Podere Palazzone was built over two centuries ago by the mastery and age-old wisdom of Tuscan farmers who, before laying the foundation of any podere (farmhouse), considered at length the seasonal influences of breezes, the availability of water, the passage of the sun and the fertility of the land. Located on a ridge separating the Val d’Orcia from the Val di Chiana, both central Tuscany and Umbria and the many beautiful villages in the surrounding area are easily and quickly accessible from the property.

The podere had been abandoned for over 35 years when the current owners viewed it for the first time in 2000. After a complete and sympathetic restoration to preserve its original heritage, the interiors have come to life again offering modern and elegant comfort for the 21st century.

Podere Palazzone benefits from a range of terraces offering sun and shade throughout the day. The eastern facing terrace, warmed by the morning sun, becomes welcoming shade during the hot hours of the afternoon in summer. Natural cooling due to the passage of the day-long breezes that caress the podere makes modern air-conditioning unnecessary.

The spacious entrance leads to a internal courtyard, surrounded by skyward reaching arches on all sides. A glass roof covers what was once an open atrium, a unique architectural feature rarely found in these historic buildings, preserving the luminous and airy sensation of the outdoors whilst being inside. A traditional clay “Ziro,” a large terracotta urn used to conserve Tuscan olive oil, now forms an indoor fountain with the gentle and soothing sound of running water refreshing the soul with its cascading rhythm.

Podere Palazzone includes a spacious and very well equipped kitchen in Carrara marble, fitted with modern electrical appliances including 2 dishwashers, an oven, induction hob and 3 fridges including a fridge freezer with ice maker and separate wine fridge. There is also an internal BBQ fireplace ideal for cosying up on those cooler evenings.

A large informal sitting room with large screen TV off the courtyard leads to the east facing terrace where alfresco dining can be enjoyed with the breathtaking view of Montepulciano on the hilltop opposite.

A formal sitting room on the western side of the podere leads to a generous internal dining room. On this elevation, there is a covered south facing terrace, complete with seating area and stunning views of Monte Amiata, ideal for lazy afternoons reading in the breeze. But come the evening, the spectacle of a red-hot sunset over Pienza, Montalcino and the Sienese countryside will take your breath away – the perfect spot for aperitifs and cocktails.

The internal stone steps lead to the first floor landing where arched windows look out over the stunning view of Montepulciano. On the first floor, the en-suite master bedroom is a very large and spacious suite with large ensuite bathroom. Along with three other spacious en-suite double bedrooms, this section of the house can accommodate a total of eight of the twelve guests.

The extension (or annexe) on the ground floor that was once used to house tractor garages, stores and a workshop, has been converted into a generously-sized separate and self-contained apartment. It accommodates a total of four guests in two en-suite double rooms as well as having its own sitting/dining room, separate kitchen and private terrace with sofa overlooking the countryside towards Montepulciano. It is ideal for those who wish to have a little privacy during their stay whilst travelling with other family members or friends, and is the perfect solution for 3 generational family holidays.

Surrounded by nearly 100 hectares of organic olive groves, arable farmland and native forests, peace and quiet is guaranteed yet the house is still close enough to all modern conveniences such as shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants.

The land around Podere Palazzone, which is part of the Trefonti estate, has been organically  farmed for well over a decade, with the only fertilizer used being crop rotation. Herbicides and pesticides are strictly forbidden and wildlife is truly abundant. Dainty Red Deer can be seen from the pool terrace grazing in the lower fields, and you may hear wild boar or “cinghiali” grunting at night in the distance. Swallows descend on the pool in the evening for their daily drinks while a large variety of other birdlife can be spotted throughout the day.  Palazzone’s perimeter is entirely fenced, keeping our guests safely in and wild animals out.

Rest and relaxation is guaranteed by the 15m long infinity swimming pool where gazebos and umbrellas provide much needed shade during the hottest part of the day. There is also a delightful jacuzzi to be enjoyed on cooler days, which can be heated on request. Paved in local ‘travertino’, the infinity pool and jacuzzi offer magnificent views of Montepulciano nestled on top of the hill at 600 meters above sea level. The Tempio di San Biagio (1545), a masterpiece of Antonio da San Gallo il Vecchio, adorns its lower slopes creating the most breathtaking and romantic view.