Castello Arbia

The villa

Pass iconic cypress trees as you approach this beautiful Italian castle in the heart of Tuscany, located in the rolling hills south of Siena. Castello Arbia welcomes up to 16 guests with its private tennis court, outdoor swimming pool and historic interiors, perfect for a for a fine holiday or romantic wedding, and is a short drive from medieval Buonconvento, considered to be one of the region’s prettiest villages. As soon as you enter the castello , soak up its rich heritage as you admire its splendid living spaces with original wood beams dating back to the 16th century and frescoed ceilings. The country - style kitchen is perfectly equipped to create delicious Tuscan meals to serve in the handsome dining room or on the atmospheric terrace outside.

Guests can rest peacefully across eight double bedrooms, five of which feature king - size double beds (two can be split as twins if needed) alongside seven bath/shower rooms, mostly en suite. With traditional yet elegant décor, each room has its own story to tell - the top floor suite with panoramic valley vistas is especially romantic. Finally, the wellness area is yet another wonderful amenity with its brilliant gym and sauna.

Immerse yourself in Tuscan culture by organising wine - tasting in the castle’s historic cantina, cookery lessons or pizza nights on warm summer evenings. E - bike rental can also be arranged, a wonderful way to explore the idyllic scenery of organic farmland, olive groves and vineyards beyond the castle grounds. Indeed, Castello Arbia belongs to a vast estate that has been in the same family for generations - sample the estate’s wines and DOP - certified extra virgin olive oil produced using organic farming practices.  

Further afield, venture to the quintessential Tuscan landscapes of Val d’Orcia and picture - perfect hilltop villages including Montalcino and its vineyards producing the world - famous Brunello wine. Not forgetting the awe - inspiring charm of Siena and its UNESCO World Heritage sites or stay closer to home and appreciate the region’s beauty as you play a round of golf at the nearby Club Castiglion del Bosco with preferential rates for castle guests.

In the heart of Tuscany, the historic Castello Arbia is set in three hectares of enclosed grounds, part of a larger family - owned estate of rolling hills, organic farmland, vineyards and olive groves. This is a superb location for embracing your rural surroundings whilst being close to Siena, Val d’Orcia, Montalcino and other beautiful attractions across the region.

The closest restaurant is around 5 minutes by car whilst the medieval village of Buonconvento is only 5km away, home to a good - sized supermarket and other useful amenities. Buonconvento is considered to be one of the prettiest villages of the area with city walls dating back to the 14th century alongside the atmospheric Via Soccini and its handsome houses. Dine out in a village restaurant - local specialities include white truffles, Chianina beef, panzanella and pappa al pomodoro as well as excellent local wines of course.

Golf lovers can make the most of special guest rates at the nearby Club Castiglion del Bosco (6.5km) and La Bagnaia Golf Resort (24km).

For wonderful days out further afield, explore the famous Tuscan landscapes of the Val d’Orcia, now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass iconic cypress trees, endless vines, oak forests, olive groves, little hamlets and perched villages - the scenery is spectacular throughout the seasons.

Montalcino (20km) is a gem of a hilltop village, known for its rich heritage, art and wine - the village produces the renowned Brunello di Montalcino. Heading east, Pienza (38km) is another idyllic Tuscan spot famed for its pecorino cheese or venture further to Montepulciano (52km) so loved for its Renaissance palazzi and Vino Nobile.

Meanwhile, the beauty of medieval Siena (33km) awaits whether you wish to admire its awe - inspiring architecture (Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Comunale and the incredible Piazza del Campo, for example), learn all about the town’s Etruscan heritage or dine out in traditional osterie serving hearty Sienese fare.