CASTELLO DI TOCCHI & VILLA FERRAIA

Far from the din of commercialism, tranquility and peacefulness abound at Castello di Tocchi or Villa Ferraia. One of these medieval hamlets will be your home for your stay in Tuscany. Nestled in the wooded, hilly countryside, each property is about 30 minutes southwest of Siena, minutes from the village of Tocchi and close to your Italian host’s farm.
 
Take a step back in time, without foregoing modern amenities at both of these meticulously restored properties—comfortably decorated with white-washed walls, tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings, antique furniture, and en suite baths.

CASTELLO DI TOCCHI

Built in the 11th century, the Castello di Tocchi—with it fortified walls—is technically a village. The stone walls once contained a large building and a church. An Etruscan tomb, dating back 4 BC, lies beneath the Castello’s center square. During the 300-year war between Siena and Florence (Florence eventually prevailed), the village was severely damaged. The village was abandoned after the Plague of the 16th century until the 18th century when a farmer built his home using a portion of the fortified wall. Since then, sections have been owned and occupied by various people.
 
Vittorio Cambria became a part of the history, when he purchased a section of this charming walled village in 1985. He has restored multiple sections into suites, complete with sitting areas, kitchenettes and private baths. Also included are luxuriant towels, bed linens and Florentine soaps and shampoos. To maintain the Castello’s rustic and quiet atmosphere, there are no televisions or telephones in the suites. (Cell phones are available for emergency use only.)

La Cucina del Castello, the kitchen of the castle, occupies the first floor of a village section. An adjacent dining room welcomes guests with traditional furniture; a fireplace; ancient chestnut beam-work; wrought iron fixtures; soft lighting; and a magical, hand-painted wall mural. This atmosphere sets the stage for cooking classes, multi-course sumptuous meals, wine sampling, and friendly conversation. Breakfast is served en suite each morning, featuring strong Italian coffee, juices, fruits, yogurt, eggs, and an assortment of fresh-baked breads. Lunch and dinner are served in the dining room unless otherwise specified by your itinerary. (Vegetarian and other special dietary requests will be accommodated for all meals with advance notice.)

VILLA FERRAIA

Named for the iron (or “ferro”) mined here in medieval times, Borgo di Ferraia sits only one mile from Castello Di Tochi. The villa, according to Sienese records, dates back to 1204. Villa Ferraia was purchased in 1995 by Vittoria Cambria, after over 50 years of abandonment. Since this time, the Cambria family has tackled the arduous restoration work. The family enjoyed their first guests at Villa Ferraia in June 2006.
 
This truly stunning hamlet boasts accommodations for up to 30 guests and features a state-of-the-art kitchen with wood-burning oven, two acres of organic vegetable and herb gardens and a large greenhouse. Far from the light pollution of modern civilization, Villa Ferraia enjoys its own observatory complete with high-tech telescope.
 
A large infinity swimming pool overlooks the beautiful valley below. And, the landscaped grounds offer opportunities for walking.  

Each bedroom and suite includes a flat-screen television, fine linens and towels, Florentine soaps and shampoos, and private baths — guaranteeing a relaxing, comfortable stay. Telephone and fax machine are available in the reception area for emergency use only. 

Breakfast is served each morning in the handsome, spacious dining room. Guests enjoy strong Italian coffee, fresh fruits and juices, yogurt, eggs, and an assortment of fine breads. Lunch and dinner are served in the dining room unless otherwise specified by your itinerary. (Vegetarian and other special dietary requests will be accommodated for all meals with advance notice.)