I worked for an Italian company for many years and have visited Italy many, many times. That was when my desire to buy a house was born. After a great deal of research, this building turned out to be just what I was looking for, situated as in the heart of a wild environment and landscape untouched by urban development. The Val d'Orcia is the very essence of Tuscany. As well as its beauty, the region has many historic towns and villas, numerous Etruscan sites and water towns concentrated in it.
The house was built on a hillside and follows the slope of the land. Several of the buildings, which have now been brought together, bear witness to its expansion over time to meet the needs of the farming business and the family. The thick rustic walls were built from local stone, some of which have been rendered. The house has retained its typical regional features: an outside stone staircase, a hearth, beams and a bread oven. It has been completely restored and restructured by a heritage architect and specialist local craftsmen using original Tuscan materials. It has retained its identity and character while remaining comfortable and functional.
Named Favollelo – meaning fabulous in Tuscan dialect – the house probably dates back to the 18th century. It is an old family farm that used to be devoted to livestock and olive growing. I bought this property 25 years ago when all the buildings were in ruins. I completely restored it keeping its original character and respecting the building's soul and history.
A long terrace overlooks the 800 m2 garden planted with cypress trees and offers an exceptional view of Mount Amiata, a real spectacle whatever the time of day, weather or light. The Val d'Orcia, a natural, artistic and cultural park, lies to the south of the province of Siena and to the north-east of the lava dome Monte Amiata. Covering an area of around 60 000 hectares, the region offers a unique combination of art, history, cuisine and nature. This area is on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to the state of conservation of its landscapes, which had a considerable influence on many Italian Renaissance artists. And Pienza is only a few minutes' walk or cycle ride from the house.
Chiarentana's best olive oils can be found in the surrounding area. Hiking trails are well signposted, and from Pienza you can easily reach Montichiello and San Quirico d'Orcia. The "Dopolavoro" restaurant and its garden are a pleasant stop-off point for those wishing to visit the gardens of the monumental villa "La Foce", a listed historic monument. Film buffs love to visit Santa Maria in Campena, where a scene from The English Patient was filmed, or the wheat field from Gladiator. You can also discover all that the historic town of Pienza has to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, architecture and culture. It was in Pienza that Renaissance urban planning concepts were first applied in 1459, with a new vision of urban space.
The house, with its garden, swimming pool and commanding position with views as far as the eye can see, offers an interesting and original setting for short photo shoots and filming. Further accommodation is available just a five-minute drive away.
ref 702646
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