Amongst the olive groves
Villa Olivo rests atop the hills of Montalcino, overlooking the endless valleys of Tuscany, where the ideals of a country life in Italy are perfectly captured in every moment spent at the villa.
A hilltop haven in the heart of Tuscany, Villa Olivo gazes out across the rolling valleys of Montalcino that rise and fall as far as the eye can see. Those signature views of tall cypress trees lining the winding the roads. A tapestry of silvery ancient olive groves rest adjacent the villa, with sweeping meadows, and rows and rows of lavender that seem to have spilled from the pages of a Renaissance painting. The villa enrobed with creeping ivy, vines, wisteria, and roses. Old fig trees, agapanthus, hydrangeas and a palette of every tone of green canvas the gardens. This hideaway in Italy does everything we read in the novels, moves us like a love affair and holds us captive in an authentic Tuscan embrace, for as long as we choose to linger.
The villa is a masterstroke of rustic Italian charm that’s layered in familial love. Heirlooms and antiques, terracotta and timber, exposed stone, tapestries and murals. Large fireplaces and deep, comfy sofas scattered in just the right places. Shady loggias and sun-drenched terraces for you and the clan to top up on the summer tan, or retreat beneath the foliage. For those long, lingering lunches, slow aperitivi, and mandatory philosophical musings, that are shared best when on holiday. Especially with a bottle or two of the local Chianti.
The interiors are delightfully airy and cool, with stone floors underfoot (heated in the winter months) and grand arched doors that open out into gardens. A boundless world of enchantment for you to plant yourselves somewhere, and get lost in a juicy novel. Snooze in the shade and take in the distant hum of cicadas. The kitchen is one of the most inspiring spots in the home. Opening out onto a series of inviting terraces, where the al fresco feasts unfold. Can you smell the basil, taste the burrata and feel the joy we all get from quality extra virgin olive oil?
With six bedrooms, including two grand master suites at opposite ends of the house, Villa Olivo generously accommodates large gatherings; a couple of families, or a bevy of besties on a European adventure. You’ll get lost on the grounds, tending to your own wants and wishes for the hour. Then congregate in the expansive gathering spaces when its time for the chats, the games, the pasta, the cheese and the wine.
Serenading the ancient Tuscan stone
Terracotta-lined pathways meander past sculptural cypress trees that lead to a lower terrace, where the swimming pool serenely sits. Glistening under the Tuscan sun and always irresistibly inviting. Even the most devoted bookworm – engrossed by the home’s outstanding literature supply – will be frequently dipping in and out of the pool. Evening games of boules and table tennis. Morning bicycle rides through the countryside. There’s an artist’s studio, complete with a perfectly framed view of the valley, where bursts of inspiration come to fruition. A little Billie Holiday on the stereo, and an affogato to top the afternoon’s antics.
You’ll definitely venture into the nearby towns on some of the days. Some grocery shopping and piazza strolling. The property is ideally located for exploring Florence, Siena, and the vineyards of Montalcino. After a morning walk or cycle you might like to stop off at one of the cafés, snacking on a freshly baked croissant and washing it down with the best Italian coffee. The housekeeper will also happily oblige for those that have chosen to remain at the villa for the morning. Dishing up some delicious warm bakes to accompany your brew.
A week at Villa Olivo will glide by at your own pace. Lots of moments watching the sun melt behind the hills in a blaze of amber. Lots of games, plenty of swimming and sunning, and just the right amount of gathering and feasting. This hideaway suggests a rather splendid way of life. It’s likely you’ll find yourself inexplicably browsing the local property listings… purely out of curiosity, of course.
What we love!
- Spending time in the main dining room, staring out into the landscape through the three arches that escort you out with the views. There’s a very special atmosphere all around the home, but it’s especially romantic here.
- The cooler seasons are just as charming at the villa. With roaring fires, heated floors, and outdoor braziers that take the edge off autumn evenings under the stars. In summer, the gardens are cool and green, irrigated by its own well water, the lavender field scents the air and the cypress trees set themselves strikingly against the olive groves and rolling Tuscan hills.
- Enjoying an aperitif at Idyllium Bar in Pienza, overlooking the Val D’orcia, then cruising home for dinner.
What you need to know…
- Villa Olivo is settled within walking distance of Montisi – with Montalcino, Florence and Siena nearby.
- Pienza is a picturesque town in southern Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Renaissance urbanism, the town features harmonious architecture, stunning views of the Val d’Orcia, and is famous for its pecorino cheese.
- Montalcino is a hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, central Italy. The town is located to the west of Pienza, close to the Crete Senesi in Val d’Orcia. It is 42 kilometres from Siena, 110 kilometres from Florence and 150 kilometres from Pisa. Monte Amiata is located nearby.
- Spring and Autumn are the preferred times of year for those wanting to spend more time sightseeing, wine tasting, cycling and exploring the area. Villa Olivo is perfectly positioned with famous cities such as Florence, Assisi and Siena to the North and East, world renowned vineyards of Montalcino and Montepulciano to the South, and the spectacular Argentario coastline to the West. As the heat of the summer cools down, the whole house is always warm and welcoming as it has central heating throughout, with a large open fire place in the sitting room and plenty of wood provided.
- If Villa Olivo is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Tuscany.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie