Casale di Cellole

An Architectural Play Between Old & New Reinvigorates this Historic Farm in Siena

Tucked away among the rolling hills of Siena's Chianti region, Casale di Cellole is a traditional Tuscan farm that's been given a thoughtful contemporary makeover. Off the beaten track (but within 15 minutes of the historic city of Siena), it retains all the charms that the region is famous for, with the luxury of modern amenities.

Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and woodlands that are home to deer, pheasants and hares, the property is made up of the main house, several converted barns, a lovely pool, and a covered barbecue area. It also has a verdant garden with bountiful herbs, succulents and seasonal flowers.

It's a perfectly secluded and peaceful location that offers endless possibilities for meanderings through both the garden and the woods, as well as dining al fresco. The restoration strikes an elegant balance between historical architecture and modern luxuries, interior and exterior. Large airy rooms boast high ceilings, a rotating collection of art, and found treasures.

Choose from five options:

Canopy, the most secluded and private barn completely restored in 2000, preserving the original structure and maximizing open plan spaces. Three levels with multiple entries, the main entrance boasting panoramic glass doors that open to a paved courtyard. Main level: Sitting room, panoramic living room with fireplace, study. A steel staircase leads up to a double bedroom and bathroom with bathtub. Another staircase in the living room leads down to the spacious dining room. The kitchen is attached and is fully equipped with a gas range, stove, electric oven, dishwasher and fridge with freezer. Furnished terrace off the living room. Two additional double bedrooms with a bathroom (shower) downstairs, with a door leading outside.

Africa, An independent, stone-walled barn completely renovated in 2016, supported by a preserved, imposing central column. Gravel courtyard entrance into one great room with sofas, a fireplace, a panoramic dining area and a kitchen corner equipped with a gas range, stove, electric oven, and fridge with freezer. A steel staircase leads to the lofted double bedroom and bathroom with a shower. Private garden with a shaded pergola.

River, the largest apartment with three bedrooms, private garden, and sweeping vistas named for a small oil painting of a river-crossed landscape. Three double bedrooms, each with private bathroom and shower. Views on garden and surrounding hills. The ground floor features a large living room with a fireplace, sofa and armchairs, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. Private garden with alfresco dining table and lounge areas and views on the pool, olive groves, woods and Tuscany's rolling hills.

Moon, A two-bedroom view apartment accessed by a brick staircase in the main courtyard. Shaded dining terrace, living room with fireplace and sofa overlooking the courtyard, fully equipped kitchen, two double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom (one with a bathtub, the other with a shower). Each bedroom’s window overlooks the garden and the surrounding hills.

Zoo, a one-bedroom apartment named for its animal kingdom-inspired artworks with a private garden and dining table under a romantic blooming trellis. Ground floor: living room with sofa and a fireplace, dining area and well-appointed kitchen. Upstairs: large bedroom with a full bathroom with a shower. Four large windows overlook the garden and the surrounding hills.

The property extends out to the pool and the surrounding grounds, refreshing on the hottest of summer’s days.

Italy's UNESCO regions

This vacation home for rent in Italy is located only 7km (15 minutes by car) from the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena, in the Chianti region. It's also within easy reach of Florence and other Tuscan villages and cities.

Day trips to Siena and the small, walled medieval town of San Gimminano (known as the Town of Fine Towers) are highly recommended -- as are visits to quieter local towns like San Giovanni d'Asso (with its 12th-century castle), Radda and Greve.