Villa Penelope, Italy, Tuscany, Area of Grasseto, Maremma, 5 Bedrooms, Private Pool

Villa Penelope, originally dating from the 14th century, has been newly renovated using traditional materials. The property stands on a large garden, with a beautiful swimming pool next to a small olive grove. The house looks out over a peaceful rural scene. Sheep graze in the next door field and vineyards and olive groves line the small country road which leads to the house. Despite being in a perfectly quiet rural setting, the stunning town of Pitigliano, an Etruscan hill top town, is but a five minute drive.

Division of the Villa

On the ground floor of the house, there is a large living area, with wood burning fire place and three sets of French doors leading to the covered terrace. From the terrace, you can enjoy the evening sunset and see the old town of Pitigliano, including the bell tower of the duomo. Behind the gentle hills, in the distance, one can also see the steep rise of Monte Amiata.

Adjoining the living room, there is a fully modernized kitchen with modern appliances, marble covered counter tops and kitchen table, and access to the kitchen garden. Also on the ground floor there are two full double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. A third bedroom (with double sofabed) is located close by. All bedrooms have their own private access through French doors to the garden.

The old stone staircase to the upstairs leads to a corridor and two double bedrooms each with a full bathroom. One of the double bedrooms also has a third bed on a raised level. The bedrooms both have superb views across the countryside and the town of Pitigliano in the distance.

The property is 280 sq meters, and sleeps 10 (maximum 11). The property can be rented year round. The swimming pool (6x12 meters), set in the three quarter hectare garden, is open during the summer months. During the winter, there is an efficient two-zone heating system.

The property is excellently situated. Only eight kilometers away, Pitigliano, during medieval times an arch rival of nearby Siena, holds great historical interest, with sites such as the 15th century Orsini castle, and one of the oldest Jewish ghettos in Italy, “the Little Jerusalem", with a 16th century synagogue, a museum, and even a Jewish bakery and butcher. The town also offers a variety of excellent restaurants (list can be provided), interesting shops run by local artisans and food and wine specialists, a weekly market, and a hospital (with ER).

There is much to visit in the surrounding area. Pitigliano is in the Etruscan heartland, surrounded by beautiful medieval towns such as Sorano, Sovana and Vulci. It is also on the Maremma wine route, famous for the red Morellino di Scansano. At 50 kilometers, Orvieto boasts a magnificent 14th century gothic duomo. And a mere 20 kilometers away, the hot springs of Saturnia offer a luxurious respite for the tired traveler. The magnificent volcanic lake of Bolsena is 30 minutes drive. The nearest airport is Rome, which is 120 kilometers away.