Our house is set in the heart of the Tuscany in the region known as Val d’Orcia close to the Medieval walled town of Buonconvento some 4 miles away.
Buonconvento is a good base for most of your needs during your stay. It has a choice of excellent restaurants, two supermarkets and a variety of individual shops. You can eat well, or just have a drink in a local bar or a morning coffee reading the newspaper. You can stroll around the streets of the old town which is fascinating as you will see from the beautiful photographs on this website.
Our house is just a few steps away from what has been described as ‘one of the finest pools in Tuscany’ with wonderful views. If you are feeling more strenuous, the tennis court is not far away either. Should you just wish to soak up the sun (or shade) you can relax on the terraces which surround the house on three sides, read a book or admire the views.
Once you’ve relaxed and unwound – enjoyed a stroll in the grounds or taken a walk in the absolutely stunning countryside, you may wish to venture further to see more of Tuscany! Some places, such as Siena and Florence, deserve at least a day in their own right. Siena is regarded as the most complete Medieval City in Italy and is only 30 minutes drive away. It is home to one of the largest piazzas in Italy, known as the Piazza del Campo, where in July and August the famous Palio Horse Race takes place. The City has a beautiful Cathedral, museums, art galleries, excellent restaurants and wonderful shops. Florence, little more than an hour away by car or train, is a living monument to the Renaissance and is considered as a giant work of art. The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia contain some of the finest paintings and sculptures in the world. This City is noted for its Italian leather and its market is not to be missed.
Tuscany, however, is known for the beauty and variety of its hill towns, such as Montalcino, which can be seen across the valley from our house. This is a fascinating place to visit and is the home of the world famous Brunello Wine which can be purchased from a number of Cantinas some of which will allow you to sample the wine before purchase. Not far away is the lovely town of Pienza which was once the summer home of the Popes. There are many other walled towns and villages where little has changed since the Middle Ages.
With all this in easy reach this is Italy for all the family.
