The marvellous natural scenery of the Val d'Orcia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site for years. It is the very same, almost untouched landscape so beloved of the masters of the Sienese School of painting during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries; rolling hillsides, cypress trees, vineyards, clusters of olive groves and magnificent castles.
Villa Gauggiole forms part of the vast, 800 year old, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco estate, which lies in the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino wine producing area. The estate, founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, boasts 5,000 acres of woodland, vineyards, a medieval church, the ruins of an ancient castle and the Borgo itself, the gorgeous historic village that forms the very heart of the estate. The Borgo contains, among other buildings of architectural note, the historic manor house, the stables and the old winery now converted in luxury Suites, the priest's house, and the church of San Michele Arcangelo. The church features a fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti which was discovered in the late 1800s and has since been restored to its former glory. There are also two restaurants, two bars, the cooking school, an organic kitchen garden, a spa, a kids club, an infinity pool and a fitness centre.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco features a superb, private 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary British Open winner, Tom Weiskopf. The course is suitable for players of all abilities yet manages to offer challenging games for professionals as far as the 19th Brunello hole. The club house is situated in a beautifully restored farmhouse on the estate and includes a bar, a pro-shop and adjacent practicing facilities.
For the wine lovers, in addition to the vineyards, the estate has its own winery which produces, amongst other quality wines, the famous rich, deep red Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. The grapes have been harvested in the same hands-on manner since the 18th century and the enormous winery on the estate holds international wine making and wine tasting events, workshops and seminars.
Why not try a Tuscan speciality cooking class held at the Osteria La Canonica Cookery School in the old priest's house in the Borgo? These 2-hour classes are led by a professional chef and you'll use the herbs and vegetables grown in the estate's organic vegetable garden. The vegetable garden was designed by the same landscape gardener that designed the Vatican gardens. And what could be better than an organized truffle hunt through the countryside with trained hounds followed by a truffle-tasting session afterwards?
For a more sporty experience, you could also try archery, horseback riding, fly fishing, nature walks, mountain biking, quad bikes, helicopter tours or hot air balloon trips which are all available through Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco.
Villa Gauggiole is perfect for guests seeking all of the luxuries and services of a high class hotel whilst enjoying the privacy of a secluded house in the hills.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is 120 km from Florence international airport and 180 km and 220 km from the international airports of Pisa and Rome. The city of Siena is only 45 km away and Florence 90 km. There is a private airport in Grosseto, about an hour's drive away and the estate has its own private helipad.
The Property. While the estate of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco offers all of the facilities and treatments of a 5 star hotel, Villa Gauggiole offers the seclusion and privacy of an exquisitely restored Tuscan farmhouse. The villa has extensive views out over the rolling Tuscan countryside and has immaculately manicured lawns for romantic summer picnics on the grass or around the swimming pool. There is a handy outdoor pizza oven for rustling up some fresh Italian focaccia bread and a lovely outside dining area. You'll also be able to enjoy a delightful basket of fresh pastries delivered to the villa each morning.
All of the original features in the villa, such as the fireplaces, wooden beams and stone walls have been retained during the lovingly performed restoration.
Villa Gauggiole sleeps up to eight guests in three double bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom in the main house and a king sized double suite with en suite bathroom in the guest cottage. Two of the three bedrooms in the villa have king sized beds and one has a walk-in closet. The other bedroom is a twin room. The guest cottage also has a fireplace and private outdoor sitting area under a shady pergola. All the bedrooms have flat screen TVs.
The ground floor rooms are all spacious and beautifully decorated. There is a comfortable sitting room with period fireplace, a dining room with wooden table seating up to ten guests, a fully equipped, modern kitchen, a laundry room and two small bathrooms.
The private, heated swimming pool has a fully furnished poolside area and also offers all the luxurious amenities of an adjoining pool house. The pool house has a living room complete with fireplace, a pretty kitchenette, bathroom and terrace.
| * Please note: the included amenities may vary according to final agreement, make sure to check your contract for complete list. |
