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Villa Palazzetta
Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Villa Palazzetta
Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
A 1600s Farmhouse on a Five-Acre Olive and Fruit Orchard
In the land of Brunello wine, there is a bluff that casts views across the town of Montalcino and the UNESCO heritage site Val d’Orcia. An area known for its golden light that has long attracted artists, atop that bluff is a place that harnesses it.
Paul Bertelli, an American architect, worked with local Montalcino-based architect Marco Pignattai on devising a renovation that would honor this villa’s historic roots as a 1600s farmhouse. The result lets in loads of natural illumination, drawing attention to the addition of Venetian plaster and local travertine, all anchored by handmade terracotta floor tiles.
Contemporary Italian furniture by the likes of B&B Italia punctuates the indoor-outdoor layout, mixed with unique pieces by local craftsmen. We love the antique chestnut dining table for ten, and imagine it topped with pizzas made in the outdoor, wood-burning pizza oven.
Within strolling distance of a gelato on the cobblestone streets of Montalcino, this villa is a grand statement worthy of its geographical position, sitting high in the sky like a crown on the bluff.
The 2,700 square foot villa’s design is straightforward, yet unique in the sense that the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, dining and living areas all exit out to the pool area. The pool is heated and surrounded by manicured gardens. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms with en-suite modern bathrooms.
Underneath the villa’s floors is a radiant floor panel system that sends up heat in the winter and cools in the summer; in the winter it is also integrated with the radiators installed inside the bathrooms. In addition, A/C fan coils integrate summer cooling and dehumidification and winter heating. There is also an automatic air exchange system, allowing fresh air in without the need to open the windows.
The villa also has internet, a wine cooler and laundry room. On the land, you’ll find an organic vineyard, olive and vegetable garden, bocce court, fire pit, and an outdoor dining and relaxing area, while you’re encouraged to use the BBQ and wood pizza oven. There is also on-site parking for three cars.
Tiny Tuscan Villages and Culinary Delights
One of Tuscany’s many jewels, Montalcino is a central location from which you can easily explore Tuscany’s best-known attractions. You can stroll the charming nearby village of San Quirico d’Orcia, with its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, or receive a wellness boost in the hot springs in Bagno Vignoni, a tiny town with a population of 36.
Endlessly picturesque, Tuscany remains one of the most idealized settings on earth and for good reason. Ideally situated close to several amazing historic hilltop towns in the UNESCO region of Val d’Orcia, including Montepulciano and Pienza, you’ll want a car to explore and experience the region. The food, the wine, the stunning scenery are all you’ll need.
It’s a 45-minute drive to Siena (41km), a two-hour drive north to Florence, and just 15 minutes more to Pisa if you head west. The villa is three hours to Rome, driving south.
LOCATION
Montalcino, Province of Siena, Italy. Nearest Airport: Florence International Airport (114km), Pisa International Airport (205km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall, but Tuscany is lovely in off-season as well.
