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| Villa Ferraia |
| Villa Ferraia stands tall amidst the beautiful hills lying south of Siena, looking out over the valley. From here it is both easy to visit the most important landmarks of Tuscany and to enjoy long walks or horseback riding through the local countryside not far from Siena. In addition, the many charming villages dotting the rural landscape are the ideal destination for delightful excursions. |
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One begins to get a glimpse of the eminent hamlet while traveling through the wood extending to the top of the hill. Moving past different kinds of trees, shrubs and underbrush, one feels the cool of the shade and smells the pleasant woodsy aroma of the vegetation. Filtering through the natural canopy of leaves, a delicate light bathes this enchanting terrain, illuminating the natural wonders of this unique and evocative land.
After this brief woodland initiation, one suddenly arrives at the top of the hill where the trees open up to reveal a beautiful scene: a marvelous view of the hills serves as the backdrop for this ancient 13-century hamlet which, restored with special care and refined taste, enables its guests to fully enjoy the beauty of the countryside and the comforts of this one-of-a-kind complex.
The first records of this structure date back to the year 1204, in which it is referred to as a small fortified castle. Later, during the war between the Republic of Florence and the Republic of Siena, it was pillaged and then used as a rural residence.
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The current owners have restored the hamlet to its ancient splendor. This operation took more than three years, and today permits guest to appreciate and experience the unforgettable sensation of being carried back in time in such an enduring and timeless setting. |
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The villa appears as a stone building marked by its interesting and peculiar forms; these consists of various units, connected to each other in an original and compelling manner.
The vast garden is embellished with innumerable flower beds: decorative plants alternate with aromatic varieties such as lavender and rosemary.
Furthermore, a special organic vegetable garden has been created which enables guests to discover more about special gardening methods and lets them try the fresh produce in traditional Tuscan recipes… perhaps aided by our excellent chef…
Guests will find plenty of areas for outdoor dining or relaxation.
In front of the kitchen a terracotta-paved porch with long wooden tables, chairs and umbrellas provides guest with a comfortable area for eating outside while enjoying the warm Tuscan sun by day, or the starry sky by night..
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The center of the garden hosts a “domus”, or gazebo, which in summer is furnished with couches, arm chairs and small tables for leisure time;
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Just a few steps down from this level one finds the vast, seemingly endless, panoramic swimming pool, circled by a lawn hosting umbrellas and lounge chairs. Nearby, a small building houses changing stalls, bathrooms and showers, as well as a sauna able to accommodate 10 persons; here guests can complete the bathing-relaxation-regeneration cycle with a warm sauna.
Another area of the garden hosts an additional three bathing pools, which have been built following the concept of the classical Roman tepidarium.
Each of the three pools has a different temperature. Toning of the body and mind is meant to take place going from one pool to the next, this process occurring here amidst splendid surroundings, there is also a lake.
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A main feature of the building is its astronomical observatory, built just a few yards from the villa. Endowed with an electronic telescope and roof opening, one can take advantage of the opportunity to study and admire the stars in this rare setting. The interior of the observatory has also been furnished with tables, chairs, books and a computer, all of this in such a way that the building may function also as a library, study or reading room.
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| CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SEE THE FULL GALLERY |
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