From the sheer magnificence of its unparalleled views and its prime location between Florence and Siena, it is instantly apparent to all who come here why this imposing edifice was fought over by both cities for centuries. Built over 900 years ago, with three foot thick fortress walls, the history of Zaballina's villa fills an entire volume. The villa is still hotly contested, but luckily for all of us, only in pursuit of pleasure. Over the centuries, the estate grew from a watch tower into a fortress. Monks tilled the soil and sheltered travelers on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route from England to Rome. In the 1700s Zaballina was eventually transformed into a noble residence.
At 1100 feet above sea level, one entire side of the villa looks out over an infinity of Chianti Classico vineyards, olive-clad hills and the towers of San Gimignano. Basking in this incredible panorama are also three levels of private gardens and an amply furnished pool along with 330 acres of vineyards and olive groves.
On the other side, the entrance hall faces the central courtyard of the farming estate where the wine cellars and an ancient oil press are located. On one side of the villa's entrance is a beautifully frescoed chapel and the administration office, open weekdays, where guests may purchase estate made products such as DOP olive oil, Chianti, Vin Santo and grappa. On Monday, our guests are invited to a complimentary tour and wine tasting at the estate's winery next door. Across the courtyard is a restaurant, opened upon request. Additional guest and staff quarters are located throughout this sprawling estate.
Villa Zaballina comes with two hours of morning cleaning service, three times per week. With a minimum of six budding chefs in your group, a cooking class may be arranged.
As already mentioned, this villa is quite old and spacious with over 9500 square feet of living space. Fading frescoes on many ceilings illustrate this, and the wood ovens and most fireplaces are purely ornamental. Both inside and out, numerous steps, mostly of stone or marble, are worn and uneven from centuries of use. The décor, much of it quite valuable, does reflects the home's age. Due to the thick walls and the altitude, the interiors manage to keep cool during summer months. Window screens are present on all first floor windows.
My reasons for loving this home may differ from yours. Vast Renaissance gardens, several living rooms, a billiard room, panoramic views and a very well equipped kitchen tell me this villa was made to entertain. This is the best location for exploring Tuscany, between Florence and Siena that I've seen in a long time. By car, Poggibonsi with a supermarket, trains and the entrance to the Firenze - Siena highway is within a 10 minute drive; Monteriggioni: 15; San Gimignano: 20; Siena or Castellina in Chianti: 30; Radda in Chianti: 40; Florence: 50; Lucca: 75; Cortona: 90.
To truly revel in this villa, one must abandon the expectation of smooth walls, level floors and designer comforts found in the sterile manses of the Hamptons, Bel Aire or Palm Beach. Next to this, they were built 10 seconds ago and 10 seconds from now they may be gone as well.
Technical Description
Ground floor: Two entrance foyers. Main living room with fireplace, TV and CD player. Smaller living room opening to a billiard room with doors to furnished terrace. Medieval dining room. Study. Spacious kitchen with stovetop, two ovens, two fridges, dishwasher, barbecue fireplace and washing machine. Archway to dining room with doors to furnished terrace. Half bath.
First floor: Living room with ornamental fireplace. Six bedrooms each with a queen size bed: one with a French balcony. Two bedrooms each with two single beds. Three bathrooms: one with shower; one with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower and one with tub and hand shower.
Gardens and Terraces: Three large outdoor areas tiered one above the other and connected by double sets of stone stairs. The first level has direct access to most of the villa's ground floor with a dining area shaded by three large trees. The level below has flowers, fruit trees, fossil shell fountain grotto and two fountains. The lowest level has a pool, lawn area and rose bed.
