Sambuco

Historical Roots and Contemporary Flair

This 18th-century farmhouse sits majestically on a hillside in Tuscany, with sweeping views across the Val d'Orcia, from Radicofani to Pienza. It retains its beautifully-crafted stone façade and boasts enchanting surroundings. The interiors, however, have been completely modernized, with a combination of contemporary and antique furnishings - as well as a vividly-colored and intriguing mix of art from the owners' highly eclectic personal collection of paintings and photographs.

The house is surrounded by generous lawns, with lovely stone terraces and a large heated infinity pool that provides the perfect perch for taking in the countryside views. One patio, draped in grapes and roses, has two large dining tables, while the other poolside terrace has a pizza oven. There's also a vegetable garden, flower garden, and an orchard.

This is a great villa for rent in Tuscany for large family groups or friends sharing, with plenty of privacy and room for entertaining.

The configuration of rooms lends itself perfectly to mixed groups. It has six bedrooms with king-sized beds that can be separated into two singles. Each has its own private bath, and one has a fireplace. Three of the upstairs bedrooms boast stunning views of the estate and surrounding valley. The two downstairs bedrooms have private entrances and are connected to a private garden as well as two large living rooms, one of which has a fireplace. 

There is a large dining room that adjoins the modern and well-equipped kitchen, and the living space is made up of two rooms that are perfect for private parties and family gatherings. The house has a small gym with top-of-the-line weighted cable resistance training equipment.

A chef is available on request to create authentic Tuscan and Italian cuisine, and top-class caterers can be booked for large celebrations. Italian pastries are provided with morning coffee, and snacks and pizza can be enjoyed poolside throughout the day. For more hearty meals, the owner recommends homemade pasta with fruit and vegetables sourced from the garden. Fresh olive oil, cheese, honey, bread, poultry and meats are easily purchased from local artisans and organic farmers.

THE VAL D'ORCIA

This villa for rent in Tuscany is in a region well known for its beauty and culture, and its owners are happy to provide advice on all the activities that the area offers. Choose from culinary and wine tours, cooking lessons, cultural excursions with expert guides and drivers, and Italian lessons. Experience local festivals and concerts, and try your hand at bike tours, horseriding, golf, plane and helicopter flights, and hot-air balloon tours.

The rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004 and have made an appearance in both Renaissance paintings and movies by Italian luminaries like Fellini, Bertolucci and Zeffirelli. They're sprinkled with Renaissance and medieval churches, as well as pretty towns like Pienza, Radicofani, and Montalcino, all of which are striking both archaeologically and architecturally. The valley is also famous for its wines.

The house is located about 62 miles southeast of Florence, and 37 miles southeast of Siena, making them very comfortable day trips.

LOCATION

Sarteano, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airports: Perugia (PEG, 34 miles), Florence (66 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round, but temperatures are most comfortable September to October and April to May. Summer is still wonderful, but brings crowds and high temperatures. Winters are quietest, but subject to rain.