Historic Tuscan villa from the 17th century, beautifully restored on the site of a 1322 convent, only 15 minutes on foot from Siena’s old town. Private park, swimming pool, SPA, Finnish sauna, 500 olive trees producing biological extra-virgin olive oil. Superb view: to the south Tuscan hills, to the north Siena's skyline. Our guests enjoy the calm and silence of a mansion within walking distance from Siena's Medieval center, Upon request exclusive meals, cooking classes and wine tasting sessions. Anna , the owner, remembers: "My father Luigi, back in 1985, decided to convert the ancient Villa into a 5-apartment mansion: two apartments went to the family, including his beloved daughter, little Anna. The remaining 3 apartments became a holiday resort for foreign tourists. Dad was positive that the city-country location was a winning asset for a holiday house in Tuscany. He was right. Now, I have just renewed all the apartments, added modern amenities, enhanced the outdoor spaces, hoping to follow my father's footprints." For our guests only: swimming pool (under 12 only if accompanied by an adult) with exclusive beach beds, chairs, sun umbrella Finnish sauna, SPA (check dates and hrs) fitness area game area trail inside the property exclusive gazebo with fully equipped BBQ exclusive garden lounge with a view on Siena fireplace with a view on Siena

“We are tightly attached to the soil”: Anna Bernabei Biondi Santi, property owner, on life at Villa Santa Chiara. “Whenever I think of myself, I cannot help but think that my family is tightly attached to the soil”, muses Anna, her bright blue eyes lost over the seemingly endless landscape to the south of Villa Santa Chiara, a 17th century building. Now it is home to her and her eldest daughter Claudia who is a tour guide of Siena, as well as hosting tourists from around the world. Anna’s mother came from nearby Montalcino, one of those small medieval towns that dot the Tuscan landscape and define it just like hills, cypresses, vineyards do. In Montalcino the Biondi Santi family invented Brunello wine. Through many decades, the name Biondi Santi itself meant Brunello. Anna’s cousin, Simonetta, still produces an award-winning Brunello. Today, in her own property Anna produces olive oil which she sells to friends and guests of the villa. Thanks to the quality of the soil, her oil, after many taste tests, has been recognized as one of extremely high quality. The olive trees were planted by Anna’s father, whose father in 1917 bought the building. Anna is a gynecologist by training.

The Villa is located in Derna, a small, quiet neighborhood by the ancient city walls. In 5’ one can reach the Porta Romana gate, then a 15' walk leads to Piazza del Campo, Siena's heart. In the opposite direction a pleasant stroll on the Certosa Road leads to the ancient Certosa di Maggiano abbey (today a restaurant and a hotel). The road twists and turns among the gorgeous Tuscan hills, and offers a great view on the iconic skyline of Medieval Siena. On the main road in front of the Villa (2' walk) one can find the Bottega di Nonno Mario, a small but well-stocked supermarket. The twin sisters who own the supermarket prepare tasty Tuscan dishes one can eat there or take away. The Bottega is a bar and tobacconist too. On the same street bikes are available for rent.