The house of Santa Maria with its 17 acres of land, used to belong to the parish of the nearby village of Castiglioncello de Trinoro. Even though it lies on the boundaries of La Foce, 4 kms. from the central fattoria, Benedetta Origo was moved to buy the property in 1973. The architectural quality of the house, as well as its unique location - the building lies tucked against the wooded hills and commands a full view of the val d' Orcia - proved to be more convincing than reason at a time when most people were looking to sell their houses in this area. Who could have known that 25 years later the Val d' Orcia would have grown into on eof the most sought after locations in Italy, where artists, industrialists, politicians, and exclusive wine makers would meet?
AS has often happened in rural Tuscany, the house had been abandoned after WW II. The restoration, which began in 1999, became a case of "architectural salvation". A deep sensitivity for the barren valley as well as a profound knowledge of the local style and materials were needed to create a house which responds to modern needs for space and comfort, while respecting its past. Santa Maria is protected by a hill where an old chestnut grove produces the best chestnuts in the region. Terraced orchards and fields slope down towards the old road. On one of the terraces lies the swimming pool, out of view from the house but only a few minutes walk away. A parking lot is placed below the house, so that cars should not be an eyesore; however, easy car access to the house is provided.
The house has been decorated with the original colors of the Sienese farms: pale yellows, pinks, and blues, with borders of " burnt Siena ". The furniture is local, simple, and attractive, with a few choice antiques. Meals can be taken in the large country kitchen, but on warmer days, you might prefer the loggia with its BBQ and wood fired pizza oven, or again, you might want to sit under the pergola along the front of the house, overlooking the valley.
Ground floor: Large living room with fireplace - Dining room / kitchen which opens onto the loggia - Twin bedroom with en-suite bath. First floor: Master double bedroom with en-suite bath - Twin bedroom with en-suite bath - Study with two sofa beds.
Facilities: Washing machine, dishwasher, telephone, TV, CD-stereo, 13 x 32 ft. pool
Maid service of two hours per day. Extra hours and cook are available.
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