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Villa Sara combines the peace and quiet of an idyllic countryside setting with the close proximity of the shops and restaurants of medieval Lucignano, only 1.5 kms away. It is set in extensive gardens, shaded by mature trees, and enjoys scenic views over the Chiana Valley. The spacious interiors are cosy and welcoming. They are elegantly furnished in traditional rustic Tuscan style, while ensuring all modern comforts.
 Many original, historic architectural features have been preserved during the restoration of this lovely old farmhouse, both inside and out. These include the external light-stone walls and stairs; the stone or terracotta-tiled floors; the narrow-beamed, terracotta-tiled ceilings; the internal exposed-tile archways; the whitewashed walls and, of course, the massive wood-burning fireplaces.
An eye-catching round-arched picture-window brightens the generous-sized ground-floor dining/sitting room, whose comfortable, stylish furnishings make it especially inviting for indoor relaxation. From here French doors also issue out to a spectacular rose-covered pergola, which provides delightfully perfumed shade for open-air dining.
Perched by itself at the very top of the house, directly under the pitched roof, is an “out-of-this-world” double bedroom, ideal for getting away from it all!
ACCOMMODATION:  From the ground-floor portico, you enter a hall, which leads to a downstairs double bedroom, with ensuite bathroom with shower. Another hallway door takes you through to the large, fully-equipped kitchen, with 8-seater table and an attractive brick-arched alcove, housing the sink and marble worktops.
Adjoining the kitchen is a very spacious “double” dayroom, divided open-plan into dining and sitting areas. Sofas, armchairs and coffee table are grouped round the large working fireplace. Other features include an upright piano; Sat.TV; and ceiling fan. From here French doors open to the lawn terrace with its rose-pergola, which surmounts a large travertine-stone table and long benches, perfect for al fresco meals.
Internal stairs proceed to the upper floor and open into another, smaller, comfortably furnished living-room, whose focal-point is the fireplace. External stone stairs, with their own portico, lead up to the independent entrance to this room from outside.
 From this central dayroom you access two double bedrooms, both with fitted carpets, fan, Sat.TV, and each with its own ensuite bathroom with shower. Further down the corridor is another very spacious double bedroom, with large ensuite bathroom with double basins, bathtub and hand-held shower.
The final “attic” bedroom is located at the top of a fairly steep “ladder-style” staircase, with banister-rails on either side and an upper gate to close it off. The room has twin beds, which can also be put together, as well as Sat.TV. However, for safety reasons, we do not recommend this bedroom be used by small children.
Laundry facilities are housed in a separate room at ground-floor level, accessible from the outside porch.
THE GARDEN AND SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT: From its entrance gates, the property’s gravel drive, bordered by Cypress trees, leads up to an informal gravelled parking area, out of sight of the house. The surrounding lawns lie at a raised level, reached by some stone steps. Here the grass is dotted with native shade-giving trees, such as cream-flowering scented acacias, oak, olive and fig trees.  Lavender, thyme, rosemary, broom and oleander bushes decorate the flowerbeds, while lemon trees and colourful geraniums fill the big terracotta pots.
Growing in profusion over some areas of wall and round the front porches are climbing ivy, scented jasmin and rambling roses. Two separate pergolas support abundant rose blossom and perfumed wisteria. These are just some of the beautiful natural attractions the well-tended grounds offer for garden lovers.
And beyond the lawns, olive groves and meadows stretch as far as the property’s boundary fence.
The large, luxurious swimming pool is set away from the house at a sunken level in a secluded part of the grounds. Elegant wrought-iron gates open on to semi-circular stone steps, which invite you down to the tiled pool-surround. Lawns extend all round this, enclosed by shrubs, Cypress trees and palms. To one side is a wooden gazebo, housing the barbeque, perfect for poolside parties. To the other are the on-site changing rooms and shower/toilet facilities.
 However, if you would prefer a break from self-catering, traditional home-made Tuscan specialities can be prepared for you by a cook, on request (extra charge).
LOCATION: The walled, medieval, hilltop town of Lucignano, with its charming shops and several restaurants, is within walking distance. The nearest restaurant is about 700 metres away. The villa is a 30-minute drive from Montepulciano, Pienza and Cortona. 45 to Siena and one hour to Florence. Although immersed in peace and quiet, the autostrada is just 15 minutes drive connecting you to all important tourist destinations and the rest of Europe.
The closest airport is Florence (about 1 ½ hours). Rome and Pisa airport are about 2 hours by car.
OTHER FACILITIES AVAILABLE NEARBY: The area can offer: horseriding; bike riding; nature hikes; thermal spas; hot-air balloon flights; wine tours and tasting; fabulous dining; and a whole host of nearby locations of historic, artistic,  architectural, culinary and scenic renown, such as: Montepulciano (home to the famous Vino Nobile red wine); Montalcino (home to the equally famous Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino red wines); Pienza (famed for its delicious "pecorino", sheep's milk cheese); Torrita di Siena; Sinalunga; Lucignano; Cortona; Arezzo (celebrated for Piero Della Francesca's 15 th century fresco-cycle of the "Legend Of The True Cross"); Lake Trasimeno; the Abbey/Monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore; the ancient Umbrian hilltop town of Perugia, as well as that of Assisi, most important of pilgrimagedestinations, beingthe birthplace of St. Francis; and, of course, Siena (home to, among countless otherthings, the world-famous "Palio" horserace).
Please note that this property does not have air conditioning. Air conditioning is rarely necessary in Tuscany due to the lack of humidity and the temperate climate. Almost all of our properties at InTuscany are in remodelled 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 centres where noise and/or humidity make it necessary. We do not have air conditioning in our offices, in any of our homes or in any of our larger rental villas.
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