Casello di Siena

Il Casello is reached down a private dirt road, past the owner’s villa, the barn and other farm buildings. Built with stones from field and river, the house grew into an appealing cluster as families were added and the business of the estate grew.

A gate opens into a courtyard, roses cover the walls of the house, doors lead off in several directions, revealing the typical architecture of an old 'casa colonica'. A main entrance to living quarters is to the left, with a separate door leading to the sixth double room. An alcove with BBQ and wood-burning oven occupies one corner. Straight ahead, a door opens to the bathhouse; a small open room with adjacent changing rooms and full bath. A path leads down to the pool (15 x 7.5 meters), set below on the terraced hillside amidst an olive grove. Stunning views across the Sienese countryside - The house is built in such a way that you can enjoy three different views; west to the towers of Siena; east to the Chianti hills; and south to the Crete Senesi.; A grape-covered pergola for dining al fresco is also open to the views.

Additional tables and chairs are set around the grounds for enjoyment at any time of day. Beyond your private swimming pool, there are pleasant country walks on the quiet dirt roads (recommended for runners as well) and the estate offers fishing in a stream and ponds. There is tennis and riding nearby.
For days when you simply want to enjoy being at home, Il Casello is comfortably elegant and well equipped. The owner's commitment to good quality is evident everywhere at Il Casello; old hand-hewn, cypress-beamed ceiling has been retained, antique handmade cotta tiles laid on the floor.. The furniture is a good blend of antique and contemporary.

GROUND FLOOR

Entrance hall
Large Kitchen
Sitting area and dining area
Single bedroom with bathroom

• Handsome stone entryway with staircase to upper level. Several sets of double doors open to the courtyard.
• Former stable now converted into a long, double-room living/dining room. The dining room is just off the kitchen, convenient for serving. The original troughs remain along one wall. Doors open to the surrounding olive grove. Equally spacious living room with rattan loveseats and armchairs in white cotton, piled with cool-toned pillows. This is a refreshing, open space, great for casual lounging. TV with satellite. Double doors open to the olive and fruit grove to the east, from which a path leads to the pool.
• Enormous kitchen (4-burner gas stove, oven, fridge with separate freezer, dishwasher, washing machine) with ample room for preparing a Tuscan feast.
• Guest bathroom.
• Cool double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) with modest window overlooking the open vestibule. Ample closet space plus dresser. Small ensuite bath (enclosed shower stall). Low clearance door (5'4") leads directly from this room to the courtyard. (This room is most suitable for teenagers or a nanny.)

UPPER FLOOR

Large living rooms with fireplace
Loggia for dining outdoors
One double bedroom with bathroom with shower
One double bedroom sharing above bathroom
Two bedrooms each with two single beds and each with bathroom
One bedroom with double bed and bathroom

• Staircase brings you into a broad central hall, leading to all the living quarters.
• Very spacious and tranquil two-room living room. Upper room, separated by a couple of stairs, set with two large, upholstered couches and rattan side chairs around modern wood coffee table. Comfortable for seating eight or ten people. Larger second sitting room with working fireplace and long couch on Oriental rug. CD/Tape player. Doors open to the loggia.
• Wonderful dining loggia off living room, with direct open stairs to BBQ for ease of cooking and serving. Iron-frame, glass-top table for eight and superlative south-facing view framed by open, arched windows.
• Very pleasant double bedroom (twins side-by-side) facing south over the courtyard to the countryside. Ensuite bath (shower).
• Second new double bedroom (twins side-by-side). Window is north facing. Ensuite bath (shower).
• Elegant double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) in pale green and pink colour palette with window overlooking the countryside. Plenty of clothes storage in large armoire and marble-top dresser.
• Generously proportioned private bathroom adjacent (whirlpool tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) and double sinks set into marble counter. Nice countryside view of the surrounding olive grove.
• Delightful double bedroom (twins can combine to form king) in reds and greens. Characteristic view of fields and olive groves, with Siena in the distance. Good antique gilt-framed mirror, dresser and armoire.
• Private bathroom (tub with hand-held shower, no curtain) in peaches and chestnut tones. Window spotlights the lovely countryside and Siena.
• Yellow double bedroom (twins can combine to form a king) with large armoire and window also with country view. A sunny and pleasant room. Ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower) with window to the countryside.
  
  Notes
  Saturday arrivals only. Crib and high-chair available for guests use. Covered parking for two cars. Cleaning included 3 days/week, 4 hours/day. Additional cleaning, personal laundry, etc. available at E. 13.00/hr. Excellent cook available for preparing dinners on request in advance, by separate payment (E. 45.00 per person, plus wine). Vico Basso (2 Bedrooms/2 baths), just up the road from Il Casello, is available by separate rental for groups of up to 16. Photos and listing available, please inquire. Owner will accept pets; please inquire.
  Distances
  
• Taverne d'Arbia (basic shopping): 5 mins.
• Siena: 15 mins.
• Florence: 1 hr.
• Florence Airport: 1 ¼ hrs
• Pisa Airport: 1 ½ hrs.
• Rome – 2 ½ hours

Extras
gas; heat; electricity; fax/telephone; additional cleaning; cooking services; refundable security deposit ($2,500)