Palazzone Della Lavanda

With origins dating back to the 12th century, this historic castle in southern Tuscany is set within a beautiful 40-acre estate of lavender, olive trees and protected forest, only a 20-minute drive from Siena.

Pass summer lavender as you approach the medieval tower, then step through to the charming courtyard from where you can reach and living spaces and bedrooms. The original tower dates back to the 1300s when the estate was a defensive outpost for Siena – the former chapel, now a sumptuous ground floor bedroom, still exists to this day. Since then, it was thought to be a hunting lodge and then a hamlet housing several villagers and animals. Nowadays Palazzone Della Lavanda is a magnificent abode for a wedding, special event or gathering with family and friends.

Sleeping up to 22 guests, the eleven air-conditioned bedrooms are so individual in style, each with their own story to tell. The main part of the castle is home to eight en suite bedrooms including the grand suite where the chapel once was with its historic furnishings and opulent bathroom, and the light-filled corner bedroom on the first floor with vineyard views (there’s a winery next door – tours and tastings can be arranged). The second and third floor bedrooms are part of the 12th century tower.

Just across the courtyard, the farmhouse has three further bedrooms (one en suite, plus a shared bathroom) as well as a characterful dining room for feasts with loved ones. Indeed, the services of the in-house cook and a helper are included five evenings a week – they will prepare and serve traditional Tuscan dishes for a truly authentic experience (guests only have to pay the cost of the ingredients and drinks).

Enjoy a continental breakfast, at an extra cost and to be booked in advance, prepared by the cook who is known for her delicious breakfast pastries, perhaps served in the main kitchen with its arched ceiling or in medieval courtyard during warm summer months. In terms of relaxation, there’s the main lounge with fireplace and billiard table as well as a first-floor salon where nobles were once hosted. Outside, discover a quiet spot in the courtyard by the roses, jasmine and terracotta pots of summer flowers.

Beyond the courtyard, follow old stone steps towards the swimming pool which can be heated on request (for an extra charge). Children will love the enclosed shallow area and there are loungers for sunbathing in the garden.

The vast estate is surrounded by protected forest and there are hikes and biking trails on your doorstep - look out for roaming deer, porcupines, hares, wild boar and migratory birds. The setting is idyllic, part of an organic working farm producing lavender, olive oil and honey. Embrace the serenity as you hear only the distant sounds of cuckoos, jays or farmers at work. Guests can help themselves to vegetables in the large organic kitchen garden.

Despite this remote setting, the local village is only 2km away with its restaurant and grocery shop selling regional products. Wander around the medieval quarter of the village with its old houses and palazzi. Across the area, admire the beauty of the rolling Sienese hills and dense forests in the Montagnola Senese region – the flora and fauna is fascinating throughout the seasons with an abundance of wildlife.

Continue to Siena, around 20 minutes by car, to explore one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations - the iconic Piazza del Campo is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meanwhile, hike or cycle through the woodland, swim in the Merse River and play golf at the Robert Trent Jones Jr designed course before returning to your medieval estate for delicious home-cooked fare by candlelight in this truly remarkable Tuscan setting.Only 20 minutes from Siena, Palazzone Della Lavanda is set within a 40-acre estate opening out to protected forests where you may spot roaming deer, hares, wild boars and porcupines. Parts of the grounds are a working organic farm producing lavender, olive oil and honey from a colony of bees. Guests can help themselves to vegetables from the large kitchen garden.

Enjoy walks directly from the estate and come across cycling trails through the forest. Despite this rural setting, it is only 400m to the road and one of your nearest neighbours is a winery within walking distance (tastings and tours can be arranged).
A small Tuscan village is 2km away with a restaurant, pharmacy, café-bar and a grocery store for stocking up on cheese, cured meat, wine and other useful products. Walk up to the village’s medieval quarter to admire old houses, palazzi and a charming village square.     

Drive past rolling Sienese hills, fortified hamlets and dense forests as you discover the Montagnola Senese region – throughout the seasons the flora and fauna is fascinating with an abundance of wildlife. The woodland is popular for black truffle hunters in the autumnal months whilst birdwatcher will appreciate a large range of migratory birds.

Heading south, experience wild swimming in the Merse River close to the hamlet of Brenna. Meanwhile, sport lovers note that the Robert Trent Jones Jr designed 18-hole golf course, Royal Golf La Bagnaia, is only 14km by car, for golf surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills.

Of course, spend time in Siena (15km) to explore one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations. Soak up the magnificence of Piazza del Campo (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with Palazzo Pubblico and La Torre del Mangia before wandering around its charming neighbourhoods with trattorie, bars, artisan shops and boutiques. Not to mention Siena’s wonderful museums, galleries and other iconic sites such as the Logge del Papa and Il Duomo di Siena. The Palio de Siena horse race takes place biannually in July and August.Main House Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Main entrance
-    Living room with fireplace, antique billiard table (age 12+ only), sofa, armchairs and doors leading to terrace
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave, blender and coffee maker (with capsules)
-    Guest WC
-    Bedroom suite (in former chapel) with double bed (150x195cm), air-conditioning, garden access and en suite bathroom. Connecting antechamber (no air-conditioning) with single bed (90x180cm), small daybed (80x160cm) and en suite shower room.

The ground floor bedroom suite can be accessed via the antechamber or via the courtyard. Please also note the antechamber room is not included in the advertised bedroom/bathroom capacity.

First Floor (via contemporary metal stairs or courtyard stairs)

-    Landing area with desk
-    Salon (via steps) with fireplace, seating, desk and dining table. Door leads to a small terrace with bench and outdoor stairs (uneven) down to courtyard
-    Master bedroom suite (35.9m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
-    Bedroom (21.9m2) with double bed (150x195cm), fireplace, air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (21.9m2) with double bed (140x195cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room 

Second Floor - Tower

-    Bedroom (20.3m2) with double bed (180x195cm, can be split as twins), air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (12.5m2) with double bed (140x190cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room

Third Floor Tower

-    Bedroom (18.9m2) with double bed (180x195cm, can be split as twins), air-conditioning and en suite shower room  
-    Bedroom (21.5m2) with double bed (150x195cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room  

Farmhouse Annexe Interiors

-    Entrance (via five steps from courtyard)
-    Dining room with fireplace, side kitchen and dining table for 22 guests
-    Quad bedroom (24.2m2, via three steps) with double bed (160x195cm), second double bed (160x195cm) on a raised level (via floating stairs) and air-conditioning
-    Separate shared bathroom (next to family bedroom)  
-    Bedroom (13.7m2) with king-size double bed (180x195cm, can be split as twins) and air-conditioning (can use shared bathroom across the other side of the open-plan kitchen-diner or en suite shower room in next door’s bedroom)
-    Bedroom (15.8m2) with double bed (160x195cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room

Outside Grounds (40 acres)

-    Swimming pool (fan shape, approx. 10x10m, depth: 1.8m, including enclosed shallow area for children) open approximately May to October. Can be heated on request (for a supplement)
-    Poolside terrace with sun loungers (x14) and parasols (x2)
-    Medieval courtyard with dining table and relaxation area  
-    Pergola for al-fresco dining near gas barbecue, wood fired pizza oven and bar area
-    Front terrace with outdoor dining and seating area
-    Bocce pitch and table tennis
-    Gardens surrounding the palace and farmhouse (some sloping grounds)
-    Lavender fields, olive groves, vegetable garden and bee colony (part of a working organic farm)
-    Woodland
-    Events barn (at extra cost)
-    Parking
-    Electric vehicle charger (at extra cost)

Additional Facilities

-    Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
-    Games console (PS3 and vintage consoles)
-    iPod docking station
-    Ironing facilities

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off

Extras included at this property:

- Continental breakfast buffet 
- 5 dinner services with a private chef (ingredients and drink to be paid separately)
- Daily housekeeping (communal areas only)
- Mid-week clean and towel change (bedrooms and bathrooms)

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Continental breakfast
- Extra housekeeping and towel/linen changes
- Extra evenings with the private chef
- Lunch service
- Extra servers
- Aperitivo and/or wine service
- Yoga and massages
- Transfers
- Laundry service
- Help with bike and e-bike rental

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
5.00 - 7.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes. There is an extra nightly fee for use of the Electric Vehicle charger, payable locally.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of €25 per pet, per day, will apply (payable locally).

Other Ts and Cs
Two cots and two highchairs are available on request. The cots can be placed in any of the bedrooms except the second and third floor tower rooms.

The services of a private cook and helper are included five evenings a week to prepare a four-course Tuscan feast. Please note that guests have to pay the cost of all food and drink on these evenings.

Air-conditioning is featured in the eleven main bedrooms only.

Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.

Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager.

Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information.

Changeover day
Saturday. All other changeover days on request.

End of stay cleaning available?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
No.

Minimum stay
7 nights. All other durations on request.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Pool heating charge?
Pool heating is subject to an extra charge of €300 per week, payable locally (please request in advance). Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Tax
Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet access included.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately May to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.

Property Licence Number
IT052034B534VVKHAU