Pape Touna

The villa

Pape Touna is an 11th century Cistercian monastery, respectfully restored into six luxury apartments in a traditional Tuscan style. The rustic finish incorporates exposed brick work and wooden beams to create a sense of history which is inescapably affective as you embrace the landscape of the Val di Merse from the same hilltop as the monks did 1000 years ago. Within this charming restoration each apartment offers a cosy living room complete with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchenette and a bathroom with shower facilities. All rooms intentionally have no TV or air conditioning to maintain the traditional theme, but the thick walls maintain a pleasantly cool temperature all year round. Outside there is a beautiful stone courtyard with BBQ facilities, and a large private swimming pool offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whether guests are lazing by the pool, tucked away in the cosy apartments or exploring the rich cultural history of Tuscany these apartments will be at the centre of an unforgettable holiday experience.

The location of this property makes it ideal for cultural excursions, sitting about an hour drive from the medieval city of Siena, home to one of the biggest piazzas in Italy and host of the famous biannual Il Palio horse race. Equally accessible is the regional capital Florence, the architecturally and historically significant commune of Monteriggioni, and the fascinating ancient walled town of San Gimignano. The journey to any one of these destinations is eased by the breath taking scenery that is a constant throughout Tuscany. Closer still are the golden beaches of Tuscany's Parco Naturale della Maremma; a protected rural landscape along an unspoilt section of Italian coastline.

Pape Touna is also perfectly located for wedding parties thanks to the immediate proximity of the San Galgano Abbey, an enchanting gothic ruin and a perfect venue for the ceremony.