Il Cardinale

Welcome to Villa Cardinale, an exceptional 8-bedroom historic grand mansion set in a beautiful olive oil and wine-producing estate, just 40 minutes south of the beautiful Tuscan city of Siena. Throughout its storied past, this villa was once the country home of aristocratic dynasties. It can now lay home to the idyllic Italian escape of your dreams. Having been carefully renovated to bring this breathtaking property back to its original magnificence, the villa now has all the luxurious modern amenities you could possibly desire while still maintaining its former splendor.

At Il Cardinale, it is possible to immerse yourself in the unspoiled splendor of rural Italy. An elegant Cyprus-lined boulevard welcomes you to the imposing magnificence of the villa. The surrounding manicured landscape offers guests complete privacy. For those looking to completely unwind, there is no better place to relax than sunbathing poolside, cocktail in hand, followed by an invigorating swim in the villa's private pool. After indulging in all the local cuisine more active guests can spend the afternoon playing a friendly game of tennis on the villa's private court, working up a sweat in the well-equipped gym area, or even hiking through the nearby hills. In the courtyard, a large patio is set up with large umbrellas to offer some shade. You are bound to take many of your evening meals here, featuring the bounty of the organic vegetable garden, which is yours to enjoy.

The spacious interiors are elegantly furnished with original paintings, rich fabrics, hand-crafted antiques, and heirlooms. The unique architectural details including original floor tiles, stone fireplaces, and painted walls soaring to high ceilings exude the elegance of Tuscan country style. The entrance hall featuring a stunning coffered ceiling, grand piano, and stylish seating arrangements, is a great space for those looking to entertain. A formal dining room can easily seat up to 20 people and is ideally located adjacent to the fully equipped country kitchen. The rustic kitchen table is where you can enjoy a casual breakfast before setting out for the day. A small drawing room with a luxurious red seating area offers guests a separate space to sit and relax.

Cardinale's incredible location in the heart of the Italian countryside, within close driving distance to some of the best sites to be found from Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast. The surrounding rolling hills are dotted with charming Italian towns and historic spots to explore. The towns of San Gimignano and Volterra are two beautiful fortress cities within easy driving distance from one another, known for their incredible skyline and alabaster artifacts respectively. The medieval walled city of Monteriggioni is another incredible town to explore for those interested in Italy's rich culture and art alike. Built-in the 13th century, the town is believed to be one of the best-preserved ancient fortifications in Italy, and scholars, architects, archaeologists as well as tourists flock to admire it. The walled hilltop medieval town of Montepulciano, the picturesque Cetona, and the charming thermal villages of San Casciano dei Bagni and Bagno Vignoni are also well worth a visit.

The city of Siena is a popular destination not to be missed during your trip to Tuscany. The charming cobbled stone streets and historic center of the pedestrian city are best surveyed on foot. A masterpiece of medieval architecture, there are many museums, galleries, and botanic gardens to visit while you are there. Be sure to time your trip with the world-renowned Palio di Siena horse race that takes place in the city on the 2nd of July and 16th of August each year. This exhilarating and colorful event involves seventeen horses, each representing a part of the City of Siena, galloping around the shell-shaped focal point of the city, Piazza del Campo at break-neck speeds. This local event of epic proportions is one of the most unique things to do in Italy.

The region of Tuscany is best known as a producer of some of the finest foods and wines in Italy. Why not allow our concierge service to book a guided tour around some of the region's most notable wineries as well as some of the lesser-known boutique vineyards. A private car can take you through the Chianti region, Montepulciano, or Brunello di Montalcino hill towns tasting some of the local wines, and learning about its production before enjoying an incredible meal in an even more exceptional setting.

This old-world-style mansion is a must-stay for any large group looking to experience Italian tradition as well as modern quality and comforts. The sprawling grounds offer a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life. Il Cardinale's central location is the perfect base for anyone looking to absorb all of Tuscany's cultural highlights.

THE BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

First floor
Master King bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower/tub.
Queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower/tub
Twin/King bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower/tub
Queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower/tub – Portable air conditioning

Second floor
Queen bedroom suite with study room and en-suite bathroom with shower
Family suite:
King bedroom with shared bathroom with shower/tub
Twin/King bedroom with shared bathroom with shower/tub

Third floor
Panoramic bedroom with two French beds (130cm wide each), TV and en-suite bathroom with shower/tub

All bedrooms have air conditioning, all the bathrooms are provided with hair dryers;

AMENITIES
• A/C in all bedrooms
• Heating
• Wi-fi
• Fireplaces
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Satellite TV with Sky cable
• DVD player
• Stereo/CD player
• Piano
• Foosball table
• BBQ
• Wood-burning pizza oven
• Private tennis court
• Swimming pool (5 x 14 m)
• Sauna
• Gym
• Organic vegetable garden
• Wide private parking

RATES INCLUDE
• All Utilities including A/C and final cleaning
• Housekeeping: 4 hours per day/7 days per week (9 am-1pm)
• Mid-week change of linen and bath towels (Wed)
• Continental Breakfast (8 am – 10:30 am) per day/7 days per week (cost of food included)
• Local cook for lunch and/or dinner (cost of food extra)
• Organic Extra virgin Olive Oil from our estate’s own production (1 lt)
• Unlimited WiFi internet access (available indoor and outdoor)
• Garden and pool maintenance

AMENITIES AT EXTRA COST
• Additional housekeeping service
• Professional Chef service
• Cost of food and beverage
• Pre-stocking service for food and drinks: €200 per service, plus cost of goods
• Pizza night in the ancient wood-fired oven to be reserved ahead of time
• Wine tasting and tour of the estate cellar

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Security deposit: €2,500 to be paid in cash upon arrival and will be returned at end of the stay
• Food allowance: €1,500 to be paid in cash upon arrival
• Villa staff live on the premises, in separate quarters. Guests’ privacy is guaranteed
• Adult guests are preferred. Children might be accommodated on request, subject to the owner’s approval at time of booking. In case of acceptance, the party shall come with their personal nanny for the full stay, or the villa can arrange a babysitting service for a charge
• The kitchen can be operated only by villa personnel
• Non-smoking villa
• The Italian government might require the payment of a Visitor’s Tax (approximately €1.50 – €5.00 per person, per day, depending on the location) and may be applied for the first seven days in the destination. This tax is payable locally, in Euro cash.
• Check-in between 3 pm and 5 pm; Check-out by 10 am
• All extra services must be paid locally unless otherwise arranged

LOCATION DETAILS
• Nearest Airport: Florence Peretola 1 h 30 min
• Nearest serviced town: 6 min
• Nearest major city: Siena 40 min
• Driving time estimated by Google Maps