Villa Poggiano Montepulciano

Villa Poggiano is nestled amid 6 hectares of parkland, on a crest above the gentle hills of the Val d’Orcia, just 2 kilometres from Montepulciano. After a long and meticulous reconstruction, the present owners succeeded in restoring the 18th century Villa to its original splendour.

Guests to the Villa will find a refined and exclusive environment, characterised by the sort of warm welcome that only a family-run establishment can offer. There can be no better way to start the day than with a superb breakfast in a luxury B&B.

Every morning guests are treated to a display of delicious cakes, biscuits and pastries all made by our chef. We also offer a select range of pecorino cheeses, Tuscan cured meats and many other specialities, which vary according to the season. We aim to make your stay at Villa Poggiano truly peaceful and relaxed. Special attention to privacy is guaranteed.

The suites and rooms are elegantly furnished with antique furniture, paintings and fittings, while the spacious travertine bathrooms are fitted with showers and/or bathtubs. All the luxury suites and rooms have satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, direct Internet access, an external telephone line and tea kettle.

The Villa boasts a magnificent travertine swimming pool, decorated with statues and fountains, built in the1930’s. Villa Poggiano is the ideal place for those in search of an exclusive, peaceful and discreet location, as well as a family welcome.

THE HISTORY
Built in the 18th century as a summer house, the villa belonged to the noble Gagnoni family of Siena. Old maps show that the house was called Villa Gagnoni and its property consisted of 200 hectares of land, producing both wine and olive oil.

Documents recording the transfer of ownership from the Gagnoni family have yet to be located, but it is known that a German general by the name of Helmke purchased the villa at the beginning of the 20th century and lived there until the end of World War II.

The local townspeople nicknamed the house the “Villa del Tedesco,” the German’s villa, and to many, it is still remembered by that name. Passionate about the villa and the serene landscape surrounding it, General Helmke did much to preserve and enhance its beauty.

He was responsible for building the pool and fountain, and adding the statuary and travertine tables in the garden, thus creating a strong, neoclassical style. As a high-ranking official in the German Army, General Helmke entertained many important people, both military and civilian, during this period.

Evidence of this was later discovered in the attic where a stash of old German newspapers, photographs and autographs had been hidden. Forced to return to his defeated homeland at the end of the war, General Helmke left his beloved villa for good.

Unfortunately, the house and grounds fell victim to the feverish, anti-nazi sentiment of the local people, who inflicted a lot of damage on the “German’s Villa”, destroying and removing much of its ornamental statuary and vases. In the following years, the house passed from one owner to the next, but was used only as a summer residence and little was done to preserve it.

When the Savini Family purchased the property, it was nearly abandoned and in a state of almost total decline. The house was completely empty, the garden and the park were overgrown, the pool destroyed, invaded by weeds and shrubs, and a refuge for frogs and snakes.

The Savini family members suffer from an affliction, affectionately known as “la malattia del mattone,” brick fever. Those who have this disorder have an insatiable desire to breathe new life into old things. The restoration of the house took two years, and another six months for the pool.

In 2003 they opened the villa for guests as an inn. During the winters, when the villa was closed to guests, they continued the renovation of the other building, previously used for wine production and storage. Step by step they renovated and converted it into bedrooms, suites. The renovation was finished at the end of 2008.

The Savini family members faced the many challenges of restoration with enthusiasm and love, not just for a structure of impressive beauty and history, but also as a place to call home.

“Villa Poggiano is not a hotel,” Stefania Savini emphasizes, “but a home we wish to share with guests to our beautiful Montepulciano area, where life is simple, the silence magical, and the daily pattern of one’s days follows the time-honored rhythms of nature. These are some of the memories that I hope my guests will take away with them.”

ROOMS & SUITES
Villa Poggiano offers 3 double rooms and 11 suites, each one very different from the others, and there are 4 categories. The rooms and suites are located in different buildings and are furnished with antique furniture, paintings and tapestries, which create an elegant yet warm and welcoming environment.

Those situated in the Villa overlook the Italian garden and the splendid travertine swimming pool, while those in the lodges on the grounds of the Villa enjoy a magnificent view of the endless cornfields, vineyards and olive groves of the Val D’Orcia.

All rooms feature air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, tea kettle, free wifi connection, and an external telephone line.

POGGIANO LUXURY SUITE
The two luxury suites are the largest and are located on the noble floor of the historical villa, with high ceilings, travertine floors, travertine bathrooms and views over the formal Italian garden of the villa. Both have a sofa bed in the large living room, a large queen bed, a walk-in shower, and one also has a bathtub.

SUITE
Our suites are located in different parts of Villa Poggiano. Some are in the historical villa, with a more classic atmosphere, while the others are in the garden annex with independent entrance and a view of the countryside.

SUPERIOR ROOM
We have two superior rooms one located in the main villa, on the ground floor with view of the garden, large queen bed and travertine bathroom with walk-in shower, while the other is located in the garden annex with independent entrance and view of the countryside, large queen bed or twin beds on request.

POOL & GARDEN
The main villa dates to the 17th century and was built by a noble Montepulciano family who used it as a country estate. The property included several hectares of land and vineyards but, as often happens, they sold off pieces of it over the years. Today the grounds includes six hectares of land, olive groves and woods.

The family planted the Italian garden, as evidenced by the centuries-old cypress trees that circle the villa and act as welcoming sentinels. Subsequently the garden was revisited and shaped, maintaining nonetheless the essential characteristics of an Italian garden with geometric elements created by boxwood hedges, roses and ornamental plants.

A decisive change to the villa and garden occurred between 1920 and 1940 with the so-called period of “Rationalism,” which was a an architectural current in Italy in the 20’s and 30’s connected with the Modernist Movement that followed the principles of functionalism and continued in various ways until the 70’s.

The passage from the 19th to the 20th centuries was experienced in the west as a change of epoch. Renewal was evident in the technical and economic sectors and was also reflected in architecture, where the availability of new technologies applied to building materials allowed for construction that had been unthinkable a few decades before.

Rather than continuing to reason on the basis of form, they started to highlight function, which called for an architectural response.

Although there is no written testimony, the design and execution of the pool is attributed to the architect Enrico del Debbio, who, among his other works, created the Foro Italico in Rome. In fact, the Villa’s swimming pool is very reminiscent of the Foro Italico.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Our villa is the ideal setting in which to host small business meetings, workshops and conferences. Our Meeting Room can host up to 50 people and has both electric and natural lightning. The room is well furnished with the technological equipment required for any kind of event.

VILLA RENTAL
Rent an authentic, luxury, Tuscan villa and think of nothing but relaxing and enjoying your precious, free time with family and friends. We will take care of everything.

We will be present but discreet, guaranteeing a high standard of quality and service, while you enjoy a refined environment, wide, outdoor spaces, unlimited views, exclusivity and privacy. Our goal is to make you feel welcome in an authentic home, where fresh flowers and every small attention will never be lacking.

We work with passion for the love of home and hospitality. We believe in delivering exceptional, on-site services coupled with authentic Italian hospitality: “Your home away from home.”

We are native to Montepulciano, and as such we are familiar with every corner of the area. We have close, generations-long friendships with wine producers, as well as the many people who provide services designed exclusively for our guests.

Are you simply looking for a relaxing holiday or would you like some interesting excursions and experiences? Would you like to organize a retreat for yourself and your friends or colleagues? We have all the tools to satisfy your needs.

The villa consist of 14 rooms/suites, all with an ensuite bathroom. 1 bedroom, 3 suites and 2 luxury suites in the main villa. 3 bedrooms, 5 suites in the annex buildings with independent entrance from the garden.

All rooms and suites have large, queen-size beds, some can be converted to twin. All with ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower; some suites in the garden rooms also have a bathtub.
Air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, satellite tv, telephone with direct external line, tea kettle.

The villa offers a delightful lounge with a library, indoor and outdoor dining room with its own bathroom, a breakfast room, kitchen, and multiple outside spaces with garden.

WINE TASTING & WINE TOUR
We live in a land that’s famous for its wine and we’d love to help you discover our region and our small producers. Put your trust in our experience and allow us to provide you with unforgettable memories. We have various proposals:

• An exclusive and private wine tasting at the villa. We invite a small producer to come and present their winery as well as guide you through a tasting of their wines. By reservation, depending on winery’s availability.
• We recommend the best wineries of the region with which we have worked for decades. We’ll present them to you, and will take care of reservations. Payment will be made directly at the winery.
• We can organise a half or whole day private tour with a driver, who will take you to multiple wineries. We’ve got several, tailor-made suggestions.
• We also work with professionals who organise tours/tastings with small groups of wine lovers, including pick up and drop off at the villa. Departure is around 9am, and the tours usually last 6-8 hours. There are different tours to choose from.

COOKING CLASSES
Would you like to immerse yourselves in Tuscan cuisine and discover traditional recipes? We have various options to propose:

• A cooking class at the villa for a minimum of 6 people
• A cooking class in a private home in which you’ll be welcomed by the owner, who speaks perfect English and will teach you traditional recipes in grand style. This is an individual class that takes place from Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, at the end of which you’ll enjoy the meal you have prepared.
• Group cooking classes at a cheese farm.
• Private cooking lessons for small groups in an Agriturismo

TRUFFLE EXPERIENCE
Learn the art of truffle hunting with an experienced truffle hunter and his dogs. This is available year-round except in May. The truffle experience will take 2 hours and finish with a picnic in the woods.

OLIVE OIL CLASS & TASTING
A few kilometers away there’s a small olive oil mill, lovingly run by two sisters who decided to continue their father’s activity. The visit includes an explanation of the olive oil production process, followed by a tasting lesson and an actual tasting of the oil. It’s also possible to do a cooking class at the mill, on request

YOGA COURSE
Are you in search of well-being and the ideal balance between body and mind? Relax and take advantage of the serenity of this place. Book individual yoga classes at Villa Poggiano for the opportunity to benefit from this ancient discipline during your stay in Montepulciano.

MASSAGES
Do you want to be pampered? Do you need to relax? Or do you simply want to enjoy a massage at the end of a day spent exploring the beautiful Tuscan countryside? Then take advantage of our team of professional masseurs who can do a massage in your suite or outside in our beautiful garden.

RENT A VESPA
There is nothing more delightful than renting a vespa for a day to wander along our beautiful country roads, feeling the wind in your hair and enjoying spectacular views at every turn. The vespas are 125cc, easy to use and may be driven by anyone over 18 years of age. Each vespa carries two people. Helmet, gloves and itineraries will be provided by the rental company.

E-BIKE
It is true that Tuscany by bike can be a challenge for all but trained bikers. However, e-bikes with assisted pedalling makes this wonderful experience available to everyone. We work with the best companies in the area whose offerings range from simple rentals to guided tours. Just ask and we’ll provide you with all the information.

TUSCANY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
In collaboration with a professional photographer who lived in USA and the UK for several years, we organize daily workshops for amateurs and professionals who would like to work on their photographic skills while visiting Tuscany. Each day Alfredo organizes a personalized tour. Ask us for information and costs.

WALKING TOUR
Discover the nature and traditions of Tuscany on a walking tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Half day or full day tours are available and you can choose the level of difficulty from an easy stroll to a more demanding hike.

DRIVE A FERRARI
Do you want to live a dream? Drive a Ferrari for a day! At Villa Poggiano it can be arranged for a special event – an anniversary, a birthday, a wedding proposal – or just for the pleasure of driving a Ferrari. You can rent a Ferrari 458, a 488 Spider or a Ferrari California Turbo, or join a tour with a specialized team of former Ferrari drivers.

HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE VAL D’ORCIA
A unique and thrilling experience – to fly over the entire Val d’Orcia in an Airbus AS 350 helicopter, with a stop in Montalcino for a tour and wine tasting at a prestigious Brunello winery.

QUAD TOUR
A fun experience, a small adventure in the Tuscan countryside guided by qualified staff. You will discover places you would not expect, breathtaking views and a bit of adventure. they are private tours with a guide lasting about 3 hours.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Ride throught the Tuscan fields: an expert will guide you and make you familiar to be ready for a pleasant ride on horseback throught the hills

PRIVATE BALLONING FLIGHT 
Do you want to surprise your partner with a romantic flight as a gift? Or do you want to make a unique and unforgettable marriage/engagement proposal? Or are you a company that wants to do team building? Well this is the right experience.

The exclusive take-off from Villa Poggiano, lasting about 3/4 hours upon landing, a fresh and tasty breakfast is provided with local products accompanied by selected wines or champaigne. The pilot will deliver the baptism of the air. Then special requests such as photo shooting and drone and night flight are possible.

MARRIAGE PROPOSAL 
If you are looking for a place to make your marriage proposal, Villa Poggiano is an intimate and romantic place. There will also be a photographer who will immortalize this important moment of your life and we can help you find the solution for every request.

FROM VILLA POGGIANO TO PIENZA 
The town of Pienza is 8 miles away and it is possible to stop midway at Montichiello and have lunch at Osteria La Porta, which is one the best restaurants in the area.

FROM MONTEPULCIANO TO MONTALCINO
This particular area of Tuscany is famous for its numerous cities of art, for the production of red wine (Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano) and for the beauty of the countryside.

We suggest visits to Pienza, situated just 10 kilometres from Montepulciano, Monticchiello, Bagno Vignoni, famous for its unique urban layout where the very centre of town is a thermal bath, and San Quirico d’Orcia where you can visit the Italian garden.

A little further on is Montalcino, which is world-famous for the production of “Brunello”, an excellent red wine. Ten kilometres from Montalcino is the splendid Monastery of Sant’Antimo where visitors can participate in the daily mass, which is celebrated with Gregorian chants. Another magnificent monastery well worth visiting is Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

UMBRIA
Just 25 kilometres away from Villa Poggiano Tuscany borders with Umbria, another splendid region located in the very heart of Italy. From Montepulciano follow directions for Cortona, a city of art well worth a visit, after which the road skirts Lago Trasimeno as far as Perugia, Umbria’s main city, famous for the production of chocolate and cashmere.

From there, in an area of just a few square kilometres, it’s possible to visit the towns of Assisi, Deruta, Todi, Spello, Spoleto and Orvieto.

SIENA
It’s impossible to come here and not visit Siena, which is famous for the Palio, held every year on 2 July and 16 August. Siena is 60 kilometres from Montepulciano and visitors should set aside a whole day at least for visiting the Museums (Municipal Museum, Museo delle Papesse, Santa Maria della Scala, the Pinacoteca etc), the churches (the Cathedral, San Domenico, San Francesco etc), the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia.

CHIANTI
The Chianti region extends over an area between Siena and Florence and is famous for its magnificent countryside, its wines and its Medieval towns. We also suggest visits to Monteriggioni, a Medieval town where a historical pageant is held every year in the month of July; to San Gimignano, known as the city of towers; and to Gaiole, Greve and Radda.

AREZZO
Situated 50 kilometres from Montepulciano, Arezzo, an important town of Etruscan origin, is characterised by a blend of Medieval and Renaissance styles.

Well worth seeing are the Piero della Francesca frescoes, the Cathedral and the historical centre. Moreover the first weekend of every month the streets of the town are lined with the stalls of one of Italy’s most important antique fairs.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 232 EUR per night

Source: www.villapoggiano.com