Villa Fantino
Property # 8450

Location: 5 km south-west of Siena.

The number of striking particularities of Villa Fantino, a romantic 19th century Villa with private pool, are such, that one is uncertain about which to cite first. Is it the spectacular location, only 5 km from Siena, surrounded only by olive groves, cypress trees and a couple of other famous villas in the distance, with breathtaking views onto the skyline of Siena, the highest tower being the Torre del Mangia which rises from the Piazza del Campo, the piazza where the Palio is held each year? Or is it the generous and airy division of space - living quarters on the ground floor, bedrooms on the first and second floor – all the rooms having high ceilings and large or french windows opening onto the garden, again each with marvelous views? Or is it the gentle atmosphere of time gone by which bestowes a calm serenity to the property, an atmosphere which the owners knowingly saved while thoroughly restoring the house in 2002, (new kitchen and bathrooms, new electricity and central heating, etc.)? The villa offers accomodation for 14 people in 7 bedrooms with 4 full bathrooms and one extra WC.

Villa Fantino is a well proportioned villa on three floors (490 m2), which has been maintained in remarkably original condition. The property is situtated at a short distance (5 km) south-west of Siena. The approach to the house from Siena is by a quiet road that also leads to the well-known castle of Belcaro. A small turning off this road leads to Fantino and the three houses beyond. The property is entered through large gates that lead the visitor into the garden and up to the house.

The formal garden is situated to the west of the main house. The rest of the garden is planned as a large lawn delimited by lemon trees in beautiful old terracotta pots. In front of the dining room a terrace for meals outside is equipped with table and chairs, rambling roses and beautiful old holm oaks give the garden colour and depth. To the back of the house a shaded walk offers magnificent views towards the skyline of Siena.

The house is surrounded by its own land, most of which are olive groves with approximately 1000 olive trees. The private pool (12 x 4,5 metres, 1,2 deep), equipped with sunbeds and deckchairs, is located in a very nice part of the garden, which offers more extraordinary views. A farmer lives in an adjacent building to the villa. He works on the property and attends to the garden and vegetable garden. Guests can obtain fresh vegetables and herbs from the vegetable garden.

Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 4 + 1 WC
Sleeps: 14

The ground floor is composed by an entrance hall, a library with open fireplace and painted ceiling, a double living room, a dining room with painted ceiling and walls, a small dining room, a kitchen with open fireplace, WC. The main rooms have large windows overlooking the garden, some have french windows opening onto the garden.

The first floor is composed of 3 double bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms (one with en-suite bathroom), 2 bathrooms (bathtubs with hand shower), a study and a dressing room.

The second floor is composed of 1 twin bedroom, 1 double bedroom, a dressing room, laundry room, 1 bathroom (shower and bath tub). All of the bedrooms have large windows overlooking the gardens and Siena.

Pool View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Stereo
DVD
Fireplaces
Telephone
American coffee machine
Toaster
Hair dryer
Mini safe
Iron and ironing board
Private parking space for the car
Terrace
Garden
Private pool

Service: The rental includes 2 hours household help per day (5 times a week). Extra help is available upon request. The lady in charge is also an excellent cook, so you might want to ask her to prepare dinner for you on one or the other day. Extra maid service and cook can also be arranged. Upon request we are able to offer a fully laid out welcome meal on the evening of your arrival.

Facilities: The house is equipped with central heating, telephone, TV set (only Italian programs), dishwasher, freezer, washing machine, baby cot and safe, private parking space for the car.

Nearest shopping: In the village Costafabbri, a 5 minutes drive from the Villa (2,5 km). Twice a week a van stops at the back of the house - in front of the kitchen door- delivering fresh bread, milk and pasta.

Bus stop: Buses leaving to and from Siena stop very close to the house (100 m). During the week, the bus to Siena and back leaves about five times a day.

Olive oil: Production of own and very tasteful olive oil which can be bought on the premises.

The famous Palio takes place in the centre of the city on the beautiful Piazza del Campo twice a year (in the beginning of July and in mid-August): a colourful horse-racing festival, held since the Middle Ages, in which every Contrada (city quarter) sends off its festively decorated horse to defend the quarter's honour after it has been blessed in the church. Siena awaits the festival in a fever of anticipation the whole year long. In the week before and after the Palio, celebrations take place in the streets: festive meals are eaten outside on long tables, large banquets in the romantic streets of the town organised by the various Contrade for hundreds of people ...

Touring Ideas:
Siena 5 km
Florence 70 km
Castellina in Chianti 25 km
Buonconvento 30 km
Montalcino 40 km
Pienza 50 km
Grosseto (coast) 80 km

Sports:
Swimming
Sight seeing