Amid the rolling hills of Chianti, where the fabled Classico wines are made, stands Lo Spicchio. The stout stone house, topped by a terracotta-tiled hat, is softened by sculpted sloping lawns studded with cypress trees and beautifully planted with fragrant roses, lavender and rosemary.
It would, however, be hard to resist exploring your own doorstep. Two of Chianti’s prime wine towns, Radda and Gaiole, are just along the road and you can take your pick of some impressive wineries. There’s good walking and cycling for the energetic, too. The charming city of Siena, famed for the Palio horse race, held in high summer, is an easy drive, and even Florence is an option for a day trip.
Back at the villa, the beauty of the property’s traditional stone fabric, wooden beams and terracotta floors is tastefully embellished with colourful contemporary furnishings for a comfy country-cottage feel. This house rejoices in its position, with picture windows and French doors framing the views. They let the light flood in, which, combined with the low-beamed ceilings being painted in a light tone, gives the villa a delightfully airy feel.
But we suspect you’ll spend much of your time relaxing on the partly covered terrace at the rear of the villa. You’ll be naturally drawn to this completely private vantage point, from which you can survey the countryside or dip in and out of the spacious pool with its infinity edge and hot tub. Even outside, this villa spoils its guests; follow the meandering stone pathways to discover more shady perches in the grounds that beg you to sunbathe or just sit for a while.
Ground Floor
Kitchen/ Dining Room 1
Table with chairs, stove (decoration only), extra soft chairs, side cupboards, fully equipped kitchen, hob, air-conditioning, French doors to two terraces with a table and chairs.
Storage Room
Fridge/freezer, wine rack, large shelving, and cupboard space
Lounge
Sofas and soft chairs, TV, fireplace, coffee table, side cupboard and table, desk and chair, air-conditionin, stairs leading to the mezzanine and first floor.
First Floor
Kitchen/ Dining Room 2
Table with chairs, large display cabinet, fully equipped kitchen, gas hob with 5 rings, island unit, air-conditioning.
Snug Room
Armchairs, side table, TV, pellet stove, cabinet, door to terrace.
Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), bedside shelves, chest of drawers, wardrobe, armchair, side table, French doors to garden, air-conditioning.
En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.
Bathroom
Shower, double sink, WC, mosquito net.
Second Floor
Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), bedside tables, chair, long wooden bench seat, chest of drawers, mosquito net, air-conditioning.
En-suite Bathroom
Large shower, sink, WC, chest of drawers, chair, mosquito net.
Suite
Sitting Room
Sofa, chest of drawers, wardrobe, stairs to the mezzanine floor, mosquito net, air-conditioning.
Mezzanine Floor
Bedroom 3 (very low ceiling)
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), bedside tables, chest of drawers, paddle fan, mosquito net, air-conditioning.
Utility Area (external access)
Washing machine
Private Pool (Infinity)
Length: 12 metres
Width: 5 metres
Depth: 1.2 - 2.9 metres
Entrance: Roman Steps
Opening times: all year
Fenced: No
Furnished: Sunloungers, gazebo
Cleansed: Salt
Distance from villa: 5 metres
