Villa

Ginestreto is a beautiful Tuscan "Casa Colonica" for 10 guests, with a private swimming pool and tennis court. In an elegant setting, on the edge of the enormous formal gardens of Villa Cetinale, (Lord Lampton's Tuscan hideaway), Ginestreto is a remarkable place to stay, surrounded by stunning landscapes and views.

In the gardens, gnarled olive trees are embellished with climbing, scented roses in wildflower lawns. The landscaping follows the contours of the hills, interrupted by gentle terraces bordered with low, flower covered stone walls, giving individual private spots, taking full advantage of the superb views.

Sloping lawns lead to a furnished, vine-shaded patio next to the swimming pool at the rear. Oaks, olives and cypresses frame the hard tennis court higher up. Softly cocooned in the beauty of characteristic Tuscan countryside, Ginestra happily adapts for family holidays as easily as it provides prestigious accommodation for formal occasions. A holiday here will leave you with indelible memories of subtle luxury and peace.

The house is reached via a private gravel lane through woodlands that ends in a shaded parking area. From here a short cypress-lined walk leads to the house and cottage. Entering the house, you'll find a comfortable sitting room with sofas, a Bechstein piano on one side, and dining furniture and a fireplace on the other separated by an archway.

On the first floor are two twin bedrooms, one with a shower room ensuite, a separate bathroom, a double bedroom with a four-poster bed and ensuite bathroom and a charming sitting room with a fireplace.

From the farmhouse kitchen on the lower ground floor, stairs lead down to an enormous space, once the stables of this Tuscan farmhouse, today a large formal dining room and drawing room. French doors open into a loggia with flowers framing the views. This is as perfect a spot for lunch as it is for convivial candle lit suppers. A shower-room and a small kitchen make life easy for eating downstairs and outside.

Pale, colour-washed walls, terracotta floors and wood-beamed ceilings are enhanced with high quality furnishing and fabrics blending perfectly with the rustic origins of this very special, elegant country home.

The charming cottage is next to the house. Entered by an external staircase, one floor has a double bedroom and shower-room, the other a twin bedroom and bathroom.

The house is in the grounds at the very bottom of the formal gardens of Villa Cetinale, and the whole area around Ginestreto is wonderful for walking and exploring. From the house you can easily walk up to a hermitage, or further on to a twelth-century church, and for those who enjoy long hikes there are lots of places to wander directly from the grounds.

Siena is a short drive away, as are Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and the Chianti Hills. Heading further south you'll find the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia, with the beautiful hill towns of Pienza, Montalcino and more to explore.

Closer by there are the hidden delights of Torri, with its romanesque cloister, the village of Casole and the roofless abbey of San Galgano.