Designated as a National Park for its exceptional beauty, the Montagnola countryside of meadowland and mixed woodland of Holm oaks, chestnuts and pines has Burnt Sienna coloured soil with outcrops of pink and yellow "Brocatello" marble. Towered houses, remains of manors, ancient Pieve and lordly villas, which clothe the hillsides, combine with the landscape to confer an evocative beauty, which leaves unforgettable impressions of the past. Early bronze age remains from nearby can be seen in the Accademia dei Fisiocratici in Siena. In a beautiful position in the Montagnola hills west of Siena the estate and hamlet of Cerbaia formerly belonged to the Tolomei family, which figured largely in the history of the Siena area from the early Middle Ages.
The present aristocratic owners of this lovely estate live in one part of the villa and rent out the larger part for several months of the year. In addition to the main villa, they have converted four farm buildings in the hamlet into holiday accommodation, some fairly simple and basic, others with modern equipment such as dishwashers, but all overlaid with a really lovely atmosphere of history and care. The owners have access to the gardens and the courtyard of the villa for access and maintenance. Guests share the swimming pool, (6 X 11 m.), which is hidden behind a stone barn. La Casetta,and La Loggiata and are let from Friday to Friday, and Villa Tolomei and Capretto from Saturday to Saturday.
Guests may walk at will through the estate of over 300 hectares, an ecological paradise of wild flowers, birds, butterflies and wildlife. It would be ideal for a mountain biking holiday and is also very close to Celsa, an ancient marble quarry equipped with bolts and 50 + routes. This beautiful, historic estate is perfectly situated both for relaxing in lovely surroundings and for touring Tuscany.
Properties on this estate
Villa Tolomei (Sleeps 8)
This beautiful villa, formerly a military tower, is comfortably furnished with antiques and decorations appropriate...
La Loggiata (Sleeps 6)
About 200 metres from Villa Tolomei, amongst cypresses, this old farmhouse provides spacious and comfortable accomm...
La Casetta (Sleeps 2 to 4)
A delightfully romantic cottage at the end of the group of houses; it is slightly curved, has roses growing up the...
Il Capretto (Sleeps 2 to 3)
On the corner of the large old stable building next to Villa Tolomei, Capretto has a small loggia at the top of the...
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