Casa Maria

In summary

Casa Maria lies in the middle of open farmland, surrounded by fields of wheat and sunflowers on one side and a small wood and the strange shapes of the distinctive clay hillocks and scrub which characterize the local landscape on the other. A winding gravel road lined with oak trees running along a little stream anticipates the peaceful bucolic spirit that pervades the house.

Casa Maria is a large sunny house built in the local stone, overgrown with rambling roses, honeysuckle and ivy, and surrounded by a garden where Mediterranean aromatic plants such as rosemary, sage, lavender and thyme flourish. The pool is set against a backdrop of the typical Siena clay hillocks; wild rose and broom bushes growing in the garden blend into the surrounding countryside.


Indoors and outdoors

On one side of the house lies the pool house, which also contains a garden kitchen for outdoor meals. A pergola covered in vines and wisteria provides shade over a large table. 

The main living quarters are on the first floor, which is reached by an external staircase leading into a large living room with an open fireplace. The walls have been lime-washed in a sunny light shade. The adjacent kitchen has a typically Tuscan kitchen range and hood, with a fireplace at the same level to make cooking over the fire easier. The walls have been painted a stunning blue lime wash, in the characteristic style of old kitchens in peasant farms, as blue was supposed to keep the flies away in the summer. The cow-shed on the ground floor has been converted into a large summer room which looks out onto the garden. A double room with 2 original antique beds and its en-suite bathroom are also on the ground floor.

Ground floor:
- Large summer lounge (70 m2)
- Bedroom with twin beds with private bathroom with shower, wheelchair accessible
- Laundry room

First floor:
- Large living room with fireplace
- Kitchen with fireplace and dining room
- 2 double bedrooms with private bathroom
- 1 bedroom with twin beds
- 1 double bedroom
- 1 shared bathroom

Garden:
12 x 6 meter swimming pool
Pergola covered with vines and wisteria and a large outdoor dining table with a small adjoining kitchen equipped with everything you need (fridge, stove, oven).


Location

Halfway between Florence and Rome, Val d'Orcia is also within easy reach of Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto. Renaissance and medieval gems such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Monticchiello and Montalcino are only a few miles away. The countryside abounds in lovely walks among woods and the characteristic "crete senesi"; the food is among the best in Tuscany and famous wines such as the Vino Nobile and Brunello can be tasted in the local cellars and restaurants.