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Podere Piccionaia

Val d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Ancient Tuscan Watchtower

With its ancient patchwork of terracotta roof tiles peeking out above its densely wooded, hilltop tree canopy, this 300-year-old agricultural compound stands tall and stony, an architectural sentinel in the gentle Tuscan hills. A striking restoration project of leading Italian preservationist and interior designer Ilaria Miani, this rural villa for rent in Tuscany charms with its intensely private location and its refined, country estate styling.

Podere Piccionaia - Sarteano, Siena, Italy | villas for rent, villas to rent | villas for rent, villas to rent

Elegantly refurbished rooms fill this angular agricultural outpost clad in exposed stone and topped by a classic red tile roof. A rustic structure sheltered by dense woods, the 16th-century building’s boxy exterior offers long, lean terrace spaces, some shaded, others open air, refurbished for outdoor entertaining or gathering around the barbecue or at the generous dining table. A solar swimming pool adds easygoing luxury, and a hot tub faces west for intimate sunset soaks on the private, 30-acre lot.

Interior spaces showcase a striking makeover that favors rich, gemstone hues, and Miani’s expert hand is revealed in a look that feels one part Dutch Master’s painting; one part colorful gypsy soul. Deep plums, velvety reds, warm golds and fresh, pistachio greens update the rustic interior spaces, rooms with terracotta-toned stonework underfoot and brightened ancient timbers overhead. Bedrooms are set with custom four poster bed frames, and two of the bedrooms are located in the villa’s romantic tower. Breakfast is served daily, a welcome meal is available upon arrival, and estate-grown produce, fruits and jam, olive oil and vinegar are also on hand.

Read more about designer Ilaria Miani here.

AROUND

Old school Tuscany is on offer at this private villa, 30 acres teeming with fertile gardens, rolling hills, wooded pathways and a lazy hilltop pool and terrace perch. Should you leave the comfort of this simple luxury, deep relaxation can continue at the nearby natural hot springs and spas such as Cianciano Terme on the road to wine destination Montepulciano.

Parkland and natural preserves are abundant in this corner of Tuscany, and picturesque lakes fill several valleys in the region, including the large Lago Trasimeno, with its regional park status, just across the border in neighboring Umbria. Located in the idyllic Val d’Orcia, the villa occupies land once ruled by ancient Etruscans who reputedly stashed treasures in the underground city of Chiusi, a subterranean maze that is open for guided visits today.

Sports lovers will frequent the protected hike and bike path, the Sentiero della Bonifica, that extends for 62 kilometers, joining Chiusi with Arezzo. And road trips in the area offer classic Tuscan scenery, where hilltop villages such as Montalcino, San Quirico, Pienza, and Montepulciano have enjoyed UNESCO World Heritage status since 2004. The DOC wine regions of Brunello di Montalcino and the Vino Nobile de Montepulciano offer another tourism opportunity, and the cities of Siena, Perugia, Assisi and Florence should not be missed.

LOCATION

Palazzolaccio, Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airport: Florence

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to October

Overview	Included in the rental: English-speaking check-in rep, final cleaning, weekly bed and bath linen change for stays longer than one week, heating, electricity & gas, wifi, firewood supply for fireplaces & barbecue, pool and garden maintenance. Built-in barbecue, sheltered terrace with seating for 16 diners, 30 acres of private woodland surrounding the house.
TV	Smart TV
Heating	Yes
Kitchen	Fully equipped with separate storage and cooking areas and country-style fireplace
Internet	Wi-Fi throughout the house
Hot Tub	Solar hot tub heated by a dedicated boiler
Washer	Yes
Pool	Solar pool (13 x 4m) with jet stream, heating through solar panels or boiler heating system
Dryer	Yes
Indoor Fireplace	Yes
Smoking Allowed	Yes
Suitable for Events	Up to 30 people

Bedrooms	5
Bed Type	3 doubles, 2 twin rooms, plus 1 single sofa bed in the studio
Kitchen	Fully equipped with separate storage and cooking areas and country-style fireplace
Bathrooms	6
Accommodates	11
Kid-Friendly	Families welcome
Pet Friendly	Pets welcome with prior noification

Min. Stay	7 nights
Check-In	4:00PM
Check-Out	10:00AM
Sec. Deposit	€1500
Sec. Deposit Due	Deposit required at check-in with cash
Sec. Deposit Returned	Refund of deposit by owner within 7 days after stay
Cancellation Policy	Strict50 The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled within 24 hours of making the reservation (grace period). After that, the 50% deposit payment is non-refundable. The final payment is due 60 days before arrival day and after that is non-refundable.All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Covid-19 Policy	Only in the event the cancellation is a direct result of the pandemic (government orders the stoppage of vacation rentals or the authorities decide to restrict travel from the country of origin or to the country where the property is located), guests will be given the opportunity to receive full credit for their reservation if they rebook within one year. If the guest is unable to take the credit, the guest will receive a full refund if the booking is canceled at least 14 days before the arrival date. If the guest cancels 1 -14 days before the start of the stay they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 24 hours of the stay, no refund will be given.
Notes	Extra pool heating through dedicated boilers will be charged on consumption at market price.

Podere Piccionaia

Interior

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