Description
This villa is a work of art in its own right. The realisation of this jewel was only possible through the perfect interplay between the subtle architectural design of the individual buildings and the conservation area planning process.
The architect, moreover, succeeded in carrying out state-of-the-art renovations which, at the same time, enhance the property‘s sustainability: ventilation technology, underfloor heating, 5 cm-thick adobe plaster, energy-saving windows and doors and air-conditioning ensure a pleasant, healthy interior climate all year long.
The estate comprises several buildings:
Heritage villa
Tower villa
San Pietro Martyr Chapel
Wellness house
Bath house
Due to hill-top location of the property with 340m altitude there are stunning 360 degree views just across the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, on the Monte San Michele, the highest mountain of the Chianti (893m), and in distance the Apennine mountains (1,000m)
The grounds cover an area of some 5 hectares. The country estate is surrounded by beautiful olive groves, vineyards and holm oak forests offering a multitude of walking paths.
The cypress-lined driveway leading to the estate is like something you would find in a picture book. Car access and parking spaces are situated unobtrusively in the olive grove so that the entire estate between the chapel and the main buildings remains a pristine haven.
Each building leads out into its own garden area. Furnished like lounges, the terraces and gazebos offer idyllic spots in which to rest and relax.
The kitchen house offers every modern convenience for celebrations or elegant dining on the terrace. Boasting a diameter of 2 metres, the centuries-old wood-fired oven used to provide for the whole village. The smokers‘ lounge is also situated here.
Beneath the terrace and enjoying a breathtaking view is the 12-metre pool complete with cabanas, daybeds and a lounge on the wide wooden sundeck.
The San Pietro Martyr Chapel was built in 1580 by Ludovico da Verrazzano. The paintings and the altar are currently under restoration. The chapel has space for 15 people for wedding ceremonies. On leaving the chapel, the view of the setting sun is simply stunning, while its forecourt offers an idyllic spot for meditation.
Villa
The living space includes a dining room/lounge/bar, the smokers‘ lounge and the wine cellar
for tastings.
The interior furnishings in the living areas exude a subtle, eclectic flair that radiates a
historic feel. Elegant and classical, the interiors are designed in shades of beige and grey that
accentuate the charm of the historic buildings. Lavishly-sized armchairs from various eras
offer luxuriant comfort for relaxing or catching up with the rest of the world.
A long-standing local carpenter from Panzano handcrafted the parquet flooring out of old wine
barrels, the red wine stains and the aroma of which have remained preserved until today.
An oversized bar counter was created out of a 10 metre-long roof beam of precious holm oak
(which could no longer fulfil its original function as a result of the current earthquake protection
regulations).
Further characteristic features of the buildings include walls, at least one in every room, that
have been elaborately restored back to their natural stone state, with several of the structures
dating back 1,000 years, and old Serena stone door frames and sills, some of which were
renovated and others replaced by new hand-crafted ones.
8 Suites:
Boasting picture-book views from every window, all the suites are spaciously laid out (most
comprise two rooms), furnished with 5-star box spring beds (king size, 180 cm wide with a
mattress depth of 40 cm and luxurious toppers), partially an open fireplace, individually
designed with designer fabrics from Tricia Guild and Kenzo and antique Persian rugs from
the owner-family‘s own valuable collection.
The suites all have exposed natural stone walls and Serena stone edging, temperature
and humidity regulating adobe-clad walls and glossy, silky-smooth stucco lustro, centuries-old
cotto floors or parquet flooring made from old wine barrels, individually adjustable air
conditioning, flat screen LED televisions and Broadband Internet access.
All the suites have luxurious bathrooms (some integrated into the room) finished in
hand-selected marble and appointed with XL showers with chromotherapy rain shower
heads, handmade marble shower bases, freestanding washbasins set on custom-made marble
tables and partially freestanding designer cast stone bathtubs. Each with a window boasting
breathtaking views, the bathrooms offer the perfect place to linger and relax.
Private Wellness Center:
The Wellness House – formerly a spacious barn now housing two beds, a whirlpool, an open fireplace
and a relaxation area
The Bath House – spacious marble hammam with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the vineyards
The outdoor well-being area with a 12-metre pool surrounded by day beds and sun terraces
The yoga plateau for guided retreats or individual training
The indoor gym with Technogym equipment
Philosophy:
The untouched authenticity of Tuscany, combined with the close-to-nature interior design create
the basis for our wellness philosophy. We believe in traditional health approaches not using
technical equipment or invasive procedures.
The body rituals have been conceived exclusively for self-application in the wellness
house and bath house. We provide the individual, finest-quality care products (exfoliants, bath
additives, body wraps) and you can use the products together with your partner or friends, alone in
contemplative calm.
Our recommended shiatsu specialist and TCM doctor are available on request.
Wellness House
Accommodated in what was formerly an ancient barn, the design of the wellness house was an
elaborate architectural undertaking. The spectacular private room offers optimum comfort for guests
who need to relax and unwind.
With a design that combines antique elements with exquisite new marble, the area includes a
double whirlpool, a massage/colour therapy shower, an open fireplace, a relaxation gallery and a
panoramic window offering a view of the Castle of Panzano. The long-standing smith from the town
of Greve was able to restore the old, damaged iron spiral staircase and make it functional again for
accessing the gallery.
Bath House
The Bath House too was given a building all to itself – namely the former sty.
Here the owner fulfilled her personal dream of integrating the bath house into the surroundings to
the extent that you feel as though you are actually lying in the vineyard.
Detox in its purest form – here the ancient tradition of the hammam comes to life with the ceremony
of washings and exfoliations.
A panoramic terrace complete with spectacular views, an open-air shower made of old, natural
stone, a screened-off outdoor area and a jacuzzi with space for 5 round off the hammam experience.
Fitness
Pool
Not only can guests enjoy the sunrise from the 12 metre long pool offering unobstructed 180-degree
views, they can savour the last rays of sunshine until well into the evening. The pool is sunk into a
spacious wooden terrace with comfortable, shady day beds and loungers. Every suite has its own
day bed which is covered with fresh towels every morning and where guests can leave their
personal items, such as books etc., throughout the day.
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Located at the Bath House, the Jacuzzi, sunk into a sunbathing area offering breathtaking views,
provides a separate leisure area above the pool reserved for adult guests only.
Yoga/Pilates
Practise yoga at sunrise beside the pool, or at sunset on the spacious yoga plateau on the other
side of the chapel. This is also where special yoga and Pilates retreats take place.
