Perched on a low hill in the middle of the crete, these lovely early seventeenth century farmhouses offer superb views of the rolling chalk hills that sweep up towards Montalcino and Pienza in the distance.  The convent of Sant’ Anna is just a few kilometres away. 

Palazzo Conti A 

Our two apartments at Palazzo Conti A have been delightfully refurbished in a country style.   Beamed ceiling, ornate bedframes and high-quality walnut furnishings emphasise the rustic tradition of the house while dried flower arrangements and the occasional old farm implement add touches of decoration.   With smart kitchen units and satellite TVs the apartments also cater for all modern needs. 

The main road between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza is only a few hundred metres away so the house is well placed for touring by car, while at the same time the seating areas around the old brick well in the garden enjoy tranquillity and a sense of isolation.  The swimming pool (8m x 4m) has panoramic views towards Monte Amiata and there is also a small private lake with carp just a stroll from the house. 

Palazzo Conti B

Set just below the farmhouse, the swimming pool (15m x 7m) at Palazzo Conti B has a 180-degree view of the crete,  with hardly another human habitation in sight.  It is the perfect place to while away the hours plotting the week’s excursions: a little wine sampling up at Montalcino, a visit to the ideal Renaissance city of Pienza, searching out the Sodoma paintings in the convent of Sant’Anna, or marvelling at the Romanesque church of Sant’Antimo. 

The friendly (non-English speaking) owners live next door and quietly go about the business of running a 53-hectare cereal farm as well as looking after their four comfortable apartments,  There is a loggia-style patio area at the entrance and more outside seating around the pool.   

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