graced with the singular benefit of providing good access to fast roads, facilitating a diverse itinerary best suited to your interests.
The estate is a private enclave reached up an excellent road that meanders through woods of ilex and oak trees, still rich with native flora and fauna, and unblemished by the 21st century. Superbly maintained and very generously proportioned, Torre d'Olivo is well-suited to groups of friends and extended families who want to relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this private hilltop. There is plenty of room to come together and spread out, accommodating different age groups and preferences with ease.
Private rentals of Torre d'Olivo are centered on providing a complete service, enabling you to maximize your pleasure of this exceptional setting. The core of the property is surrounded by four freestanding and independent buildings, three are homes, one is a deconsecrated church. As such, you have the freedom and opportunity to choose to be together or apart. Each home has private outdoor space, as well as its own, fully equipped kitchen, sitting rooms and electronics. Different interests and energy levels can go their own way. There can be a group enjoying drinks and conversation. Others writing or reading quietly, outdoors or in. Others watching TV, a film or working online - all independent of one another. Children are welcome and the young of all ages can enjoy the natural interest of the surrounding woodland, as well as the pool, tennis court and private gym. You and your guests can gather for meals outdoors in the cool 'piazza', in a dining room or up by the pool. There is an oven for nights preparing and baking homemade pizza with everyone gathering informally on open terraces. Single families or groups of young people can have simple lunches or early dinners independently and privately, letting everyone set their own preferred vacation schedule. The core staff of two dedicated couples, living discreetly in private quarters in the hamlet, affords you ready access to whatever services are needed. They maintain the gardens and grounds impeccably.
This is also an ideal setting for a wedding, anniversary celebration or multigenerational retreat. The deconsecrated church is beautifully proportioned. Private concerts can be arranged to make full use of the exceptional acoustics.
Price information available upon request.
Homebase Abroad, Ltd.
Two Hooper Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
Phone: (781) 639-4040
UK: +44-20-7084-6374
Fax: (781) 639-3050
© May 2012 by Homebase Abroad, Ltd. All rights reserved.