Villa Petrognano (Chianti)

Central Tuscany, Chianti, and Siena, Italy

1.5 miles from Barberino Val d'Elsa (western Chianti)

Sleeps 16
A beautiful Tuscan villa/farmhouse, Villa Petrognano and its old stone walls blend beautifully into the vine-covered hills of western Chianti. Its timeless appearance belies interiors that have been restored and renovated to provide an exceptionally comfortable country retreat. At the heart of the building is a large room divided by archways into intimate sitting and dining areas, and cheered by two large fireplaces. A kitchen designed for serious cooks - complete with a wood oven - opens onto a vast terrace with a dining loggia and stunning views over the countryside. Hand-painted murals decorate the walls of the large, air-conditioned bedrooms, which have ensuite bathrooms. A swimming pool is set into the well-tended lawn behind the house. Set on a beautiful winding road minutes from Barberino Val d'Elsa, Villa Petrognano is the ideal setting for a holiday that combines pure relaxation with sightseeing - and perhaps even a round or two of golf.

Located about 2km/1.5 miles from Barberino Val d’Elsa along a lovely road that wind through the Colli Fiorentini. Two of Tuscany’s best-known hill towns, San Gimignano and Certaldo, lie to the west. Siena and Florence are quickly reached by motorway, 40 minutes; a more interesting route is the Via Chiantigiana through the Chianti wine-producing area.

Ground floor
Very large open plan room with sitting and dining areas defined by archways and two fireplaces. Extremely well-equipped kitchen with a marble sink, double stove, wood oven and a breakfast table. The kitchen opens onto a vast terrace with a dining loggia. On this floor there is a twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

Under the terrace is a parking garage for 8 cars and a laundry room.

First floor
Small sitting room. Twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower. Double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with bath. Master double bedroom with a four-poster bed and an ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi bath. Double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi bath. Twin bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with shower. Double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with shower
Tower: Double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Grounds
A large garden with extensive lawns wraps around the house and sweeps gently downhill 30m/100 feet to the swimming pool, 8 x 16m/26 x 52 feet, and its pool house with a changing room, showers, a fridge and a WC. Surrounding the property are the lush, rolling hills for which Tuscany is justifiably famous.

Facilities
Two dishwashers. Double oven/stove. Wood oven. Nine satellite TVs, one with DVD/video. CD player. Air conditioning in bedrooms. Gym. Sauna. Ping pong table. Central heating. Fixed telephone line with ADSL capability. Fax.

Pool details
The pool has a depth of 0.70-2.40m/2-8 feet and, at one end, submerged seating with hydro massage jets.

Access
Airports: Florence, 48km/30 miles; Pisa, 90km/56 miles. Railway station at Certaldo, 16km/10 miles. Bus service to Florence from Barberino Val d’Elsa. Motorway exit at Tavarnelle, 12km/7.5 miles from the property along paved roads to the property’s white drive. Parking garage for five cars.

Further information
Tennis at Tavarnelle, 5km/3 miles. Horseback riding at Bagnano, 8km/5 miles. More tennis and 18-hole golf at the Castelfalfi country club, 30 minutes. This is a wonderful area for walking and biking.

Call or e-mail for rates and availability

Tony Blair, former prime minister of England, frequently stays here!