In the 1100s, Montefollonico entered modern times as a Sienese fort to keep tabs on the Florentines in Montepulciano. However, earlier settlements go far beyond the Siena, Florence rivalry or the nebulous Etruscans to Neanderthal times. Remnants of life from 60,000 years ago are still viewed at Parco del Tondo nearby!
With war came peace and Montefollonico was left to monks who toiled the land, raised sheep and spun wool. The 18th century saw the keep transformed into summer residences for nobles with the Marquis Bagagli ending up with the choicest estate. His life size portrait still adorns his former palatial apartment.
Many of Estate Nobile's rooms offer commanding views of southern Tuscany reaching over vines and hills up to neighboring Montepulciano. On the opposite side of the building across a narrow lane, 20 terraced steps made of grass lead down to a stretch of furnished lawn looking out for miles across the Val di Chiana to Cortona and Lake Trasimeno in Umbria.
Inside, the 18th century restoration is practically untouched. Yes, we’ve added electricity, but all in all, the Marquis would feel right at home with high beamed ceilings, wall murals, tall windows, three working fireplaces and a spacious abode brimming with antique furnishings, art and curios from a gentler time. He might find the enormous bathtub for two, the plasma television and Wi-Fi access to be nice additions.
Of the four bedrooms, the queen with a fireplace is the largest. The other queen is smaller and is the only room with window screens and air conditioning. Estate Nobile is strictly non-smoking and seeks guests who appreciate its faded authenticity. The parking area is 200 yards away just outside the village gate.
The keyholder, a consumate artist owns Casa Galante and the village's oldest church which she converted into her ceramic studio. In this setting, she conducts the Wine Country Ceramics Actividayz. Cleaning service and meals may be arranged when booking.
Montefollonico offers three restaurants, one being a wine bar, a café, two tiny markets and an ATM. Beautiful Pienza or Trequanda are within 10 minute drives; Montepulciano with shops, restaurants and a supermarket:15; the entrance to the A1: 20; the Roman bath in the village square of Bagno Vignoni: 30; Montalcino’s wines or Cortona’s antiques: 40; Perugia, Siena or Orvieto: 60; Florence: 90; Rome: 120.
A tourist tax collected by the town is paid separately on the first four nights. Children under age 12 are exempt.
Technical Description
First floor: Living room. Dining room. Eat-in kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge, dishwasher and fireplace. Small living room with fireplace and flat screen TV. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds and en suite bathroom with tub and shower. Two bedrooms each with a queen size bed; one with AC and the other with fireplace. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds. One bathroom with shower. One bathroom with large walk-in shower. A separate room with a large bathtub with hand shower. Utility room with washer/dryer on ground floor.
