Casale Eleganza

The villa

Welcome to this luxury country retreat, a beautifully appointed farmhouse with a wonderful terrace and private pool looking out to quintessential Tuscan landscapes, just a short drive from San Gimignano. 

Set amidst a 15 hectare organic vineyard and olive estate, guests can enjoy dreamy vistas from the tranquil swimming pool. The gardens are a joy with romantic wisteria draping over the arched windows, terracotta pots filled with bright geraniums and a terrace which is atmospherically lit up at night for al-fresco dining on warm Italian evenings.

The original architecture remains true to its 16th century heritage, embodying the spirit of Tuscany whilst perfectly balancing tradition and modernity. Antique handmade cotto floors, thick stone walls and high domed cotto and beamed ceilings keep Casale Eleganza beautifully cool during the radiant heat of the Italian summer.

The spacious rooms are decorated in muted, neutral tones with high-quality furnishing, harmoniously sharing the space with vintage and antique pieces which respect the history of the villa. The main house is set over two floors, four of the five en suite bedrooms are located on the first floor of the main house, the fifth is in the cottage. With a choice of double and twin bedrooms, the sleeping arrangements are ideal for multi-generational family stays. The luminous ground floor living space spills out to terraces and gardens beyond. Comprising two sitting rooms - one with a piano and one with a Smart TV, a dining room with seating for 10 guests and original ancient Tuscan fireplace, a fully fitted kitchen, a guest bathroom and laundry room.

There are hiking paths straight from your door and beyond, even as far as San Gimignano for the keenest of walkers or hop in the car and reach the idyllic medieval village, famous for its many towers, in just a few minutes. Soak up the enchanting ambience as you wander around the narrow lanes filled with pretty shops, atmospheric cafes and excellent restaurants.

Ride horses through Tuscan landscapes, potter around gorgeous hilltop villages and discover the undulating scenery via bike or even a hot air balloon. Siena and Florence are perfect for wonderful days out, as are trips to the Chianti vineyards or historic towns such as Certaldo and Volterra - there are so many ways to immerse yourselves in this glorious part of central Tuscany.

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In the heart of central Tuscany, a short drive from San Gimignano, Casale Eleganza is set in a 35-acre estate which features a working vineyard and olive grove as well as woodland.

It’s a tranquil location, the last part reached via an unmade lane that winds through the stunning landscapes that surround the villa. It’s around a 5km drive from San Gimignano, even closer if you choose to walk (around 3km over the hills, suitable for keen and fit walkers only).

San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most loved villages, famous for its many towers and historic beauty. Whilst perusing the pretty shops and dining in some charming restaurants, make sure you try the local white wine, Vernaccia, which is produced in the village’s surrounding vineyards.

Poggibonsi (14km) is a useful town to have nearby with its supermarkets and some excellent local restaurants. This is also where the nearest train station is, a great way of travelling to either Siena (25-minutes) or Florence (just over an hour by train). Alternatively, the Firenze-Siena autostrada is easily picked up near Poggibonsi, taking you to Florence in around an hour whilst Siena is about 45 minutes from the villa.

The Chianti hills are also within striking distance allowing you to visit some of the region’s amazing wineries and picture-perfect villages. Start off in Castellina in Chianti (28km), then head to Greve and Radda to discover these enchanting villages and surrounding vineyards.

Volterra is another popular town to visit, about half an hour away, with its fascinating Etruscan history, medieval architecture and delightful narrow lanes to explore. It’s a must for art-lovers who should spend some time admiring the work in the Pinacoteca e Museo Civico di Volterra.