General Description
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.

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.

On the other side, the entrance hall faces the central courtyard of the farming estate. On one side of the villa is a beautifully frescoed chapel and the estate's administration office, open weekdays, where guests may purchase products such as 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. With a minimum of six budding chefs, a cooking class may be arranged.

Across the courtyard is the estate's dining hall that may be opened, upon request, for our guests ordering meal service. Villa Zaballina comes with two hours of morning cleaning service, three times per week. Due to the thick walls and the altitude, the interiors manage to keep cool in summer.

As already mentioned, this villa is quite old. Fading frescoes on many ceilings illustrate this, and the wood ovens and most fireplaces are purely ornamental. Both inside and out, there are steps, mostly of stone or marble, which are worn and uneven from centuries of use. The décor, much of it quite valuable, does reflect its age.

Compared to the rich ground floor atmosphere, the bedrooms on the upper floor are simple. However, the owner did install screens on all first floor windows.

My reasons for loving this home may differ from yours. This is the best location for exploring Tuscany, especially 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; Florence: 50.

Vast Italianate gardens, several living rooms, panoramic views and a very well equipped kitchen tell me this villa was made to entertain.

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: Entry foyer with doors to furnished garden. Living room with fireplace, TV and CD player. Smaller living room opening to a billiard room with doors to furnished patio. Study. Spacious kitchen with stove top, two ovens, two fridges, dishwasher, barbecue fireplace and washing machine. Archway to dining room with doors to furnished garden. Half bath.

First floor: Living room with ornamental fireplace. Six bedrooms each with a queen size bed: two with private 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 partly shaded by three large trees. The level below has flowers, fruit trees and two fountains. The last level has a pool, lawn and a fossil shell fountain grotto.