On the edge of Castelmuzio, a hilltop village in the magnificent Val d'Orcia in Tuscany, is a small public terrace overlooking the valley, equipped with tables and chairs. Next to it hangs a sign with an inscription that translates as “A place to meet, talk, be silent, think, and lose one’s gaze in the green sea of hills.” The motto of the villa, located just a short walk away, could be the same. It is a beautiful house with large double doors and green-shuttered windows, situated in a peaceful piazza among the village’s winding cobbled streets.
This enchanting villa is not just a Tuscan home: in Italy, this type of house is known as a palazzo signorile, which can be translated as “aristocratic house.” This elegant and refined townhouse (200 sqm) is located in the quiet Piazza San Bernardino, also known as Piazza IV Novembre, of a charming 13th-century town in the province of Siena, in the heart of the breathtaking UNESCO-protected Val d'Orcia valley. The villa is nestled in the historic center of Castelmuzio, conveniently located north of Rome and south of Florence, about a 20-minute drive from the A1 motorway.
The exceptional charm of this house lies in its fidelity to its historical roots. The four-level villa exudes the authentic spirit of Tuscany. The traces of time are evident in the architecture, as well as in the perfection of its centuries-old details. Interiors with natural light and elegant decoration, wrought iron railings, and beamed ceilings throughout represent a beautiful combination of traditional and modern elements, creating a refined and cozy atmosphere. Although most of the building has been restored, it has retained a sense of grandeur, and guests can also stroll through the cobbled streets of the village to immerse themselves in the rich history of the region.
The property features four air-conditioned bedrooms. The ground level is home to a large bedroom 1 equipped with a king-size bed and access to the bathroom across the hallway. On the second level, you will find spacious bedrooms 2 and 3, both featuring queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Bedroom 2 is connected to a small room, located on the other side of the bathroom, which can be used as an additional single bedroom or a dressing area/reading room. Similarly, bedroom 3 is connected to a study.
Bedroom 4 is another large suite located on the third level, offering a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub (with handheld shower). All bathrooms are modern and stylish. High-quality bedding is provided in each bedroom.
The 8-seater dining room and kitchen are on either side of a beautiful working fireplace, and in case you prefer to dine at home, cookware and utensils, as well as a wine fridge and Sage coffee machine, are provided. Adjacent to the dining room is a lovely breakfast terrace with a barbecue/pizza oven and shaded dining area where you can leisurely enjoy your morning cappuccino, soaking up the sun, as well as al fresco lunch or dinner.
At the rear of the house is a large, well-kept garden planted with cypress and fig trees, pomegranates, and various flowers. The main terrace features a refreshing plunge pool (3 × 4 m) and sun loungers where guests can bask in the Tuscan sun.
Tiny Castelmuzio is a slice of authentic rural Tuscany, away from the tourist crowds. The village has a small grocery store. There is a rustic restaurant just a minute's walk from the house, and you will find several other dining venues nearby — a 10-minute drive will take you to the popular local restaurant Trattoria L'Ombelico del Mondo, and The Isabella Experiences offers authentic cooking classes and wine tastings. The villa is located in the UNESCO-protected Val d'Orcia, stretching from Siena to Mount Amiata — a stunning image of Tuscany with rolling hills lined with vineyards, olive and cypress trees, and dotted with medieval villages. Pienza is particularly charming, and Bagno Vignoni is worth visiting for its thermal baths.
