Palazzone Della Lavanda

About this property

With origins dating back to the 12th century, this historic castle in southern Tuscany is set within a beautiful 40-acre estate of lavender fields, olive groves and protected forest, only a 20-minute drive from Siena. Once a defensive outpost for Siena, later a hunting lodge and small hamlet, Palazzone Della Lavanda is today an extraordinary retreat for weddings, celebrations and gatherings with family and friends.

The estate sleeps up to 22 guests across eleven individually styled, air-conditioned bedrooms split between the castle and farmhouse. Original medieval features blend with elegant interiors, from the former chapel transformed into a luxurious suite to the tower bedrooms with sweeping countryside views. Spacious lounges, a billiard room and a charming courtyard filled with roses and jasmine create inviting spaces to relax together.

A true Tuscan experience awaits with the services of an in-house cook and helper included five evenings a week, preparing traditional local dishes to enjoy in the farmhouse dining room or by candlelight in the courtyard. Guests can also arrange continental breakfasts and wine tastings at the neighbouring winery.

Beyond the courtyard, stone steps lead to the swimming pool, which can be heated on request, while the surrounding estate offers hiking and biking trails through protected woodland rich with wildlife. Despite the peaceful setting, a local village with a restaurant and grocery shop is only 2km away, and the cultural treasures of Siena, including the famous Piazza del Campo, are within easy reach.

Only 20 minutes from Siena, Palazzone Della Lavanda is set within a 40-acre estate surrounded by protected forests where deer, hares, wild boars and porcupines roam freely. Part of the grounds operate as an organic farm producing lavender, olive oil and honey, while guests are welcome to pick vegetables from the kitchen garden.

Walking and cycling trails begin directly from the estate, and despite the peaceful rural setting, the nearest road is just 400m away. A winery within walking distance offers tastings and tours, while a small Tuscan village 2km away features a restaurant, café-bar, pharmacy and grocery shop stocked with regional produce.

Explore the rolling hills, fortified hamlets and forests of the Montagnola Senese region, known for its rich wildlife, migratory birds and autumn truffle hunting. Nearby, guests can enjoy wild swimming in the Merse River or play at the Robert Trent Jones Jr designed Royal Golf La Bagnaia course.

Siena, just 15km away, is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated cities. Discover the unesco-listed Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico and Siena Cathedral before wandering through charming lanes lined with trattorie, artisan shops and historic landmarks. In July and August, the famous Palio di Siena horse race brings the city spectacularly to life.

Accommodation

Main House Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Main entrance
-    Living room with fireplace, antique billiard table (age 12+ only), sofa, armchairs and doors leading to terrace
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave, blender and coffee maker (with capsules)
-    Guest WC
-    Bedroom suite (in former chapel) with double bed (150x195cm), air-conditioning, garden access and en suite bathroom. Connecting antechamber (no air-conditioning) with single bed (90x180cm), small daybed (80x160cm) and en suite shower room.

The ground floor bedroom suite can be accessed via the antechamber or via the courtyard. Please also note the antechamber room is not included in the advertised bedroom/bathroom capacity.

First Floor (via contemporary metal stairs or courtyard stairs)

-    Landing area with desk
-    Salon (via steps) with fireplace, seating, desk and dining table. Door leads to a small terrace with bench and outdoor stairs (uneven) down to courtyard
-    Master bedroom suite (35.9m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
-    Bedroom (21.9m2) with double bed (150x195cm), fireplace, air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (21.9m2) with double bed (140x195cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room 

Second Floor - Tower

-    Bedroom (20.3m2) with double bed (180x195cm, can be split as twins), air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (12.5m2) with double bed (140x190cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room

Third Floor Tower

-    Bedroom (18.9m2) with double bed (180x195cm, can be split as twins), air-conditioning and en suite shower room  
-    Bedroom (21.5m2) with double bed (150x195cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room  

Farmhouse Annexe Interiors

-    Entrance (via five steps from courtyard)
-    Dining room with fireplace, side kitchen and dining table for 22 guests
-    Quad bedroom (24.2m2, via three steps) with double bed (160x195cm), second double bed (160x195cm) on a raised level (via floating stairs) and air-conditioning
-    Separate shared bathroom (next to family bedroom)  
-    Bedroom (13.7m2) with king-size double bed (180x195cm, can be split as twins) and air-conditioning (can use shared bathroom across the other side of the open-plan kitchen-diner or en suite shower room in next door’s bedroom)
-    Bedroom (15.8m2) with double bed (160x195cm), air-conditioning and en suite shower room

Outside Grounds (40 acres)

-    Swimming pool (fan shape, approx. 10x10m, depth: 1.8m, including enclosed shallow area for children) open approximately May to October. Can be heated on request (for a supplement)
-    Poolside terrace with sun loungers (x14) and parasols (x2)
-    Medieval courtyard with dining table and relaxation area  
-    Pergola for al-fresco dining near gas barbecue, wood fired pizza oven and bar area
-    Front terrace with outdoor dining and seating area
-    Bocce pitch and table tennis
-    Gardens surrounding the palace and farmhouse (some sloping grounds)
-    Lavender fields, olive groves, vegetable garden and bee colony (part of a working organic farm)
-    Woodland
-    Events barn (at extra cost)
-    Parking
-    Electric vehicle charger (at extra cost)

Additional Facilities

-    Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
-    Games console (PS3 and vintage consoles)
-    iPod docking station
-    Ironing facilities