Villa Monarca – Villa Rental in Torrita di Siena, Tuscany

For easy access to both Siena and Florence within an hour’s drive, this is the place to be. As a bonus, you are also within a 15-minute drive of Montepulciano, 30 minutes from Cortona, an hour from Orvieto, and two hours from mighty Rome.

Aside from being an ideal base for day trips, this is also a great house. Built in the 1600s, this elegant villa with sweeping views of the Chiana valley has been converted into two spacious apartments. Monarca, at the ground level, shares the pool with the kind owners who live above and use it on occasion.
A grand gated entrance leads to grounds that are well-manicured, level, and pretty. Monarca enjoys its own large furnished patio and a wood-fired barbecue. Lovely views from the pool overlook neighboring vineyards and the hill towns of Lucignano and Bettolle.

Sizeable rooms with brick arches and vaulted ceilings are complimented by a stylish and comfortable deccor that includes quality antiques throughout. A double-sided brick fireplace separates the living and dining rooms. Screens are present in the kitchen, dining room, and ground-floor bedrooms. Maid service may be arranged if the request is made when booking.

Take your pick of small towns to visit, each with a few dining and shopping options, with the nearest being Torrita di Siena in five minutes by car or Sinalunga in 10. The rail line serving both towns passes within 500 yards of the garden. If you hear the whistle from the grounds, use it as a reminder that there’s tons of stuff to see and do and maybe it’s time to do so!

Access to the A1 autostrada is an easy 10 minutes: Pienza: 15; Chiusi or Cortona: 30; Arezzo: 40; Montalcino: 45; Perugia or Siena: 50; Orvieto: 60; Florence or Assisi: 70; San Gimignano: 80; Rome: two hours.