Villa La Foce Chianciano Terme

The Villa is the private home of the Origo family, only recently available for rent, complete with its historical garden. The La Foce property consists today of 450 hectares of farmland and several farmhouses.

The house was originally built at the end of the 15th century as a wayside inn by the great Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala in Siena. In 1924 the estate was bought by Antonio and Iris Origo and turned into their comfortable home, from where they farmed and developed the land.

The Villa La Foce is built on three levels, following the lie of the hill, and is surrounded by the beautiful garden created by Iris Origo and the English architect Cecil Pinsent - a "labour of love" lasting many years. The house is full of old-world charm, not showy, but with beautiful antique furniture, comfortable beds, and many lovely sitting-rooms.

Its wide halls, paved in dark cotto tiles outlined with slabs of rough travertine are unusual and very pleasant. The central dining room, with its imaginative, delicate landscapes painted in the 18th century style and framed by loggia-like arches, and the high Venetian balustrade above them, all lit by a central skylight, is considered one of Pinsent's chefs-d'oeuvre.

Three gardeners look after the premises, including the swimming pool opposite the orangerie, and two full time maids (including a local cook) care for the house and its guests. The pergola in the fountain garden is a perfect spot for outdoor meals, where guests can relax in the shade of roses and wisteria and enjoy the spectacular landscape of the Orcia valley.

The main villa, along with an independent apartment on the second floor, can accommodate 20-21 persons. It is the perfect retreat for special celebrations, weddings, and family reunions.