La Corte Saracini

The villa

In the tranquil landscapes of southern Tuscany, La Corte Saracini offers Italian charm in a superb location, close to Pienza and many other of this region’s most celebrated towns.

Surrounded by the undulating hills of Val d’Orcia, the owners have transformed this farmhouse by restoring it with great care and sensitivity. They have created a beautiful holiday home which offers quality and comfort alongside authenticity with its impressive original features and picture book windows that take advantage of the glorious scenery.

Relax in the vast and characterful living and dining space downstairs, originally the stables, where you will also find a perfectly equipped large kitchen and five delightful bedrooms. Upstairs is another fantastic space for lounging and gazing at the views - the grand central fireplace is an especially wonderful feature of this splendid room. A second kitchen and two further bedrooms complete this level - each floor is self - contained making it ideal for an extended family or group of friends wanting to holiday together.

Gather together by the swimming pool, backed by terracotta pots bursting with summer colour and surrounded by gardens where children can let off steam. Enjoy your morning coffee in the large courtyard, have a picnic lunch under the shade of the old oak tree, then feast together in the evening by the barbecue and wood - fired pizza oven. The hospitable owners will even host pizza nights for a memorable and fun occasion and a chef can also be arranged.

It’s only a five - minute drive to the tiny local village with its restaurant and bar or drive a little further to the picturesque hilltop town of Pienza, famous for its Renaissance architecture and delicious pecorino cheese. The famous wine - town of Montepulciano is just 10km away where you should sample some of the excellent vino nobile or drive west to Montalcino with its renowned Brunello vineyards.

Val d’Orcia isn’t just about idyllic Tuscan villages and historic hilltop towns - the landscapes are also tremendous with rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, endless vineyards, olive groves and wonderful woodland - perfect for long walks, horse - riding and cycling. Drive across the Umbrian border to Lake Trasimeno for yet more tranquil walks as well as summer watersports in a spectacular setting.

Whether you are a lover of wine, history, fine food or just the incredible scenery of southern Tuscany, La Corte Saracini is an authentic and beautiful home from which to enjoy this special region.

La Corte Saracini is located in the Val d’Orcia in southern Tuscany, not far from the border with Umbria and only 7km from the delightful Tuscan town of Pienza.

There is a small medieval village/hamlet within 2km where you will find your nearest restaurant and bar or drive ten - minutes to the picturesque town of Pienza with a greater range of amenities such as restaurants, shops and a supermarket. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, this hilltop town is most famous for its splendid renaissance architecture as well as its pecorino cheese - there are plenty of little shops where you can buy the local product or try some in a local restaurant by ordering the delicious pasta dish pici con cacio e pepe .

This really is a wonderful area with so many idyllic villages and famous Tuscan towns to explore. Montepulciano (10km) is also just a short distance away - a must for any wine - lovers with its vino nobile and plenty of opportunities to visit local wineries. The town itself is stunning - wander around and admire the old palaces and pretty squares or gaze out at the panoramic views of vineyards and Tuscan countryside around you.

The spa - town of Bagno Vignoni (12km) is another delight - you can bathe in the hot water of the pools in Parco dei Mulini or admire the main pool and hot springs in the central square. A little further west, the picture - perfect hilltop village of Montalcino (28km) is just half an hour away with its enchanting historic centre and endless vineyards producing Brunello wine in an incredible setting.

Tuscany is a paradise for walkers - the alluring Val d’Orcia offers so many magical routes between villages and towns, crossing vineyards, woodland and idyllic Tuscan landscapes. You will also find horse riding stables around a 20 - minute drive away whilst golf - lovers can head north to Golf Club Valdichiana which is suitable for both amateurs and pros.

For a change of scene, head over the Umbrian border to Lake Trasimeno (35km) for beautiful scenery, excellent walking trails and watersports such as canoeing and kayaking as well as fishing opportunities.

Alternatively, head north to the world - famous city of Siena, around an hour away, with its spectacular Duomo and magnificent square, Il Campo.