Villa Montecastelli is the tangible realization of the vision of Jens and Ruth Schmidt (who also specialize in importing small-production artisanal wines). The couple restored this thousand-year-old castle with a view to reviving the art of hospitality in this little hamlet situated between Siena and San Gimignano.
Villa Montecastelli offers a lovely, serene retreat in the idyllic Tuscan countryside. This picturesque and majestic castle retains elements of its past, evoking both its initial role as a medieval fortress and subsequent service as monastery. Both Firenze and Siena are less than an hour's drive away, and the charming medieval town of San Gimignano is within sight of the estate. The Villa sits among the groves of the Montecastelli farm, where the Schmidts produce organic oil from their olive trees and grow fragrant herbs.
The Experience
The estate is truly attuned to the fine wine and food enthusiast, offering private wine lessons in the estate's professional tasting room and customized cooking classes. The hosts will also arrange wine tours throughout Italy, with Jens serving as guide in the vineyard, cellar, and tasting room. Of particular significance to the traveler is Villa Montecastelli's informal position as a central resting point for those traveling in the zones of Siena, Firenze, San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Chianti.
Accommodations
The villa's structural make-up comprises four rustic Italian apartments. Guests enjoy spacious kitchen and dining rooms, high-speed internet connection, and individual outdoor terraces (furnished with a grill) looking out upon the distant vineyards and San Gimignano.
Four private apartments representing different sizes may be rented on an individual basis or collectively, thereby accommodating a maximum of 16 guests. Each of the apartments takes the name of a principal olive variety grown on the property:
FRANTOIO – sleeps 6
MORAIOLO – sleeps 4
LECCINO – sleeps 4
PENDOLINO – sleeps 2
Activities
Guests possess access to the entire grounds and use of the outdoor swimming pool. They may also choose to relax in the courtyard or beneath the arbors in the garden. Activities beyond estate grounds include hot air balloon trips; visits to one of several bath houses, including the ancient Roman Bagno Vignoni; and swimming in Colle Val d'Elsa's Olympic Pool.
Surrounding Area
Villa Montecastelli is situated within one hour of Firenze and Montalcino and
within approximately 30 minutes of San Gimignano and Siena. It is also a three-hour
drive from both Rome and Milan.
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