Villa Scacciapensieri (Siena)
Central Tuscany, Chianti, and Siena, Italy
The four-star hotel "Villa Scacciapensieri" is ideal for clients looking for a peaceful, warm and cordial atmosphere, an excellent kitchen and attentive service: The hotel is set in its own large park and gardens on top of a little hill only 2.5 km north of the medieval city walls of Siena, 1,5 km from the train station, just on the border of the Chianti wine region ; all the main sights of Tuscany are easily reached.
The main Villa, constructed in the late 1790's - early 1800's, has rooms on the two upper floors, while the reception desk (24hr.), the restaurant "Altri Tempi", the cozy bar-lounge with open fire place and library, the private little chapel and the media-room with Internet access are all located on the ground level. There are two annex buildings "Limonaia" and "Villino" both very close to the main Villa. The rooms are air-conditioned. The outdoor swimming pool (open from mid May until October) overlooks the Chianti hills. We also have a tennis court, bicycles and parking for the exclusive use of our guests, there is no charge for these facilities. Garages are available on request (charge).
The swimming pool close to the the outdoor restaurant overlooks the Chianti hills. We also have a tennis court, bicycles and parking for the exclusive use of our guests, there is no charge for these facilities. Garages and professional private tennis lessons are available upon request for a little extra charge. Motor cars are not allowed into Siena so travelling into the city could not be easier than taking one of the public buses that pass in front of our driveway every 15 minutes, weekends every 30 minutes.
Our restaurant "Altri Tempi" (non smoking, air-conditioned) has been synonymous with prestige and elegance for more than 70 years. The preparation of the dishes is very accurate thanks to the ingenuity and experience of the Chef and his kitchen brigade, and only the freshest seasonal and regional ingredients are used. The service is very personalized and attentive, making the guest feeling pampered and taken care of and always at the centre of the attention. Our restaurant can offer both an à la carte menu and a daily menu specializing in regional dishes and home made pastas. Whenever possible we make use of the clement weather by serving our traditional breakfast, lunch and candle light evening dinner outside on the terrace under wisteria and linden trees. Please note that the restaurant is closed each Wednesday, but the bar is open for freshly prepared snacks etc.
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT THE HOTEL AND IN THE SURROUNDING REGION
SWIMMING POOL: The splendid outdoor pool is situated in the hotel gardens and is open between 10:30 and 18:00,but you can pop in for a dip any time really. Please use the yellow or blue towels to be found in your room or directly from the chambermaid. There is NO CHARGE for the use of the pool.
TENNIS: The tennis court is just beside the car park; tennis rackets and tennis balls are available from the Reception: It is advisable to book in advance. There is NO CHARGE for the use of the court.
BICYCLES: Bicycles are available from the Hotel, please book in advance. Advice from the Reception on cycle tours, all day or half day jaunts of varying grades from the experienced wheeler to the amateur biker. There is NO CHARGE for the use of the bicycles.
GO FOR A SUNDAY WALK IN THE COUNTRY: (No traffic !) Just out from the gate of the Villa there is a very very pleasant little walk to take, (8km), so realistically it'll take about an hour and a half to saunter up and down, round, through, and nearly beyond the picturesque green hills, the rolling fields, the vineyards and olive groves … which is perfect on a Sunday afternoon ... Tuesdays too for that matter.
VISITING CHIANTI AND FURTHER AFIELD WITH A TOUR GUIDE : Ask at the Front Desk about guided tours through the countryside around Siena with an English speaking guide. Tours start from the hotel, your guide will pick you up with his air-conditioned vehicle and take you through the hidden beauties of Chianti, the Crete, Brunello area, Etruscan sites, visits to farms and wine cellars, wine tasting and also lunch in a tiny village. The Full Monty in other words. If you have any particular preferences, this can be sorted out with your guide when she/he comes to pick you up, they are very very flexible.
GOLF: There are three golf courses within 70 km. of Siena, the most prestigious is the Championship course Poggio Ugolino, situated more towards Florence than Siena (055 2301009). The second course is just outside San Gimignano at Castelfalfi, club hire available (telephone in advance however: 0571 698094). The third, a tiny course (just five holes this one) but worth a wee visit, is on the outskirts of Colle Val d’Elsa, 15 km. from Siena. Good for a laugh and a giggle of a day out. They normally have clubs to borrow, but telephone in advance. Closed Mondays (0577 924153).
CHIANTI ON HORSEBACK: Imagine yourself for an hour or two as Billy Crystal, ‘horsebacking through thick forests, olive groves and vineyards very close to Siena and Monteriggioni. There are several to choose from, for example the riding center Il Cannuccio (0577 317069). Ask in the Reception as booking is best made at least the day before.
HEALTH SPAS: There are several health spas quite close to Siena at Rapolano Terme, Bagno Vignoni, Petriolo Terme, Bagni San Filippo, Saturnia and Chianciano Terme. Warm sulfur water baths are an excellent help for easing skin ailments, mud baths and massages are available, too. Chianciano has excellent drinking waters for easing, among other complaints, your pickled liver. Go on treat yourself, treat your kidneys.
PRADA AND GUCCI : Both have factory outlets quite closeby. They are open everyday ... well nearly everyday, They close at Xmas. Both are approximately an hour’s drive from the Villa, just outside Montevarchi. They accept credit cards and at least one will accept possibly your first born child too (em ...that'll be PRADA! ”Oh, we’ll go there then Darling!“).
WINE: Ask at the Front Desk about vineyards and wine tastings organized by the various growers in the Chianti and Brunello area. Close by the "Enoteca Italiana" is found inside the Fortezza Medicea, Siena city center.
COOKING CLASSES: We know a good cook who organizes private cooking lessons by the name of Elisabetta. The lesson ends at 9:00 pm and they will prepare a Tuscan meal during this period which they can enjoy afterwards with wine served as well!
Call or e-mail for rates and availability
Hotel Closes for the Winter, will re-open March 31, 2023
Suite Villa from 250 Euros
Superior Limonaia from 210 Euros
Double Villa / Limonaia from 160 Euros
Double Villino (large) from 120 Euros
Double Villino (small) from 110 Euros
Single from 85 Euros
There are specials for stays of 3 nights or more in low season, or 4 nights or more in mid and high season.
Rates include VAT service, and breakfast.
Client Comments
"Great location, useful to have a car, our room was beautiful and large, and the food was remarkable. Elegant friendly, nothing but good things to say about this place. It was my favorite part of the trip".