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In the very
heart of Chianti, a stones throw from Siena, is Villa
and Fattoria Catignano. The apartments have been cleverly
renovated with respect to the original architecture
and will welcome all the lovers of nature, art, history
and culture. The owners provide a hearty welcome and
will do every thing possible during your stay to make
your holiday unforgettable.
 Villa
and Fattoria Catignano is in the Sienese Chianti where
the landscape is characterised by the presence of numerous
Farmhouses and Villas. These were the holiday villas
of the Sienese Aristocracy where the noble families
spent their summer vacation between the two Palios often
inviting artists and art lovers. The ancient garden
at Villa Catignano is well known as one of the most
beautiful in Italy
When you arrive at Villa and Fattoria
Catignano, you will find it harmoniously blended with
the surrounding environment, you will share the emotions
that moved the ancestors of the owners’ family
to elect this place as their home.
In the past the Villa was the home
of the Sergardi family while the Fattoria was the centre
of all the agricultural activities, mainly the production
of Classic Chianti wine and olive oil.
Nowadays the Fattoria and the Villa
offer two different kinds of hospitality: the cosy and
rustic apartments in the Fattoria, and the elegant and
delicately  furnished apartments of the Villa.
The
typical Tuscan country style of the Fattoria can also
be found in the four independent little houses called
“Rusticos” which have their own private
gardens.
The seven apartments on the 1st floor
of the Villa are much larger and more sumptuous then
the others because this was the actual residence of
the Nobles. All of them are decorated with paintings
and frescoes. These suggestive apartments can be reached
walking through the large entrance hall of the Villa
dominated by the coat of arms of the Sergardi family
and their motto "Expertus fidelem” (tried
and trusted).
The kitchens of the apartments are
basic and essential, equipped with four burner cook
top and under the counter fridge, suitable for preparing
light meals or breakfast. A small oven can be provided
upon request. The apartment Diavolaccio and Finestrina
of the Villa, Rustico Guardia and Rustico Fienile have
regular  ovens. The apartment Quintosettano has a dishwasher.
Please note that there is no telephone
in the apartments of the Villa while the apartments
of the Fattoria have phones that make out going local
calls only and internet connection for guests with their
own lap tops. There is a 24 hour caretaker who can make
emergency calls for you and the management are always
happy to receive a fax or email and deliver it to you
if your friends or relatives need to contact you.
Catignano,
with its casual familiar atmosphere, the charming location,
the beauty and history of Siena together with the good
wine and the tranquil environment, will fill you with
a sense of peace and serenity that will linger long
after you return home.
THE GARDEN AND SURROUNDING
ENVIRONMENT: The building is settled in the
green Tuscan countryside with its vineyards spreading
out for milesaround.
 The moment you enter the walls of
the property you will feel the atmosphere of art and
culture where everything has been carefully considered.
From the so called “Bosco Inglese” (English
wood) to the Italian Garden, a real jewel embellished
with statues representing the Four Seasons. Walking
through this marvellous garden you can clearly see the
glorious past of this place when duchesses and countesses
passed by the topiary hedges with their parasols and
intrigues.
Or you can choose to cross the olive
groves on the way to the Cypress lined drive which will
lead you to the fenced swimming pool (7.5 x 15). From
here you can enjoy a wide open view over the city of
Siena and its surroundings in the distance.
The
lemon trees and the vases of geraniums are all around
the Villa, an Arcadian atmosphere which has been for
centuries a frame to the tradition of a family of notaries
and lovers of art.
 LOCATION: Villa and Fattoria Catignano is near to Siena and only
3 km from the main road which leads from Siena to Florence,
passing through Gaiole (20 minutes), Radda (35 minutes)
and Greve in Chianti (15 minutes). It is only about
45 minutes from equally charming localities, such as
Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano (to the south)
and San Gimignano, Volterra, and Massa Marittima (to
the west).
The nearest airport is Florence 1
hour from the property. Pisa is 2 hours away and Rome
2 ½ hours. Arezzo is only 1 hour and Perugia
1 ½ hours.
Services available at the property
upon request (When making your booking or at least 45
days before arrival and according to availability):
Catered meals with in the villa complex or it’s
gardens: al fresco Brunch Buffet, sea food menu, Traditional
Tuscan lunch or dinner, welcome dinner, barbeque (min.
8 people). Cooking courses, Tour guide, Massages, Babysitting,
Weddings and celebrations, business meeting or lecture
facilities.
 On
the property is also an old building called "Tinaia",
completely restored with vaulted ceilings and terracotta
floors. This building can hold up to a hundred and twenty
people for weddings, meetings and dinner parties with
catering service. From the Tinaia you can reach a large
terrace with the use of a wide external area including
a beautiful and charming Italian garden. In the property
there is also a small private Church from the 12th century.
HISTORY: The "Villa
di Catignano" was built at the end of 12th century
by the ancestor of the current proprietors, Quinto Settano,
pseudonym of Monsignor Lodovico Sergardi, who was a
writer and a lover of the arts. A small borough existed
by 1500 with the name of "Clatinianum", also
property of the Sergardi family. In the history books
about Siena "Clatinianum" is mentioned as
a witness to many events that forged the destiny of
the city, and was laid waste by a band of Spaniards
in 1554.
Nowadays the Villa, overlooking the
beautiful Italian garden decorated  with statues personifying
the Four Seasons and the medieval towers of Siena in
the distance, welcomes all those looking for historical
sites and suggestive atmospheres.
OTHER
FACILITIES AVAILABLE NEAR BY: The nearest grocery
store is in San Giovanni only 1 km away and larger supermarkets
can be found on the out skirts of Siena (7 km).Within
2-5 km you will find many very good and typical restaurants.
The nearest tennis court is in Siena
(8 Km), horse riding in Castelnuovo Berardenga (20 minutes
by car), thermal spas in Rapolano Terme ( 20 minutes),
the golf course is in Florence. Bike riding is available
with in the property for Euro 5 per day. And then hiking,
wine tasting, designer out let shopping, Renaissance
and medieval art and architecture are available all
around. The beach is only one hour and a half by car.
Please note: This property does not have air conditioning.  Air conditioning is rarely necessary inTuscany due to the lack of humidity and the temperate climate. Almost all of our properties at InTuscany are in remodeled medieval or renaissance buildings. They generally have very thick walls and high ceilings, most are built on the tops of our gently rolling hills where they catch the breezes that spring up at mid day and in the evenings.
Generally air conditioning is only found by the sea side or in the city centers where noise and/or humidity make it necessary. We do not have air conditioning in our offices or in any of our own homes.
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