About this property
Perched by the cliffs overlooking the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea below, Casale Il Mello is an idyllic and atmospheric place to stay and an excellent base for exploring more of Southern Tuscany. This staggering, 15th-century tower can accommodate eight people across five bedrooms, making it perfect for a trip with friends or family.
The home enjoys a peaceful location at the heart of the Maremma National Park, which covers a vast area of protected land and has a wide range of beaches, from rocky coves to sandy stretches. The house is the only dwelling on this leafy hillside, close to the sea’s edge. It used to be a defensive tower which protected this area from the invading Saracens.
As the home hails from the 1400s, you will find plenty of original features and stunning architectural design throughout the three-storey property. On the ground floor, you will enter through the main living room, which offers chic, modern furnishings alongside the period fireplace and beamed ceiling. The ground floor also has a dining room where your party can tuck into delicious meals prepared in the neighbouring kitchen.
Most of the home’s bedrooms are also on the ground floor, with three double bedrooms and one single room on this floor. Two of these rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and an additional family bathroom has an inviting bathtub.
On the first floor, you will find a second living room with a flat-screen TV; this would be a great space for teens or older kids to hang out while adults chat over a glass of wine. The final bedroom is on the third floor and contains a double bed, an additional single bed and an en-suite bathroom. This space would suit a family with a little one and offers privacy from the wider group.
Heading outdoors, you will discover a leafy, tranquil garden which offers unrivalled views of the nearby hills and the sea. There is a covered dining terrace and a table in full sun so you can dine al-fresco all day and night. When you wish to cool down in the heat of the day, walk 500m down to a privately accessed pebble beach where you can swim in the crystal clear water and relax with a good book.
Your options are plentiful when you wish to go out for the day. Walking and cycling around the nearby national park is a wonderful way to spend the day, or why not spend the day unwinding on one of the countless beaches close to the villa. Whether you prefer a quiet pebbled beach or a sandy bay, you will find a beach you love within easy reach. When you would like to pick up some groceries or fancy dining out for lunch, the closest amenities can be found in the pretty village of Talamone, which is 10km away.
Casale Il Mello is perched on a clifftop surrounded by the sea and stunning protected parkland. With historical attractions, sleepy villages and pristine beaches close by, the ancient tower is the ideal place to stay for a holiday in the south of Tuscany, an area off the beaten track with plenty for visitors to discover.
The Maremma National Park wraps around the home and offers a huge array of trails and trekking routes through pine forests, past rivers, and fragrant shrubland. The park also encompasses many gorgeous natural beaches, which are often empty; these include tiny coves and sweeping beaches where you can swim and sunbathe. You can also indulge in wine and olive oil tasting close to the home as this area specialises in producing both.
Guests that enjoy outdoor pursuits can take part in hiking, mountain biking or book on to a guided horseback trek through the unique landscape of the National Park. If you prefer getting out onto the water, then why not participate in some exhilarating water sports on offer. There is also a fantastic golf course just 15km away.
Aside from the idyllic natural environment, the medieval home is perfectly set for exploring Southern Tuscany’s history and culture in the nearby villages and towns, which boast a long, rich history tracing back to Etruscan settlers. The nearest village is Talamone, a quaint, historic fishing village only 10km away by car. Talamone sits in an elevated position at the edge of the Uccellina mountains and is nestled around a little harbour on the Silver Coast, where fishing boats bob on the water as they have for centuries. The key feature of the village is the amazing 13th-century Aldobrandeschi fortress which was rebuilt by Sienese workers in the 16th century. The village is much older, with pre-historic artefacts such as spears found here. The village is a lovely place to stop for dinner, and there are plenty of family-run trattorias tucked away down the winding streets, as well as cafés and many shops.
You can visit many other towns and villages nearby, including Orbetello, which is 30km away, located on a thin peninsula which juts out into the sea. This unique town has the feel of an island and offers plenty of golden sandy beaches lined with palm trees. The town has ancient origins and was settled by the Romans around 300 BC before being conquered repeatedly by rulers and noble families due to its important location on trade routes. The town is set between two sand bars, creating a calm, beautiful lagoon backed by the wild sea. The 14th-century fresco-filled cathedral, the hilltop archaeological park and the Spanish castle are some of the highlights of Orbetello. These sights are around a mostly pedestrianised town, so they are easy to get to on foot. If you want a laid-back day, you could simply potter around the local shops and dine at one of the many cafés and restaurants.
If you would like to explore a bustling, historic city, you could try Grosseto, which is 32km away and is the main city in this area, or you could drive to beautiful Siena, which is around 100km away and well worth the trip.
Accommodation
Villa Interior (290m2)
Ground Floor
- Living room with garden access, sofas and fireplace
- Dining room with dining table seating 8, armchairs and fireplace
- Fully-fitted kitchen with oven, hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, toaster, coffee machine and kettle
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedrooms with double bed
- Bedroom with single bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bathroom with bath, shower, sink and WC
First Floor
- Living room with sofas and flatscreen TV
Second Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and a single bed plus en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
Outside Grounds
- Access to a pebbled beach
- Leafy garden with outdoor lighting
- Covered dining terrace
- Roof terrace
- Table with sea views
- Sun loungers
- Outdoor hot water shower
- Private parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Satellite TV
- DVD player