Description
With origins dating back to the 12th century, this historic castle in southern Tuscany is set within a beautiful 40-acre estate of lavender, olive trees and protected forest, only a 20-minute drive from Siena.
Pass summer lavender as you approach the medieval tower, then step through to the charming courtyard from where you can reach and living spaces and bedrooms. The original tower dates back to the 1300s when the estate was a defensive outpost for Siena – the former chapel, now a sumptuous ground floor bedroom, still exists to this day. Since then, it was thought to be a hunting lodge and then a hamlet housing several villagers and animals. Nowadays Palazzone Della Lavanda is a magnificent abode for a wedding, special event or gathering with family and friends.
Sleeping up to 22 guests, the eleven air-conditioned bedrooms are so individual in style, each with their own story to tell. The main part of the castle is home to eight en suite bedrooms including the grand suite where the chapel once was with its historic furnishings and opulent bathroom, and the light-filled corner bedroom on the first floor with vineyard views (there’s a winery next door – tours and tastings can be arranged). The second and third floor bedrooms are part of the 12th century tower.
Just across the courtyard, the farmhouse has three further bedrooms (one en suite, plus a shared bathroom) as well as a characterful dining room for feasts with loved ones. Indeed, the services of the in-house cook and a helper are included five evenings a week – they will prepare and serve traditional Tuscan dishes for a truly authentic experience (guests only have to pay the cost of the ingredients and drinks).
Enjoy a continental breakfast, at an extra cost and to be booked in advance, prepared by the cook who is known for her delicious breakfast pastries, perhaps served in the main kitchen with its arched ceiling or in medieval courtyard during warm summer months. In terms of relaxation, there’s the main lounge with fireplace and billiard table as well as a first-floor salon where nobles were once hosted. Outside, discover a quiet spot in the courtyard by the roses, jasmine and terracotta pots of summer flowers.
Beyond the courtyard, follow old stone steps towards the swimming pool which can be heated on request (for an extra charge). Children will love the enclosed shallow area and there are loungers for sunbathing in the garden.
The vast estate is surrounded by protected forest and there are hikes and biking trails on your doorstep - look out for roaming deer, porcupines, hares, wild boar and migratory birds. The setting is idyllic, part of an organic working farm producing lavender, olive oil and honey. Embrace the serenity as you hear only the distant sounds of cuckoos, jays or farmers at work. Guests can help themselves to vegetables in the large organic kitchen garden.
Despite this remote setting, the local village is only 2km away with its restaurant and grocery shop selling regional products. Wander around the medieval quarter of the village with its old houses and palazzi. Across the area, admire the beauty of the rolling Sienese hills and dense forests in the Montagnola Senese region – the flora and fauna is fascinating throughout the seasons with an abundance of wildlife.
Continue to Siena, around 20 minutes by car, to explore one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations - the iconic Piazza del Campo is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meanwhile, hike or cycle through the woodland, swim in the Merse River and play golf at the Robert Trent Jones Jr designed course before returning to your medieval estate for delicious home-cooked fare by candlelight in this truly remarkable Tuscan setting. /n Security deposit /n €500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. /n Arrival time /n 5.00 - 7.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details. /n Departure time /n 10.00 a.m. /n Energy costs included? /n Yes. There is an extra nightly fee for use of the Electric Vehicle charger, payable locally. /n Linen & towels included? /n Yes. /n Pets welcome? /n On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of €25 per pet, per day, will apply (payable locally). /n Other Ts and Cs /n Two cots and two highchairs are available on request. The cots can be placed in any of the bedrooms except the second and third floor tower rooms. /n Other Ts and Cs /n The services of a private cook and helper are included five evenings a week to prepare a four-course Tuscan feast. Please note that guests have to pay the cost of all food and drink on these evenings.
/n Other Ts and Cs /n Air-conditioning is featured in the eleven main bedrooms only. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information. /n Changeover day /n Saturday. All other changeover days on request. /n End of stay cleaning included? /n Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. /n Smoking Allowed? /n No. /n Minimum stay /n 7 nights. All other durations on request. /n Heating costs included? /n Yes. /n Pool heating charge? /n Pool heating is subject to an extra charge of €300 per week, payable locally (please request in advance). Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. /n Tax /n Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). /n Internet access? /n Wi-Fi internet access included. /n Pool towels included? /n Yes. /n Pool opening dates? /n The pool is open approximately May to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. /n Property Licence Number /n IT052034B534VVKHAU
