About
This Space
Hidden up a winding country road in the heart of La Selva National park, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forest, il Capriolo is the perfect hideaway for a relaxed Tuscan vacation. The 17th century farmhouse and adjacent hay barn had been abandoned for generations when the Italian/American owners stumbled upon them. After two years of hard labor, a total renovation and careful restoration have been completed, transforming the villa into the quintessential luxury vacation rental in Tuscany. The farmhouse and hay barn can be rented together or separately, making this property the perfect retreat for families and groups both big and small. As it is located an easy drive from Siena (30 minutes), Florence (less than an hour), San Gimigniano (30 minutes), Monteriggioni (15 minutes), the ocean (I hour), Cortona (just over an hour), . . . . . the villa is ideally placed to use as a base to explore Tuscany.
The main 400m2/ 4300 SQ FT villa has 5 bedrooms; all with en suite bathrooms (3 with showers, one with tub and hand held shower, and one with shower and tub) spread out over three floors. The annexe (hay barn) has three bedrooms and three en suite bathrooms. Rented together, they can accommodate up to 16 people in complete comfort, luxury and privacy.
The large pool (5 x 14.5 meters), shared between the two villas, is dramatically set against the backdrop of forest and distant hills among lavender, rosemary, rose bushes and other local Tuscan flora. There is ample pool furniture (seating and umbrellas) provided, along with covered outdoor dining tables, enabling one to spend leisurely moments lounging in comfort.
The main 5-bedroom villa provides all the luxuries of modern living with all the allure of Old World Italy. The inside of this 17th century farmhouse has been completely renovated, while the outer structure remains in its original state. The stones were taken out, cleaned and lovingly placed back, adhering to the original design of the farmhouse. Great thought was put into the design of the villa in order to retail the original charm while providing all of the needs of modern day living.
Step into the huge double living room with 9 meter high traditional Tuscan beam ceiling, hand carved fireplace with a chocolate travertine mantle, two gorgeous arches, open chef’s kitchen and bar. Light streams through large double-glazed Tuscany windows, offering panoramic views and vistas at every turn. All of the rooms have ceiling fans, and all of the windows and doors throughout both houses are double-glazed and equipped with screens. A guest bathroom by one of the main entrances features a toilet, sink and washing machine (sorry, no dryer- it is not necessary under the Tuscan sun). There is a study with satellite/cable TV and internet access (sorry, no high speed available at this time).
The custom-designed kitchen is equipped with a large Whirlpool refrigerator (with ice maker), professional stovetop on a centrally located island, three-foot oven, two double stainless steel sinks, dishwasher, and custom made cabinets with black marble tops. Access to a covered outdoor eating patio with seating for 16 (not visible from the Barn House) is directly available from the kitchen. The large formal dining room is located below grade to ensure cool temperatures throughout the summer, and is accessed directly from the kitchen by means of a ramp of steps.
Next door to the main farmhouse, the 170m2 former hay barn has been transformed into a lovely and luxurious 3 bedroom villa. As in the main house, all of the rooms have ceiling fans, and all of the windows and doors are double-glazed and equipped with screens. It includes three large bedrooms, each with its en suite bathroom (2 with shower, one with sit-down tub and handheld shower).
The spacious designer kitchen has been made-to-order and includes a built-in dishwasher, professional stovetop, oven and double stainless steel sink. All the cabinets are custom made; pink travertine tops cover all work surfaces in the kitchen. A washing machine is located in a closet between the kitchen and downstairs bedroom (sorry, no dryer – it’s not necessary with the Tuscan sun!). The dining area and spacious living room connect to the kitchen through a pass-through opening. You will find Cable TV and internet access (sorry, high speed internet has not yet reached Capriolo) in the living room for your convenience. Step out of the living room and into the Italian countryside to find an enclosed private patio for outdoor dining (not visible from the Main house).
The charming and accommodating bi-lingual owners are American expats, who have been living full time in Italy for the past 20 years (also the owners of il Poggio: http://www.haveninparis.com/rental/poggio.php). They live close by on a separate estate that has been in their family since 1743, which includes a winery and olive tree holdings. They make wonderful Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive oil and various red Tuscan wines. They will happily organize many extra luxury services: catering, market shopping, cooking lessons, tours and hikes, bike rentals, hot air ballooning, wine tasting and tours of the winery, olive picking, additional cleaning and more, allowing you to have a truly relaxing Tuscan vacation rental experience. Additional maid service is available upon request.
Please note: There are numerous staircases throughout both of the villas making them inappropriate for anyone with difficulties walking or climbing.
