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TUSCANY PROPERTIES
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VILLA LA FOCE
CHIANCIANO
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Sleeps 12 / 19
Villa La Foce is the main house on the
property, consisting today of almost 1200
acres of farmland several farmhouses. It was
originally built at the end of the 15th century
as a wayside tavern, but soon became the
center of an estate belonging to the great
Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala in Siena.
In 1924 it was purchased by Antonio and Iris
Origo, and turned it into their comfortable
home, from where they farmed and
developed the land.
The villa is built on three levels, following
the lie of the land, and is surrounded by the
now famous gardens created by Iris Origo
and the English architect Cecil Pinsent - a
"labor of love" lasting many years. The
house is full of old world charm, not showy,
but with beautiful antique furniture and
comfortable beds.
There are many cultural activities organized
by and around La Foce, held mainly in the
"Castelluccio", a medieval castle only 1 km.
away, that gathers numerous music and art
lovers to this beautiful and unspoiled part of
Tuscany, the Val d'Orcia, that has recently
been included among the World History sites
of UNESCO.
Three gardeners look after the premises,
including the swimming pool opposite the
limonaia. Two full time maids (including a
local cook) and extra daily help to care for
the house and its guests. Meals are often held
under the pergola in the garden, where guests
can relax in the shade of the roses and
wisteria, lulled by the sound of water in the
nearby fountain.
The Villa has an independent apartment on
the first floor, with its own kitchen - a
perfect retreat for children and nannies, or
younger guests.
The main villa has a delightful library with a
fireplace and sofas, a sunlit living room with
SAT TV, a central frescoed dining room with
a balcony for very special evenings, and a
study - all on a raised ground floor. A music
and living room, with a fireplace and two
pianos, and several sofas and armchairs, offer
plenty of room for entertaining friends and
family gatherings, on a lower floor. A large
kitchen and a second dining room are also on
this floor, along with a breakfast room with
double French doors facing an inner
"fountain" garden. All rooms have stunning
views over the gardens and valley.
Raised Ground Floor: Entrance hallway -
Half bath - Library - Study - Dining room
with frescoes - Living room with SAT TV -
Two suite, each with a double and a single
bedroom and an en-suite bath - Double
bedroom with en-suite bath
First Floor: (overlooking the balconied dining
room) Double bedroom with en-suite bath -
Single bedroom with its own bath across the
hall
Lower Floor: Large living room with
fireplace, opening to garden and pool - In
another wing, Breakfast room with French
doors opening to garden pergola - Dining
room - Kitchen
The first floor apartment has two double
bedrooms, a triple bedroom and a large and
luminous living room. The views from all of
these windows overlook the garden and the
valley. This used to be the private apartment
of Iris Origo. There is also a kitchen with a
dining table and fireplace.
Apartment: Double bedroom with en-suite
bath and dressing room - Twin bedroom with
en-suite bath - Triple bedroom (extra bed can
be removed if not required) - Living room
A washer / dryer and ironing table for use by
guests
Garden: The garden at La Foce is completely
at the disposal of La Foce guests, except on
Wednesday afternoons, when it is open to
the public from 3 - 7 PM. Visitors are not
allowed to wander, but are taken on strictly
guided tours.
Rental includes:
- Electricity, water, heating if necessary,
firewood
- Two full time maids and an extra help
for the house - gardeners, pool
maintenance
- Food shopping (not wines - guests are
encouraged to chose their own)
- Toiletries and hair dryers in each
bedroom
- Meals (not on Sundays): These include
continental breakfast, lunch, plus 2
dinners per week
- Twice weekly change of bed linen,
bath and pool towels
Extras:
- Use of house telephone, internet
- Personal laundry can be obtained from
the maid
- Babysitting
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PRICES
Prices available on request
Prices and start dates subject to change without
notice. Please check with us to confirm price and dates.
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T U S C A N E S T A T E S 
