Villa Chianciano

This compact, two-storey, converted Tuscan farmhouse has been extensively renovated, employing in its restoration solely products certified as ecologically friendly. It is set alongside a quiet country road, only 3 kms from the famous spa resort of Chianciano Terme. The privileged position enjoys restful views over wooded hills, arable farmland, vineyards and olive groves, which stretch beyond the garden and pool-terrace right into the far distance.

Great care has been taken to remain faithful to the authentic, historic character of this property, with its traditional architectural features being lovingly preserved. These include the terracotta-tiled floors, the tiled and beamed ceilings, the whitewashed walls, and the wood-burning fireplaces. In keeping with this context, typical Tuscan interior design has been retained, as seen in the use of dark-wood furniture and wrought-iron bedsteads. Combined with this rustic style are all up-to-date comforts, such as the fully equipped, fitted kitchens and the elegantly tiled bathrooms which boast ultra-modern units and fittings. In addition, there are mosquito-blinds on all bedroom windows and under-floor central heating throughout, as well as a safe on each floor.

A particularly attractive feature of this split-level villa is its upstairs rear balcony, fully supplied with sunshade and garden furniture, which takes in majestic, sweeping views over the unspoilt countryside of the lovely valley.

ACCOMODATION

At ground-floor level, you step directly into the combined sitting/dining room, with its wooden table and large, traditional fireplace with cooking range. A dividing archway brings you open-plan into the lovely, rustic-style, fitted kitchen, while French doors issue on to the downstairs terrace with view to the back garden. Leading off this dayroom are the ground-floor sleeping quarters, consisting of two double bedrooms and an elegantly tiled adjoining bathroom, with shower and washing machine. The villa’s upper storey can be accessed either by an internal travertine stone staircase or externally by an outside staircase, which allows the two floors to interconnect or to remain independent, as required.

At the top of the internal stairs is a storeroom and a stylishly fitted bathroom with jacuzzi bathtub plus hand-held shower. The upper landing then leads into a bright, fitted kitchen, with table and sitting area, comprising two single sofabeds and modern fireplace. Two sets of French doors invite you out from here on to a delightful sun-trap balcony, securely railed-in, which commands superb scenic views. To the far end of the upper landing are the two bedrooms, both with double beds, one of which can be separated into twins. One of these bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom with large shower cubicle.

Air conditioning available in the bedrooms on the first floor.

GARDEN & SWIMMING POOL

The villa is constructed in typically Tuscan light stone and terracotta brickwork and is set back from the country road, with a gravel drive and large informal gravelled parking area in front. Terracotta pots full of colourful roses and petunias brighten the grounds, as do plants and shrubs in the beds which border the enclosing fence. The grounds are skirted by farmland dotted with vines, olive groves and Cypress trees. On a lower level to the rear of the house there is a lawn shaded by mature trees, where the BBQ/pizza-oven stands.

Proceeding from here down some stone steps, you access the pool terrace, complete with sunbeds and shades. The pool itself measures 5 x 12 metres and from 1.30 to 1.70 meters deep and has a shower to one side. A series of olive trees planted at various heights prevent it from being overlooked from the house. The poolside location is a real suntrap, but is cooled by a fresh breeze and sheltered by olive and fruit trees and a surrounding fence. Beyond this extends the idyllic backdrop of gently rolling Tuscan countryside, with no sound intruding apart from the occasional crowing of the local cockerel!