Locanda

An Immersive Stay in Tuscany's Val d'Orcia

Created to be a place you’ll return to again and again, this farmhouse-turned-luxury-lodge sits atop a gentle rise in rural Tuscany’s pastoral Val d’Orcia. The resort’s collaborative “Amore Toscano” initiative was created to enhance the region’s rich territorial heritage. This means guests will be immersed in the flavors, colors and scents of the beloved region, sleep surrounded by the craftsmanship of local textile makers, painters, and leatherworkers, and be nourished by the bounty of the area's organic farmers, vintners and distillers.

A celebratory hymn to its location in Italy’s charmed Val d’Orcia, this villa for rent in Tuscany was created to share the owners’ love of the region and of life’s simple luxuries. The farmhouse covers a quilted hilltop in the legendary Italian countryside, and cuts a modest, if dashing figure, with its tile-roofed, traditional stone structures, lap pool on the lawn, and unobstructed views over the gentle grain fields that blanket the surrounding hills and valleys.

Nine independent accommodations are designed to be soothing and relaxing, some rooms offering garden patios, and others with views stretching across the pastoral valley. Each room or suite features locally handcrafted beds that are free of metals, and linens created by local artisans in the guests’ choice of linen or cotton. Toiletries are Tuscan-made. Furnishings are eclectic and easygoing, a mix of antique and vintage finds and simple, clean-lined wooden and upholstered pieces. Floors are made of well-aged stone, old beams soar overhead, and rooms and suites offer large en-suite bathrooms for additional comfort. Children's bedding and equipment is available.

Experiences

Luxury at Locanda comes free of bling and glitz. Instead it offers a return to life’s simple luxuries—the pleasure of a good meal, the indulgence of a poolside nap along the 20m x 3m pool, the joy of a walk in the garden or a relaxing, deep exhale of a view. The lodge’s on-site restaurant embraces the slow food movement, relying on seasonal Tuscan products and local natural wines. Diners can select from tavern dining or alfresco eating under a pergola, with panoramic views of the countryside. The outdoor areas are equipped for dining, lounging and cooking (bbq) with big views of the rural valley.

By reservation activities include: yoga and meditation sessions, massage, beauty treatments, personal trainer, drive, event coordination, tour guides, cooking instruction, babysitting, private chef, butler.

Layout

Main building

Ground floor: Two primary king-bedroom suites with living areas and fireplaces (can add two extra beds to each), en-suite bathrooms with freestanding tubs, one double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 80-square-meter dining room overlooking pool, 20-square-meter kitchen

First floor: Two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, one primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom and ensuite bathroom with freestanding tub and prime valley views

Annex building

Ground floor: Three double bedrooms, one with a fireplace and all with en-suite bathrooms and private entrances. Two rooms have valley-view patios.

Additional features

Exclusive use of the property is on a weekly basis, with daily maid service 8am to 3pm, food and beverage service with daily homemade breakfast and 24-hour non-alcoholic, hot and cold beverage station, and an on-site concierge and multilingual staff, plus 24/7 emergency assistance.

Maximum capacity: 22 sleeping guests. Shorter stays considered based on availability. Holiday and peak rates seasons apply.

Around

Italy’s Val d’Orcia, crossed by the Orcia River that gives it its name, is located in Tuscany’s southernmost area, and has been a classified UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The village nearest this villa for rent in Tuscany is Castiglione d’Orcia, and the region is full of rolling hills, ancient villages, iconic cypress lined country roads, and a quilted rural landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and grain fields. 

Locanda offers easy access to the city of Siena, about 60 kilometers away, and makes a great base for exploring small villages such as Pienza (11 km) with its Bagni di Filippo Thermal Springs, or San Quirico d’Orcia (15 km). Must-sees nearby include the villages of Montalcino (27 km), with its 14th-century fort and Abbadia San Salvatore, with its Benedictine Abbey. The region also offers abundant hot springs, including the Bagno Vignoni (9 km), Bagni di San Filippo, San Casciano dei Bagni, Chianciano, and Rapolano Terme. Those hoping to get out will enjoy hiking and cycling in the chestnut and oak forests surrounding Monte Amiata, about a 25-minute drive from the resort. Larger cities nearby well worth a visit include Montepulciano (22 km) and Orvieto (70 km).

Location

Castiglione d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airport: Siena (60km), Florence (130km)

Best time to visit

April to October