This tastefully furnished two-storey villa is situated in a privileged hillside spot commanding spectacular unspoilt views of the Chiana Valley. As it is set amid 6,000 square metres of olive groves, belonging to the property owners, utmost quiet and privacy are guaranteed, as well as the opportunity to stroll at leisure through these extensive, fenced-in grounds.

The ground-floor terrace, shaded by mature oak trees, and the lovely first-floor balcony under the eaves provide perfect settings for open-air relaxation or dining – not to mention the secluded, suntrap pool area, of course, with its backdrop of vineyards, gently rolling hills and Cypress trees. Villa Aia is ideally suited to anyone seeking a property to accommodate a large group of friends or families holidaying together.

The interior of the villa is filled with light owing to the many large windows and French doors and comprises very spacious dayrooms on both levels. Attractive terracotta tiles and natural beech or light-oak parquet cover the floors, while original paintings of the local area decorate the walls. The bedrooms and their adjoining bathrooms are of a generous size, and the latter all have stylish modern fittings, with three of them boasting a bathtub too!

The property is centrally heated throughout and is fed by a supply of natural spring water. There are fans in the bedrooms for summertime use. A further distinct attraction comes in the shape of a little organic vegetable plot, hidden behind the annexe near the pool: without having to do a stroke of gardening work, guests are welcome to help themselves to its fresh seasonal produce at no extra charge!

ACCOMODATION

Crossing the front lawn, you enter the spacious downstairs living-room at lower ground level through either of two large arched French doors. Exposed brick walls, natural beech parquet floors and comfortable wicker furniture feature here, while additional French doors open out on to the tiled terrace, with views of the pool and the olive groves beyond. All the windows have shutters.

Four steps lead you up to the informal, open-plan dining/kitchen area, comprising a wooden refectory table and benches: a large wood-burning grill for cooking meat and vegetables; a walk-in pantry with two large fridge-freezers; an “island” workunit with gas hob and extractor-fan; marble sink and worktops; rustic, glass-fronted, wooden cupboards; eye-level electric oven; dishwasher;  microwave; toaster; kettle.

From here French doors open out on to the lovely terracotta-paved ground-floor terrace, ideal for al fresco dining as it is shaded by a tall oak tree and enjoys relaxing views over the garden and the Chiana Valley. There are further steps down to another sunken, paved sunterrace and others which take you right down to the pool. At the back of the house is located a gravel terrace with an external wood-burning pizza oven, below which area there is a sandy “boules” (bowls) pitch under a canopy of oak trees.

A corridor brings you to the large downstairs double bedroom which has French doors to the terrace and a spacious ensuite bathroom, with double basins and roomy bathtub. This bathroom has a second exit, giving on to the corridor. Adjoining is another smaller service bathroom with shower cubicle, and then the laundry, with washing-machine, sink and ironing facilities.

Via an internal staircase, access is gained to the upper floor and its spacious, open-plan living/dining room, comprising an 8-seater table, sofa, armchairs, coffee tables and glass-fronted dresser. Two walls are almost completely glass, incorporating 4 French doors and 2 windows, all with shutters. The room is surrounded externally by a top-floor balcony, shaded under the eaves and affording spectacular all-round countryside views.

On this level are a study with writing desk and bookcase; a storeroom for luggage; as well as 5 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, in a self-contained night-time section, as follows: one twin-bedded room with small bathroom plus shower, across the corridor; two double bedrooms, one of which has French doors out to the balcony, and both of which share an adjoining bathroom plus bathtub. Another double bedroom, with French doors to the same balcony, and an ensuite bathroom with bathtub. Babies’ cots and children’s beds are available on request.

ANNEXE: This little poolside annexe on ground-floor level (50 square metres approx.)consists of a fully equipped kitchen/dining space; one double bedroom with typically Tuscan terracotta-tiled, wood-beamed sloping ceiling, tiled floor and wrought-iron bedstead; and a modern ensuite bathroom with shower. It is only let in conjunction with the main villa.

GARDEN & SWIMMING POOL

The villa is approached from a quiet road through automatic entrance gates and then along a straight gravel drive that passes through the property’s lovely evergreen olive groves. This issues into a gravelled forecourt, which provides an informal parking area, as well as covered parking spaces. The front lawn is dominated by three magnificent oak trees and looks up towards the fortified stone walls of Rigomagno village and its medieval hilltop skyline. An ancient covered-in well forms a traditional Tuscan feature, as do the native walnut and magnolia trees in the garden.

The big rectangular pool (16 x 6 meters, 2.8 max deep), whose paved and grass surround is fully enclosed by low stone walls and railings, enjoys an exceptionally peaceful setting and a stunning scenic backdrop. Ceramic plantpots of bright petunias and geraniums line the walls and a gazebo provides shade for poolside dining round the outside barbeque. The garden furniture includes tables, benches, sunshades, loungers and even two hamacs. There is also a convenient open-air shower by the pool.