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Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia

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Exterior
Property grounds
Exterior
Exterior
Pool

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13215 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Castelluccio di Pienza, Siena
  • Piscine Termali Theia
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Terme di Montepulciano Spa
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Dome of Montepulciano
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Siena (SAY-Ampugnano)
    ‪87 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Il Granaio

1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Crib

La Grancia

1 Queen Bed and 1 Child Bed

La Loggia

1 Double Futon

Suite La Capriata

1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Crib

Suite La Torre

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom Il Granaio

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom La Capriata

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom La Grancia

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Suite La Torre

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia

The farmhouse has a composite structure. Its oldest part is the watching tower with a scarp wall. It was built in the ancient times by the Republic of Siena.
The farmhouse has been completely restored in 2009, according to the principles of bio-architecture; employing building materials such as bricks, slaked lime, wood; walls have been insulated by using cork; the heating system works with bio-masses and solar cells provide hot water. Our hosts will thus enjoy a stay in a healthy structure which takes care for the environment granting at the same time all the comforts required.
It is our desire to make our guests feel at home, in a warm atmosphere. The large open areas will allow a holiday in contact with nature.
New: we have a charging station for electric vehicles with a covered parking space with two T2 sockets for charging up to 10 kW.

We rent the entire facility on a self-catering basis; no meals are included.



Val d'Orcia Park
The territory of the Val d'Orcia is made up, mainly of a hilly landscape with gently rolling hills and valleys typical of the Sienese Crete and a rich variety of vegetation. The river Orcia springs from a gorge and winds its way across the valley.
Erosion of the soil has played a major role in the formation of the landscape with the clay soil laid bare and forming craggy badlands known as calanchi and clay knolls otherwise called biancane or mammelloni.
The tree species found throughout the area are the holm oak, turkey oak and downy oak which cover the territory in woodlands which become thicker towards the Maremma. However the tree which has become a symbol of the Val d'Orcia is the cypress.
The Val d’Orcia is also home to a large variety of wildlife such as the porcupine, badger, beech marten, polecat, weasel, fox, and wild boar. It is an ornithologist’s paradise with the barn owl, eagle owl and little owl, as well as birds of prey such as the buzzard, harrier eagle and kestrel.

Pienza
Small jewel of the Renaissance in the heart in Tuscany, to the center of one of the most beautiful zones in Italy and richer than treasures of art, it owes his name and his fame to Enea Silvio Piccolomini become famous as Pious II. Big part of its more beautiful architecture was made to realize really from Pious Pope II among 1459 and 1462 that is called to work to Pienza one of the most famous architects of the epoch, Bernard Rossellino, turning the suburb native of Corsignano into a splendid Renaissance town, exceptional example of architecture and urbanism fifteenth-century.
Pienza, declared by the Unesco world patrimony of the humanity for the importance of his monuments and his urban order, it also constitutes, an ideal destination for a brief stay, a relaxing vacation between culture and gastronomy, to the center of a territory for big part still uncontaminated.

Montepulciano
The city a very particular configuration: it is constructed along a geological ridge running down from the highest point. Today we find an extremely long main street leading from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande. The houses are organised around this main street ina series of perpendicular short, narrow lanes- often extremely steep. The most important buildings are practically all on the main street, presenting a long procession of facades, almost an 'exhibition'of high level architectural design. There have been tho mai periods of architectural significance in Montepulciano, the XVI Century, and those years bridging the XVII and XVIII Centuries.
The costruction outside the gates of the imposing 'Temple of San Biagio, on a projects of Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio create a 'Style' taken up by most of the master builders, it inspires the palaces of the Avignonesi, Cocconi Cervini, Gagnoni-Grugni, Contucci and Tarugi, to mention only the main names.

Property manager

Carla and Franco
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number IT052009B57BEOQQRM

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Pienza

Located in Pienza, this villa is in a rural area. Torre del Pulcinella and Palazzo Comunale are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include La Foce and RI Crea RE. Horti Leonini and Pinzi Pinzuti are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Map
Castelluccio di Pienza, Siena

What's nearby

  • Piscine Termali Theia - 8 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Terme di Chianciano - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Terme di Montepulciano Spa - 12 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Dome of Montepulciano - 14 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Piazza Grande - 14 min drive - 9.0 km

Getting around

  • Chiusi Chianciano Terme Station - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fattoria Pianporcino - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Bar Pasticceria Amiata Nisi Romaldo - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Albergo Leonardo - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Pasticceria Marabissi - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Nanda - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming Ancient Watch Tower with Swimming Pool in Val d'Orcia located?

Situated in a rural location, this villa is within a 15-minute walk of Val di Chiana and La Foce. Piazza Italia and Piscine Termali Theia are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Anna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
A pleasant stay near beautiful town of Montepulciano.
Thank you, Franco for your friendliness and for helping us with transport.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Howard B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Review
We had a great time at this property. It is a little difficult to reach (down a gravel road) but still in a good location to use as home base while seeing the countryside. The house itself is well equipped. Good WiFi. Lovely pool. Our host Franco was very attentive and could not have been nicer. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful farmhouse with lovely outdoor dining area and pool!
Eight of us spent a magical week, lovely old farmhouse, great pool area, outdoor eating space, comfortable areas for quiet time. Perfect for guests age ranging 9 to 85! The large kitchen made for fun cooking & eating together, as well as the grill and shaded outdoor eating area. So many wonderful places to visit in the area filled our days. Our host was very responsive and we miss the house cat, Gris, who was great company!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sjoerd v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice house for a
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amei F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traumhafte Abgeschiedenheit
Das Haus ist sehr geschmackvoll und stilecht eingerichtet. Es fehlt einem an Nichts! Egal ob Küche, Badezimmer oder Wohnzimmer - alle Bereiche sind super ausgestattet und dabei richtig schön. Sollte doch etwas fehlen war Franco sofort da und hat es gebracht ;-) Die weitläufige Anlage ist toll angelegt und super gepflegt und besonders der Pool lässt keine Wünsche offen. Wir waren zwei Familien mit teilweise kleinen Kindern und alle hatten eine ganz wundervolle Zeit. anbgelegt, sehr geflegt in
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kian O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic place
A place to be, for sure
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Place!
Great place for a large family to relax and explore the Tuscan countryside. Wish we could have stayed longer, we will definitely stay here again! Thank you Franco, loved our stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry C., Olympia, Washington

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Stay
We loved our stay here. The property is very private and stunning. The grounds are beautifully kept up and inviting. There a two resident cats that were highly entertaining and kept us company. The drive in is a long, gravel drive, but well worth a few bumps to reach such a peaceful location.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

arnaud s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Soleil et campagne
Tres bien, mais proprietaire trop intrusif.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sally J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Amazing Property and Stay
We had a wonderful experience from start to finish at La Grencaia. During our reservation process, Franco was very prompt and accommodating to changing dates and needs. Once we arrived, the property exceeded our expectations in terms of the beauty of the grounds, the spaciousness of the home, cleanliness and comfort. The pictures really don’t do it justice… We were lucky to have very nice weather when we were there so utilized the pool almost everyday. A caution to those travelling with young children: it’s almost 5 feet deep so kids will either need to stay in the small pool, or be prepared with floaties. We also took advantage of the private chef service on two occasions and were thrilled with the quality and service-professional but very warm. The location was great: 15 minutes to the Chianciano where there is a grocery store, restaurants, post office etc and the same to Montepulciano, Montichiello and just a bit further to other gorgeous Tuscan towns. There is La Foce Dopolavoro close by for a nice dinner too. I would note on the location that you absolutely need a a car here. It’s about a mile to the main road which is a gravel country road, so you won’t be able to walk into a town or even to a store. Franco was such an accommodating and warm host and our young son fell in love with him as he’d bring fresh eggs and come ti feed the two resident cats every morning! This is a 10/10 recommendation!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Xavier B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Nice !
Perfect on all counts !
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous country villa
Fantastic stay, would have liked to stay here a whole week. Franco was very welcoming. Do be aware it is a 2-3km gravel & dirt road to get to property but we’ll worth it for the peacefulness.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cecilia P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous week in the Val D'Orcia
La Grencaia is a beautiful property in a stunning part of Tuscany. The house and its garden set within the owners' estate far exceeded our expectations. It was ideal for an 'extended' family holiday as the layout of the property meant that the bedroom suites are extremely private but the living room and the 'farmhouse' kitchen are large enough for everyone to gather together for meals or relaxation. Admittedly, other than sleeping, we hardly spent anytime indoors as the garden (and the large dining loggia) and the pool are wonderful. The estate with its olive groves and woodlands ( with the varying wildlife which lives there) is an exciting place to explore for both adults and children. Farther afield, there are wonderful hill top towns to visit and no shortage of great restaurants within an easy driving distance. The owners, Carla and Franco, are extremely welcoming and even prior to our visit helped us enormously by liaising with Wheelchairin Italy.com (at very short notice) and helping with the arrangements to ensure a wheelchair was waiting at the property for my husband and collected after our departure. During our stay, the gardener, Marcello, ensured the gardens and the pool were kept in perfect condition (and kept us supplied with gifts of fresh eggs, fruit and vegetables from the estate). This was definitely one of our most memorable holidays and we would love to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Florian F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent experience
Thank you Franco, it was a pleasure to stay at your property! - everything was perfect, actually the pictures describe at best what to expect and match 100% with what you will find arriving at the property. Starting with the booking and exchange of information prior to our stay to checking in and being taken care of during the week with fresh vegtable from the garden, homemade olive oil or fresh eggs, everything was so locely and just as we had wished for. Also the children loved it, the pool is surrounded by a fence and provides enough safety. The bedrooms are all beautifully decorated with a lot of love and provide plenty of space for several couples plus children with all of them having a bathroom en suite. The kitchen is well equipped and provided everything we needed. But check out yourself, we fully recommend! Thank you Franco! Best regards, Anna & Florian, Eva & Nando, Nina & Tim, Gloria & Josi
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Simply wonderful
La Grencaia is a wonderful house in a beautiful location. The sheer scale of the setting created a sense of peace from the moment we arrived. This, in conjunction with the warm welcome from Franco, established the foundation for a fabulous holiday from the outset. We wanted for nothing in all the time we were there, and everyone we encountered who was associated with La Grencaia was friendly and helpful. The pool area offered a perfect place for the sun worshippers in our group to soak up the brilliant Tuscan rays at their leisure; whilst a number of interesting local towns were close enough for those of us less committed to relaxing in the sun to visit without lengthy journeys. In the evenings, the generous outside eating space enabled us to gather together and enjoy fabulous local wine and food long into nightfall. For anyone looking for a perfect Tuscan holiday, there can be few better places. We look forward to revisiting La Grancaia as soon as life permits.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Graham L.

A dream holiday home, simply stunning.
The most wonderful family holiday destination for those who like something a little different. A truly beautiful house in a dream location, we enjoyed our stay very much. Very private, very calming and extremely beautiful we came away fully relaxed...it was exactly what we wanted and needed. Franco was a great host, available when needed and never intruding. I still have a bottle of ‘house’ olive oil produced from the grove surrounding the property, given to me by Franco, and each time I use it, it takes me back and brings a smile. It is very secluded, and a 15 minute drive from the nearest town (Montepulciano) along unmade roads, so there’s no ‘nipping’ to the shops and crickets/insects can get quite loud, but you’ll soon adjust to them! We will return, it is without doubt the best holiday home we have ever stayed in, our only regret being we didn’t book for longer!

10/10 Excellent

Barbara V.

Beautiful property; welcoming owner.
We loved La Grencaia. Franco is a wonderful host and we hope to return. The villa is isolated enough to feel very private. And the grounds and surrounding farm create a lovely setting.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

sarah f.

Beautiful villa. Lovely hosts
This was perfect for us. The layout allowed our large group sufficient privacy. Garden and pool wee lovely. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Graham R.

Beautiful Tuscan Home
Beautiful and characterful place surrounded by gorgeous garden, fields and olive trees. Lovely pool, long enough to do some proper swimming. Great views across the valley. Idyllic setting and very comfortable. We had a fabulous family holiday here. Franco gave us a great introduction to the property, and was very helpful in making suggestions of where to eat and what to do. We loved it and would definitely like to return one day. One of the best holiday homes we have ever stayed in.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sue A.

A corner of paradise
I had a very relaxing holiday in a corner of Paradise. Far away from busy roads in the middle of a wonderful natural scenery surrounded by olive trees and woods. The only noise was the running water of the swimming pool! I would suggest it to anyone who needs to relax and enjoy nature although at a short drive from the wonderful art towns of Pienza, Montepuciano and the breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kelly O.

Pure relaxation and loveliness!
We had the most amazing holiday! The villa is beautiful and the hosts make you feel like special guests in their home. We had dinner cooked in the villa and it was exquisite. Cannot wait to return for a longer stay! Thank you Carla and Franco❤️
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Selina H.

Ein absoluter Traum
Es war ein Traum!!! Das Haus ist wunderschön und sehr liebevoll eingerichtet, die Gastgeber waren sehr freundlich. Alles war sehr sauber. Die einzelnen zimmer sind super aufgeteilt, jedes Schlafzimmer hat sein eigenes Bad. Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder! Vielen lieben dank Franco!!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dylan R.

Amazing property in great location. Highly recommend
Wonderful vacation for family. Carla, Franco and Marcello were incredibly friendly and accommodating when we met them. I wished we could have stayed all summer!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara V.

Beautiful property
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here at this property. The grounds of the property were lovely, surrounded by olive trees, and very private. The rooms were nice and clean and each bedroom had a bathroom connected to it and every bathroom had a shower. It is very close to a wonderful restaurant in La Foce and 10 - 15 minutes away from the towns of Montepulciano and Chianciamo Terme. You are also about an hour away from Siena and Cortona making it a very convienient location for day trips. The owner is charming, met us upon our arrival, and even brought us a home made apple cake one day that was delicious! The only downside was that there was no interior connection between the main living area / main kitchen and the bedrooms / bathrooms. So if you were in the main living area and needed to use the bathroom, you had to walk outside back to the bedrooms. Overall this is a lovely property and I would recommend it!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lauren D.

Amazing villa with gracious hosts
We absolutely loved our stay at Franco and Carla's beautiful villa. The home is comfortable and well-equipped with everything you could need for your stay. It is also nicely located just a few minutes from Montepulciano and an easy drive from the other hilltop towns nearby. Franco and Carla were lovely hosts and checked in with us several times during our stay to make sure we were comfortable. They even brought us a homemade pie to enjoy! We would absolutely recommend this property for your upcoming stay in Tuscany.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2016

About the host

Hosted by Carla and Franco

Host profile image
The countryhouse has been owned by Franco and Carla since 1997 but it took a long time to have it restored and to change the uncultivated land into a large olive grove with more than 900 young olives , fruitrees and orchards. Franco has accomplished his dream to change an abandoned dilapidated farm into a lovely place where to enjoy life with his beloved pets, go for long walks into the woods and work hard. He loves talking with his guests and giving them suggestions about the less popular walks to appreciate the rustic atmosphere of genuine Val d'Orcia.
The olive trees produce a very tasty organic extra virgin olive oil and Franco is really proud of his production and loves to have it tasted by his guests

Languages:

English, French, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests