Summary

Originally a 13^th century monastery, Villa Giuncheto is part of a 50 hectare estate.  The family that owns Villa Giuncheto kept as much of the original structure as possible during it’s renovation.  They restored the large wood beam ceilings, and added hand made tile floors, large full-pane windows, as well as modern amenities, including a pool, gym, tennis court, soccer field, and boccie court.  The buildings original structure is that of a square built around an original enclosed courtyard.  The villa’s design allows more sunlight, as well as cross ventilation.  All of the bedroom windows face out to the gorgeous view surrounding the villa, including a stunning view of the countryside and a panoramic view of Siena.  The property is secluded, however the private driveway is only 15 minutes from the town of Siena and the superstrada from Florence.  For wine and history lovers, Villa Giuncheto is in the perfect position for visiting Chianti, and the medieval hilltop towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano.

Fine Points

Exterior

A long, recently constructed stone driveway emerges from the woods, up an incline surrounded by olive groves, passing the tennis court, soccer field and gym before arriving at the villa positioned at the top of the hill.  After numerous visits to Giuncheto, the view never loses it’s magic.  The rolling hills of farro (wheat), shifting light and the especially captivating view of Siena in the distance provides endless colors, and textures for one’s eyes.  The villa is on 1 hectare of manicured grounds; the rest constitutes woods and olive groves.  A stone terrace and manicured lawn and garden surround the house.  There are large terra cotta pots filled with hydrangea, geraniums, lemon trees as well as lavender and roses among other flowering shrubs in the surrounding gardens.  On both the east and western terraces are lovely areas for lunch under umbrella shaded dining areas.  The lawn extends further on the back of the house, where a stone pathway leads you down to the pool (15x7) and Gazebo.  The brick terrace surrounding the pool is completed with wood chaises, chairs, and a hammock.  The adjoining Gazebo is equipped with a grill, small fridge, sink, sublevel bathroom/shower, as well as a stereo system (CD/Tape) with ceiling mounted speakers for the pool area.

There is a synthetic tennis court, and large Gym with Life Fitness equipment, and a Sauna.  Much of the food that is eaten at Giuncheto comes from the land, including olive oil, eggs, fruit, and other goodies.  For 2008, a guest-house is being built that will be 2 ensuite bedrooms, with private kitchen, and terrace.

Interior

Piano Terra-Ground Floor

Large wooden doors forge the main entrance in to a large corridor with a vaulted ceiling.  The staff’s quarters are off to the side, as well as the cantina (wine cellar).  The corridor leads directly to the courtyard, which is adorned in with hydrangea and azalea bushes.  Large arched entrances, with glass doors are positioned on all four sides of the courtyard.  The courtyard, can be lit at night, is perfect for evening dining with glass tables that can accommodate a full house of guests. 

The Tuscan-style kitchen has all modern amenities (4 burner gas stove, oven, large refrigerator, food processor, dishwasher), as well as the original brick oven and cooking fireplace.  Copper pots hang above the island, with counters made of marble and hand painted tiles that decorate the top of the walls.  A glass door provides an additional entrance to the front of the house, as well as the side terrace.

The dining room, which is next to the kitchen, also provides an entrance to the courtyard.  The large wood dining table fits 12 comfortably with an antique sideboard for serving cocktails.  The dining area also has Stereo (CD/Tape Player). The vestibule in between the dining room and living room provides an additional entrance to the courtyard, as well as a marble finished guest bath.

The long, spacious living room has two sitting areas, with large sofa and chairs, adorned in antiques and oil paintings.  The floor is an attractive pattern of ceramic and marble tile.  The restored wood beams on the ceiling give the feeling of rusticity, while the warm colors add to the ambiance.  There is also a full size antique European billiard table.  Three sets of glass doors open to the back of the house, as well an additional entry to the courtyard.

A family room, that has an entrance to the courtyard, as well as the side terrace, is equipped with a Flat Screen TV (European cable channels) and DVD player (PAL, European System).  A vestibule next to the den provides access to the laundry room (for staff use), as well as a staircase to the primo piano (first floor).

Primo Piano-First Floor

A large stone stairway opens up to the winter living room, that has spacious sitting area, with a large fireplace, and antique day bed.

Bedrooms

All bedrooms have air-conditioning and Hastens mattresses, often referred to as some of the finest mattresses in the world.

A double bedroom (king) has a window facing east with a brass bed, armoire, dresser, and antique day bed for lounging, reading a book, or enjoying the fireplace during the cooler months of the year. The bedroom has a private bath (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain), East facing window, and is finished in marble.

A larger bedroom (King), in green tones, feels cool and comfortable with one window facing east.  An antique armoire and desk complement the bed.  The walls are adorned with watercolors and prints.  There is a spacious private bathroom (with shower), East facing window, and marble finished counters. 

The master bedroom (King) has an antique bed with a TV (international CNN available) and sitting area, as well as a fireplace.  The two windows face north to the beautiful view of Siena.  There is an armoire and dresser, as well as a separate studio with a desk and Bose stereo system.  The studio also provides an alternate entrance to the master suite. There is a very large marble bathroom, with a whirlpool tub and a view of Siena.

There is a smaller bedroom with large bed, antique bedroom furniture, bed, dressing table, dresser and armoire.  There is a window facing north with a view of Siena.  This room has a bath with window that faces west. The bathroom (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) is shared with the following bedroom.

A charming bright bedroom with a  Queen sized bed. There is an antique dressing table, and side chairs, perfect to view the sunset from the window.

A cool blue bedroom with Queen sized bed, and a west-facing window.  The bathroom (tub with handheld shower, no curtain) has double sinks, marble counters, a large window, and is shared with an adjacent double.

The elegant double bedroom (King) has an antique wood bed, armoire and desk.  South and west windows give wonderful light, as well as great ventilation.  The room is also equipped with a TV that receives the main Italian stations.