Podere Piccionaia

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.

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