This olive oil-producing estate looks out over the spectacular Orcia valley, in the soft, rolling hills south-east of Siena, not far from the towns of Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino.
[ local map | map of region ]The striking stone farmhouse and its attendant buildings, built at the beginning of the seventeenth century, have been thoroughly restored and divided into the owner’s residence and three delightful apartments. These apartments, which can be rented by the week, offer a chance to spend your Italian vacation in old-style comfort and luxury.
During restoration of the building great care was taken to preserve original features, and this remains a striking country house with the warm colours of terracotta tiles, ancient wooden beams and large, original, stone fireplaces.
The house has outstanding views of the Orcia valley and Mount Amiata, as does the large swimming pool (finished at the end of 2002) which lies next to a small copse of holm oaks.
Le Macchie makes a superlative ‘Extra Virgin’ olive oil which can be purchased on the estate — a bottle of this delicious oil is also provided as part of a welcome basket, along with a bottle of wine, fresh vegetables and eggs.
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Le Macchie is within easy daytripping distance of Siena, Assisi, Orvieto, Perugia, Arezzo.
The area south of Siena, stretching from the monastery of Monte Oliveto to Montalcino and Montepulciano, offers many rewarding sites that are worth a visit. Montalcino and Montepulciano are graceful hill towns, well known to connoisseurs for their excellent red wines; while Sant’ Antimo and Pienza are jewels in the crown of Tuscany’s art history and should not be missed.
The mediæval village of Monticchiello with its Templars Castle (Castello dei Cavalieri Templari) and the renowned Teatro Povero, is only a short drive from the estate.
This part of Tuscany is also famous for its hot springs. Close to Le Macchie are Bagno Vignoni and Bagno San Filippo, where in the middle of the woods, the warm water has carved natural pools into the rock.
