Villa Le Crete is a charming, newly-renovated cottage set on a hilltop surrounded by the rounded clay hills of the so-called “Crete Senesi”. The views are those of the English Patient and you can clearly see the Abbey where it has been filmed few hundred meters away as the bird flies.

Description

This little, two-storey, converted Tuscany farmhouse has been meticulously restored in a simple, rustic style, employing high-quality traditional materials. Set on a gentle elevation in a remote spot, it is entirely surrounded by the clay hills called “Crete Senesi”, the agricultural landscape typical of the Siena region. This secluded location, with open views, guarantees utmost privacy and quiet.

This charming, newly-renovated Tuscany villa with swimming pool, was used to house the animals on the ground floor and the living-quarters of the seasonal farmworkers upstairs. Built in characteristically Tuscan pale stone and terracotta, it combines all modern comforts with its original, carefully preserved architectural features. These include terracotta-tiled/beamed ceilings; terracotta-tiled floors; an internal brick archway; and a large brick fireplace, still fully functional, which extends across one wall.

The choice of interior design remains in keeping with this structural context, featuring the traditional Tuscan wooden furniture and wrought-iron bedsteads of the past. The convenient under-floor central heating is, however, a strictly 21st century addition!

The property is perched on a gentle hilltop, from which its garden slopes down in a sequence of three grassy terraces, on the lowest of which is situated the small, fenced-in pool.

GARDEN & SWIMMING POOL: From the main road, a gravel track winds its way through spectacular open countryside. The last kilometre is fairly rough terrain therefore, best to leave your brand-new sports car safely at home!

Bordered by fragrant rosemary bushes and a lone Cypress tree, a gravel drive slopes down to an informal outdoor parking area, set on a level below the house. On the upper terrace in front of the house, a lawn makes the ideal venue for al fresco dining, also shaded to one side by a solitary oak tree. Nearby is the open-air BBQ.

Beds of rosemary and rosebushes adorn the lower slopes beyond the lawn, while colourfully planted terracotta pots brighten the gravelled areas. In an ideal suntrap position on the lowest grass terrace, securely enclosed by fencing, laurel hedges and a gate, lies the pool. The breathtaking panoramic backdrop are the gently undulating grainfields and farmland. On the horizon can be identified the picturesque bell-tower where “The English Patient” was filmed.

ACCOMODATION: A pathway of stone steps leads up from the gravelled drive to the modern glass door of the ground-floor entrance. From here you enter the spacious kitchen/lounge, with its large central dining-table and benches. On one side is the big fireplace, while on the opposite side a brick archway opens into the fitted kitchen fully equipped except for a dishwasher.

Adjoining this room is a half-bathroom with washing-machine. A staircase proceeds to the upper floor and comprising the following: one double bedroom and one twin bedroom, both with mosquito-blinds at the windows and affording lovely top-floor views; a modern bathroom with shower. The villa is also equipped with TV, Hi-Fi system and Wi-Fi internet connection.

LOCATION: The villa is situated 2 km from the small, medieval, hilltop village of Castelmuzio, which has a grocery store, bar and restaurant. The nearest airport is Florence, 1 ½ hours by car. Pisa and Rome are equidistant (2 ½ hours).

The nearby towns are Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino and many other well known places all providing restaurants, wine bars, enotecas, medieval and renaissance art and culture. It is one hour and 15 minutes from central Florence and 40 minutes to Siena.

Availability

• Available

Cancellation policy

In case of cancellation of a booking, the clients are entitled to a refund based on the days in advance of arrival day, as follows:

• If the cancellation is made 60 days or more prior arrival day: 0% of the amount paid.
• If the cancellation is made between 59 and 30 days prior arrival day: 0% of the amount paid.
• If the cancellation is made between 29 and 7 days prior arrival day: 0% of the amount paid.
• If the cancellation is made between 6 and 1 days prior arrival day: 0% of the amount paid.