Palazzo Danati, Montestigliano
Once upon a time (1953 to be precise) the head of an aristocratic Italian family searched high and low for a holiday home he could call his own. The moment he set his eyes on the agricultural property of a then very run-down Montestigliano, set in the Tuscan countryside, he knew that he had found what he was looking for; a perfect location for him and his large family.
view from my bedroom window
The cluster of farmhouses and villas sit on the top of a hill with a stunning view of the Sienese countryside, the olive groves, vineyards and acres of woodlands– and, today, Family Donati has renovated the property and continue to maintain the estate as an agriturismo.
one of the older farm tractors
Family Yablon were also searching, some 50 years later, for a holiday location to suit all our needs. Remote, relaxing, rural – ideally in Italy. And following a friend’s recommendation, 2 properties (facing each other) were booked to house us all.
breakfast view
The 9 of us ate, slept, swam, cooked and cooked and ate some more.
Italian family style meals
Montestigliano offers its guests 2 swimming pools – one for noisy divers and the other for more peaceful plungers.
adult-only pool
A night of opera in the main square of Montestigliano pleased both the uncultured and opera-lovers amongst us.
an evening of opera arias in the palazzo
Together with our morning visit to Siena, we felt culturally satisfied.
streets of Siena
The Internet access is sporadic and the TVs non-existant therefore providing the digital detox we all needed.
unbelievably delicious Montestigliano olive oil
Brother found that the property surrounding Montestigliano is webbed with trails waiting to be explored – he even managed to drag Lord Y and me out for a pre-breakfast sunrise trek…
early morning trek
… where we encountered a truffle hunter with his dogs
the truffle hunter gave us one of his truffles!
In summary, the setting is rural. Embrace it or miss out on an unforgettable Tuscan adventure.
To book, email the marvellously efficient Francesco who made our stay utterly memorable.
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