Notes from the host
6BR with Pool & Garden in Heart of Tuscany
Set within 1,300 acres of private land, this Fabulous 6BR – 5 ½ BA country home is strategically located in the Valdichiana valley, just a short distance away from the Medieval village of Lucignano and several other magnificent towns in southern Tuscany.
Surrounded by an exceptionally beautiful landscape, the home is perfect to enjoy relaxing time with family & friends and caters to those who are ready to mix relaxation into the exploration of the most wonderful places in Tuscany & central Italy!
*** The property video (made in July 2017) can be viewed directly on this page or at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjLjCFJa7yU ***
About the property
The home is a renovated water mill situated within a large estate of 560 hectares (1,300 acres), which are currently strictly farmed according to organic methods. The farming is dedicated to the production of sunflowers, extra virgin olive oil & wine and to the raising of the local white-horned cattle for the production of organic “chianina” beef.
About 100 hectares of this extensive property are dedicated to agriculture, while the rest boasts the typical Mediterranean vegetation as well as several oak woodlands, where the white cattle can roam free and wild animals such as deers, wild boars, pheasants & foxes can be spotted.
The home is purposely situated south of the estate near the river Vescina and its name “Il Mulino” (the mill) originates from its ancient use as a water mill to grind wheat. The two long stonewalls, that were originally built to channel the water from the river to the mill, now form the enclosure for the recently built swimming pool.
Quite sophisticated engineering was required at the time to channel the water to the mill and when walking the lower valley (one of the many beautiful trails around the property), it is still possible to see parts of it.
After a complete renovation phase that lasted several years, where all of the original charm and architectural features were strictly maintained, the interiors of the mill have recently been meticulously upgraded to high-end, modern standards.
The thorough attention to details, from the careful selection of the materials used to the exquisitely appointed furniture and art pieces, has contributed into creating a truly unique space that perfectly blends with the building’s original structure.
Set in the most beautiful Tuscan landscape between Siena and Arezzo, the property offers its guests the privacy and the amenities of a countryside home within an easy access to engaging day-trips, focused on food & wine, sport & recreation, history, art and culture…with its unique blend of indoor and outdoor living, this is a truly magical place for a dream Italian Vacation perfect for a family reunion or a group of friends travelling together!
Location details
The property is ideally located only about 2.8 miles away from Lucignano, a wonderful Medieval hilltop village famous for its elliptic walls and about 14 miles from Arezzo, one of Tuscany’s most important towns.
Some of Italy’s most famous and beautiful destinations, such as Siena (approx. 30 miles), Florence (53 miles) and Cortona (25 miles) can all be easily reached by car or by train. The beautiful Val D’Orcia, with its ancient villages (such as Pienza, 19 miles), wine paths and natural hot springs (Bagno Vignoni, 27 miles) develops west and south-west from the property. Rapolano Terme, with its renowned hot springs, lies only 13 miles west.
Arezzo is the nearest main train station, with frequent trains connecting to Florence (abt. 50 min. trip) and Rome (abt. 1-hour trip). Quite a few trains leave every day also from Sinalunga (8 miles from the property) to Florence.
Montepulciano (14 miles) and Montalcino (28 miles), known for their wine as well as their architectural & cultural life are both within easy reach and not to be missed..
Other fabulous nearby villages to explore such as Monte San Savino, Sinalunga, Castiglion Fiorentin and Foiano are all located within a few miles.
Very interesting art cities in the Umbria region such as Orvieto, Todi, Assisi can all be easily reached within less than an hour by car.
The layout
The mill spreads over 2 main floors and a tower, for a total of 6 bedrooms and 5 ½ bathrooms, and can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests.
Ground Floor
- Fully equipped kitchen with table for breakfasts and adjacent larder.
- Open plan dining room seating up to 10 guests, directly connected to the Living Room, with a staircase leading to the First Floor.
- Living room with fireplace and large French doors opening up directly onto the covered pergola and outdoor area.
- Twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom, with shower (accessible also through the garden).
- Laundry Room.
- Powder Room.
First floor
An elegant wooden staircase leads from the Ground floor to the First floor, which comes with a total of three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
- Double bedroom (King size bed) with en-suite bathroom (with tub).
- Double bedroom (2 twin beds) with en-suite bathroom (with shower) and direct access to the outdoor covered veranda.
- One double (king bed) and one twin bedroom (French bed) with shared bathroom (tub), located at the end of an outdoor passage.
The Tower
- One double bedroom (2 twin beds) with en-suite bathroom (with tub).
The Grounds
The mill is nestled within 560 hectares (1,300 acres) of private land and features magical views towards the Orcia valley as well as the castle of Radicofani, in the far back.
There is many beautiful paths leading uphill from the mill taking through the estate’s several wonders such as a natural lake, wild animals and the typical local cows..
Description of the grounds:
-Automatic gate
-Private swimming pool (15 x 4.5 m, 50 x 15 ft.), fully furnished with several sun lounges and parasols
-Outdoor shower
- Shaded pergola, perfect for al fresco dining, with furniture to comfortably seat up to 10 guests
- Several shade areas, fully furnished
Amenities
-Air conditioning in all bedrooms
-Fully equipped kitchen (gas burners, oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher)
-Private swimming pool (15 x 4.5 m, 50 x 15 ft.)
-Wi-Fi Internet
-Fireplace
-TV with Satellite channels, Hi-Fi stereo and DVD player
-Barbecue
-Laundry Room with washer and dryer
About Lucignano & Valdichiana valley, the Tuscan region & Things to do in the area.
Visit of the estate’s grounds: The fabulous walking trails around the estate are not to be missed! (guided tours by car can be organized upon request).
Wildlife including roe deers, wild boards, porcupines, hares, pheasants, foxes, etc.. can be spotted at any given time. The landscape, varying from the typical Mediterranean vegetation (including perfectly kept olive groves & vineyards), to the beautiful oak woodlands and the pastures with grazing “Chianina” cattle, make this property one of the most unique in Tuscany…
Lucignano (2.8 miles from the estate): Considered one of Tuscany’s historical gems, this village is an extraordinary example of medieval town planning, with its elliptical concentric walls, which have remained intact over the centuries. Here you will find grocery stores, cafés, newsstands, banks and a few great typical restaurant/trattorias.
Surrounding villages, such as Monte San Savino (2.6 miles), Foiano (6 miles), Sinalunga (8 miles) and Castiglion Fiorentino (12 miles) all share an intact medieval identity and represent a perfect example of a typical hilltop Tuscan village.
Arezzo (14 miles away): an extraordinary city of art renowned for its goldsmiths and antiques traders. The old town is home to valuable monuments including the imposing Medici Fortress, the Cathedral, the Diocesan Museum and the Basilica of San Domenico. The heart of the city is Piazza Grande, surrounded by buildings of various periods and styles - among them, the Medieval towers and the Renaissance style Loggiato Vasariano. Not to be missed is their Antique market every first weekend of the month.
Cortona (25 miles from the villa): recognized as one of the most fascinating villages of Tuscany, has incredibly managed to preserve its priceless heritage sites (various Palazzi, the Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum, where you can admire the beautiful Annunciation by Beato Angelico). A visit to the beautiful Santa Margherita Sanctuary, patron of the city, and to the Girifalco Fortress should not be missed. Both are on the highest point on the hill and are easy to reach after a short, uphill walk.
Wine Paths: Great red wines are made in this area of Tuscany, Montepulciano and Montalcino are a must go for wine lovers. Montepulciano is only about 14 miles away and is distinguished from the many other historic “borgo” in Tuscany for its unique “underground” cantinas. Montalcino (28 miles), already well-known for its fine red wines during the 15th century, has been made incredibly rich and famous by its Brunello wine, one of the world's best and most appreciated Italian wines.
Thermal baths: The region also offers some of Italy’s finest thermal baths, such as the ones in Bagno Vignoni, Bagni di San Filippo, or Chianciano Terme. Closest are the famous hot springs of Rapolano Terme (13 miles from the mill).
Fashion Outlets: Just minutes by car from the villa is the Valdichiana Outlet Village (5.9 miles). Fashion addicts can also visit the famous “Prada factory outlet” or “the Mall”, which lie on to road to Florence, about 30-35 minutes away.
Rome, Florence and Siena are all easy reachable from the property, either by train or by car.
Umbria: this beautiful region can be reached through the highway or by train, heading south. Interesting art cities such as Orvieto (about 40 minutes away), Todi, Assisi, and further away Gubbio or Spoleto, are all well worth visiting.
