VILLA SASSOLINI
Cool take on a Chianti country houseHIGH IN THE HILLS, with an inspiring sweep of valleys and the Chianti hills before you, Villa Sassolini
scores a ten on the mile-wide views from its lofty terrace.
Originally built in the 14th century, the villa has been impeccably restored with lashings of design talent and a pleasingly stripped-back feel. Behind its plain stone walls, you’ll find
sleekly stylish interiors and a sense of unhurried calm.
Beamed ceilings and bare boards underline Villa Sassolini’s rustic-chic feel. Ten elegant bedrooms offer the max in style and space. Limed oak wood floors, big beds and painted beams are set off by smart contemporary furnishings (with the occasional vintage piece) and soft shades of cream, chocolate and olive green.
Up to the minute bathrooms are made for indulgence – suites come with deep bathtub centre-stage – while some rooms have four-posters. Help-yourself minibars are stocked with complimentary soft drinks.
Hit the Spot In the hamlet of Moncioni, in the Tuscan hills.
Pillow Talk The balconied A Caccia suite is a winner. The Marrakech and In Montagna rooms also have fabulous valley and pool views.
Be savvy Opt for a valley, rather than village, facing room if you’d sooner not draw the curtains at night…
Be smitten Coolest Chiantishire.
Rosemary and lavender If the rooms are good, the pool terrace – fetchingly lit at night – is the piece de resistance. Take in the
scent of waist-high lavender and rosemary as you stretch out on a sunlounger or breakfast in sight of Monte del Chianti. If it’s cool, make yourselves at home in Villa Sassolini’s timber-floored lounge, with its books and fireplace, where low lighting adds to the sense of calm.
Dining is a highlight here – whether it’s breakfast on the wide terrace or dinner in the softly lit restaurant, with its
exposed stonework and tall mirrors. Expect a new take on regional Tuscan cuisine, with crisp linen table runners and matching slip covered chairs.
Bicycles are on hand to explore your hillside surroundings, and you’re in easy reach of Siena, Florence and other historic Tuscan towns – not to mention some outstanding designer outlets.
Villa Sassolini was reviewed by
Room for Romance
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in Villa Sassolini's chef Antonio Pelosi offers a fresh take on traditional and modern Tuscan classics – made with the best and freshest local ingredients. The
home made pear ravioli, beef tartare and wild boar ragout stand out, while more adventurous dishes include the leek timbale. There’s an extensive wine list featuring both local and other excellent Italian wines.
Breakfast Buffet breakfast, including home baked croissants, is served until 10:30am.
Room service Available morning and evening.
Where? La Terrazza at Villa Sassolini
What’s cooking? A twist on trad Tuscan favourites.
Dress the part Chianti chic.
Top table? On the terrace, with its fabulous sunsets.
See & Do Bag a sunlounger and do some bronzing around the pool, hire mountain bikes to pedal around nearby villages, or hit the vineyard trail and do some tasting. Trawl for antiques in the emporia of nearby Montevarchi, or take in a medieval castle. Florence and Sienna are both close enough for a day trip.
Diary Dates June Medieval jousting gets underway at Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo, with teams of crusading knights, parties and a procession.
2 July and 16 August Siena’s famous Palio hits the streets, with what’s possibly the world’s most chaotic horse race.
GETTING THERE Location Largo Moncioni, Moncioni 52025
Parking There is free guest parking
Trains Montevarchi station – 10km
Taxis EUR 20 from the station
Airport Florence – 80km; Perugia 128km; Pisa 166km.
Who flies? Ryanair flies to Perugia from London Stansted. The airline also flies to Pisa from Birmingham, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London Stansted airports. EasyJet flies to Pisa from Bristol, London Luton and London Stansted. Meridiana flies to Florence airport from London Gatwick.
Rooms and suites Six rooms, four suites
Special features Stylish rooms have internet access, satellite TV and a minibar with complimentary drinks.
Also… Some rooms have four posters, and one has balcony. The gorgeous garden is perfect for moonlit meanders.
ESSENTIAL INFO Rates guide 250-350 euros
Open/closed Closed 15 November – 15 March
Check-in 2pm
Check-out 11am
Minimum night stay? No
Children Welcome
Pets Welcome
Air conditioning Yes – all rooms
Wedding license? Up to 30 guests can be accommodated for the party.