About this property
Villa Sellace is a fine, original Tuscan country home offering elegantly rustic accommodation for 16 guests, set within acres of its own parkland, deep in the sweeping southern Tuscan countryside. Emanating a pace of life within the spirit of local life, this handsome home is a stylish option, along with historically faithful interiors and all the comforts needed for a seamless stay.
Entering the dining space, guests will stop to draw breath at this majestic sight setting the scene for bountiful group dinners, or perhaps a chef-prepared meal of local delicacies. Featuring exposed timber beams, original flagstone floor and open fireplace, it lends a nod to a medieval banquet; artfully unadorned with arch doors and simple furnishings, this unfussy space offers simple décor within a historical ambience. A chic open living space blends contemporary touches such as vivid red and purple furnishings and avant-garde lighting within a modern-rustic space; curling up with a good book and a glass of local Chianti wine in front of a roaring fire will be about as good as it gets. A simple farmhouse style kitchen discreetly blends the ancient interiors with a sleek set of modern touches, along with exposed brickwork and hanging lights for an industrial touch. Brimming with character and flair, this home is finessed with a stylist’s eye and a lightness of touch, remaining faithful to the original building, along with quirky features such as the bonsai trees and accents of vibrant colour.
The bedrooms emanate understated elegance, from Art-Deco polished brass four poster beds, to antique timber furnishings and the grand open fireplace in the Master bedroom. Use of local raw materials, from unpolished timber, to stone, to marble and slate features throughout this home, and sleek touches such as the über-contemporary slate showers, double sinks and fittings add to the understated air of quality that permeates this home.
Ideal for large families, or groups, the “sharing room” has a sweet window-seat style bed, along with a double (perhaps ideal for parents with a young child), while the fun mezzanine loft level has three further beds and all the modern touches such as satellite television - a great den for siblings, friends or cousins. With acres of private space, the gardens offer an orchard, sweeping lawns with space for games such as bolle (boules) and croquet, and a glistening pool set within a chic patio space. Several al fresco dining areas offer ample choice: from a refreshing pool-side breakfast, to a barbecue on a balmy night under the wicker pergola, to afternoon tea on the ancient stone patio. Fragrant with lavender and swaying pines, guests will slow the pace and imbibe all this region has to offer.
Villa Sellace is set just five minutes from the medieval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, overlooking the historic Val d’Orcia in the province of Siena. Both Siena (88km) and Arezzo (75km) are accessible within a day trip, known for their famous historical churches, monuments, and art heritage. Both Chiusi and Pienza, both about twenty minutes drive, offer abundant local flavour and are known for traditional cheese production and historical churches. With country views as far as they eye can see, Villa Sellace is an oasis of style, comfort and authentic Tuscan living, that will leave lasting memories.
Villa Sellace is nestled an hour and fifteen minutes south east of Siena, and just over and hour south of Arezzo, in a lesser trodden part of Southern Tuscany known for its mountain villages and traditional way of life. Just five kilometres from Villa Sellace is the medieval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, overlooking the historic Val d’Orcia in the province of Siena.
Pienza is set amid sweeping Tuscan hills, and is widely known as the ‘ideal city of the Renaissance,’ with historical buildings at every turn and stunning views. Pieve di Corsignano is a romanesque church with three naves and ancient origins in the 7th century. Pienza is also the city of cacio, a delicious cheese made from sheep's milk and known worldwide.
Ways of life in the region, such as wine and cheese making, have remained largely unchanged for centuries, whilst heading down to the chianti hills will make for a fine afternoon’s wine tasting. The graceful, Renaissance hilltop town of Montepuliciano is worth a visit; its famous wine is sublime when washed down with wild boar pasta.
Arezzo, Tuscany’s vibrant city although being primarily known for Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca, is not overly-crowded. The Church of San Francesco is the most famous in Arezzo, with the incredible Early Renaissance fresco cycle depicting the Legend of the True Cross. Arezzo, aside from its artistic heritage, monasteries and chapels, has a long-standing tradition of gold smithery dating back to the 15th century; as one of the world’s capitals of gold, as well as the huge monthly antiques fair that takes place on the first Sunday of every month, drawing international crowds to the Piazza Grande.
Rome and Florence are both just a day trip’s visit from Villa Sellace, while Chiusi is just 25 minutes east, offering rich Etruscan historical monuments, also known for its underground tunnels, one of Tuscany’s oldest churches and fine home-made local pasta.
Accommodation
Villa Interior
Ground Floor
- Living room with fireplace
- Dining room
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower
- Double bedroom with private entrance and en-suite bathroom with shower
- Guest toilet
- Cloakroom
First Floor
- Double bedroom with study (with fireplace) and bathroom with shower bath
- Children's bedroom with window-seat style sofa bed, a double with two singles and a double in an internal loft space and en-suite shower room (on request)
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower bath
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower bath
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower bath
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower
Outside Grounds
- Heated (solar panel and boiler) swimming pool (20x4m), open approximately from April to October
- Hot tub
- Veranda
- 3 hectares of land
- Stone patio with barbecue
- Second paved patio
- Garden pergola with seating
- Terrace pergola with seating
- Pool side seating and loungers
- Outdoor dining furniture
- Lawns
- Orchard
- Parking spaces
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Telephone
- Air conditioning in the bedrooms and dining room
- Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
- Satellite TV
- VCR and DVD player
- i-Pod
- Stereo
- Ice maker
- Dishwasher
- Underfloor heating
- Hairdryer in each bedroom
- Table-tennis table
- Volley ball nets
- Football nets and balls
- Croquet set
- Bocce (boules) set