eJuno

Astrid Villa is an incredible example of 1960s architecture, nestled in Tuscany’s lush, green countryside. Cleverly converted former warehouse now offers a luxurious villa lifestyle for up to four discerning guests, just two kilometres from the small town of Montisi, near Montalcino. Located in Southern Tuscany, it’s a wonderful base for exploring the delights of this popular Italian region. You’re surrounded by gently rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and several charming villages within reaching distance. The wine-producing town of Montepulciano is just over half an hour’s drive away and Siena is well worth the hour’s drive north-west, for a full day’s sightseeing.

Astrid Villa was designed and lived in by two Austrian sculptors and architects. The ‘box’ concept of the industrial design allows huge windows for admiring the beautiful scenery and for flooding this incredible villa with light. Surround yourself with fine pieces of art, sculpture, designer furniture and open-plan living, both indoors and out.

There are two bedrooms, both featuring en-suite bathrooms which boast large rain showers, and gorgeous tiling, as well as an indulgent bathtub. The contemporary kitchen is well-equipped and leads on to the spacious living and dining areas. Beyond the large glass windows, the shaded terraces around the villa invite you to step outside.

Astrid Villa sits in generous gardens, with lawns, mature trees and total privacy. Your shaded terraces feature designer furniture and effortless style, and are the perfect place for a morning coffee or pre-dinner drink. For indulgent afternoons, make your way to your pool for lazy afternoons soaking up the Tuscan sun on a pool-side sun lounger and taking the occasional dip in the cool water. From here, you can admire the medieval ruins of Montelifrè Castle, perched on top of a nearby hill.

 

Serious swimmers will simply love the lap pool. It’s an incredible 20 metres long and ideal for maintaining your fitness routine, and burning off the irresistible Italian cuisine and wine. For your pool-side comfort, Astrid Villa provides a luxurious outdoor shower.

Borgo Di Meana is a tranquil getaway within the Umbrian countryside, with stunning 360° views of the green rolling hills. As it can sleep up to 43 guests within 18 bedrooms, this villa is perfect for families or groups of friends travelling together. It is made up of a beautiful main house with stone exteriors, three farmhouse-style guesthouses, and two cottages, all within spacious outdoor grounds.

The villa is also well suited to hosting artistic, sports and holistic-style retreats, as there is a wellness centre on site and lots of outdoor space. Outside, there is a shimmering aquamarine pool with sun loungers dotted around it, as well as a heated indoor pool with hydromassage and a Turkish bath.

The villa, guest houses and cottages have been recently restored and tastefully decorated to create a cosy atmosphere. Inside the charming living room there are plush sofas to curl up on by the traditional fireplace. There is a games room with a bar and an amazing dining area with an enormous wooden table and large windows that open out to the garden.

This space is crafted from natural materials - it is designed to harmonise with the environment, with sustainability in mind. For those who love to cook, there is a fully-equipped professional kitchen. The bedrooms are designed in a calming style with watercolour feature walls, a mixture of double and twin beds, with extra sofa beds for guests.

The setting is nestled within Monte Peglia park and Selva di Meana, which was recently classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Wrapped in greenery, the villa is located at the end of an avenue lined with cypress trees, leading to what the owners describe as the 'courtyard' of the Umbrian hills. Within the garden, there are olive groves where guests can enjoy a peaceful walk.

There are lots of activities on-site including cooking classes with where you can make your own pasta, pizza and hearty soups. Indulge in a massage within the soothing spa from professional on-site therapists and soak up the invigorating perfumed steam and chromotherapy. Personal treatment plans can be created to help you make the most of your spa experience.

The villa can organise trips to explore Umbria and suggest areas to go walking or mountain biking. Nearby, guests can go horse riding, take a thrilling ride in a 4x4 or go river rafting. Umbria's lush landscape is the perfect backdrop to the outdoor activities.

You will find Borgo Merlo in the verdant Chianti hills in the heart of Tuscany. The accommodation here comprises three neighbouring homes that share landscaped gardens. This serene, rural base is a fantastic place to stay with a large group of friends or family and from here, you can enjoy trips to nearby villages and cities such as Florence and Siena.

This pretty hamlet of historic farmhouses is part of a vast 800-acre estate which offers guests complete privacy amidst vineyards, olive groves and dense, ancient woodlands. As well as the hamlet where you will be staying, the estate also boasts several other buildings, including an 11th-century Romanesque church and a castle now used for music events and private celebrations. 

As you approach Borgo Merlo through the manicured grounds, you will find three stone homes, all close to each other, which can sleep twenty guests between them. Casa Una is the largest of the dwellings and can sleep eight guests. It has huge living areas where you can come together over evening drinks. Following these, there is a dining room where everyone can gather for dinner unless you prefer to dine al-fresco. The home also has a chic, well-equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare meals for your party. Upstairs are two double bedrooms and one family-sized bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed.

Just opposite is Casa Duo, which has five bedrooms, a bright and airy living room and a fully-fitted kitchen spread over two floors. The final dwelling is Casa Tre, with a gym, sauna and one double bedroom. 

The garden has an inviting private pool, a jacuzzi, covered dining terraces and seating areas. There is also a vegetable garden where you can pick some fresh produce and use the pizza oven to make your own pizzas for dinner. 

If you can bring yourself to leave Borgo Merlo, you can get to know the authentic heart of Tuscany by visiting nearby villages and walking scenic trails through the countryside. Some villages you could visit include Lecchi in Chianti, 5km away, Radda in Chianti, 8km away and Gaiole in Chianti, 14km away. These villages all have their own charm and character and are steeped in history. 

You can also visit one of the vineyards that make up the Chianti wine region, where you can sample delicious wines, take tours of the cellars and the grounds and learn more about wine production. 

Siena (32km away) and Florence (62km away) are a little further out. These magical, medieval cities are amazing places to spend the day and are filled with historical, artistic and cultural attractions.