Location: Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena Province, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Siena km.22 - Rome km.235 - Florence km.80 -Castelnuovo km10) View Map
Accommodations: Country House / Chateau, 22 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 10+ Baths (Sleeps 44)
Keywords: Castle apartments and Farm Houses
The historic Castle of Montalto lies in one of the loveliest parts of the Chianti area of Tuscany, very centrally located for art touring.
The Castle is situated some 23 km. (14 miles) east of Siena. The nearest village is found at 10 km (6 miles) from Montalto, the major Italian highway (Autostrada del Sole) at 30 km. Road distance is 40 km to Arezzo and Cortona, 75 km to Perugia, 80 km to Florence, 90 km to the sea, 125 km to Pisa, 230 km to Rome. The nearest train stations are found at 12 km (trains to the south) and 18 km (trains to the north). There is no convenient bus service.
Montalto is not a hotel. The owners, who live in the castle and farm a surrounding estate of 700 acres, offer part of the castle itself and the carefully restored old houses of its little hamlet for rent to vacationers seeking a quiet country atmosphere.
Rentals are by the week or by the month. Prices include all utilities, heating, weekly exchange of sheets and towels, sports facilities, normal final cleaning and taxes.
Ten homes of different size are available, for separate rental by the week or month or all together for weddings and reunions. The houses are tastefully and individually furnished and equipped and most have a private gardens in addition to the common grounds. More information on each can be found by clicking below.
Renters of the various houses enjoy privacy without isolation. They share use of the swimming pool, tennis court, clubroom, library and laundry area and are assisted with information on local sights, restaurants, shopping, tickets and transportation. Farm products are for sale as available. Housekeeping and cooking can be arranged. Lessons in Italian cooking and language can be organized.
Horseback riding is available at the border of the estate on a farm formerly belonging to Montalto.
A chapel and a large hall are available for ceremonies.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer (5) : Washer in some units, shared laundry facilities for others
- Dryer : Coin-op dryer in common laundry room
- Linens Provided : clean linens provided weekly, available more often at extra charge. Extra pillows available as desired.
- Covered Parking : some carport space
- Off Street Parking : Road ends at castle
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace (8) : In most houses, and in Common room
- Beds
- King Bed (9) : In all there are 14 'matrimoniale' beds (c.72 in), one to three per house/apartment
- Queen Bed (6) : See under King Bed. In many rooms the beds can be united or separated as requested.
- Twin/Single Bed (8) : Twins in one room of each of the 2 or 3 bedroom houses, more if desired. Note: Italian Twin beds are narrower than US(about 36 in).
- Convertible Bed (4) : Only for occasional overnight guests
- Child Bed : 3 available, at extra cost (€100/week)
- Crib (4) : several available, at extra cost (€30/week)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3) : In some apartments and in Common room
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : portable tv available for rent
- VCR
- Music Library : Piano in Common room, sheet music available
- Foosball
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Shared Pool : 20x40ft / 6x12m, with landscaped and furnished sun terrace; also shared TENNIS COURT and rackets, bocce ball court, grass volley ball.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (9) : Every house/apartment has a complete kitchen, large or small
- Shared Kitchen : Separate large kitchen available for rent for parties and for cooking lessons
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Basic; extra utensils available to borrow for enthusiastic cooks
- Refrigerator : per house or apartment and in commmon kitchen
- Dishwasher : In three apartments and in common kitchen
- Microwave : In common room
- Catering Available : A local cook can bring supper to your door. Regular meals can be arranged for special groups. Top caterers for weddings and other occasions.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Large charcoal grill in barbecue area near tennis court and pool; portable bbqs available for individual houses.
- Deck/Patio (9) : All units have patios or gardens equipped for outdoor dining
- Balcony (3) : Guardia and Vescovo have balconies with views
- Lanai : Loggia apartment only, with expansive view
- Gazebo (2) : in Vescovo garden and in barbecue area
- View/Location
- Mountain View : Views are of a cultivated valley with rolling wooded hills. Creek runs through property and crosses valley floor.
- Monument View : The castle itself is a 1000 year old historic building
- Communications
- Telephone (10) : All but 2 units, for which cell phones are provided (see below)
- Cell Phone (3) : provided free for renters of the two cottages without fixed phones, plus one for rent as desired.
- Computer (2) : Coomputer room for guest use
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet (2) : with satellite connection, 10 euro-cents/minute
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : All of castle area is covered
- Other Amenities
- Dishwasher in some apartments. Screens and shutters. Fans available. Thick stone walls, high beamed ceilings, brick tiled floors
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Not in all houses - permission required
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : Two cottages are ground-floor, no steps; others all have some stairs.
- Kid Friendly : High chairs, play garden, lots of outdoor space,horses, chickens,creek...
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking is discouraged inside houses, not allowed in bedrooms.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseshoes
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Swimming pool and tennis court on property, Horseback Riding on edge of property, Hot springs with spa and naturally heated pools at 12 km
Rate Details (In Euros)
Torre del Vescovo (6 pax) per week: € 2650 High - € 2380 Meddium - € 2120 Season
Loggia (8 pax) per week: € 2690 High - € 2420 Meddium - € 2150 Season
Casa del Guardia (6 pax) per week: € 1890 High - € 1700 Meddium - € 1510 Season
2 Bedrooms Apt. (4 pax) per week: € 1320 High - € 1180 Meddium - € 1050 Season
1 bedroom Apt. (2 pax) per week: € 740 High - € 670 Meddium - € 590 Season
Sale taxes included. Bookings for a minimum of 3 nights accepted in Low Season
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1969
Why the Owner Chose Castelnuovo Berardenga
We enjoy this life, not only because the income helps to maintain the estate, but especially because the people who choose to come out to the country to spend their vacation in beautiful surroundings in an historic context, who welcome the simple life and the opportunity to visit the famous and less-known art treasures of this incredibly rich area of Italy, are people we like.
We enjoy the opportunity to invite them into our home, to show them our collection of ancient weapons and to repeat the history and legends of the castle, and we enjoy talking to them. Many have become our lasting friends.
Tuscany villas and vacation homes for rent in charming castle near Siena, Italy. Agriturismo holiday accommodations in farmhouses and Tuscany villa rentals. The historic Castle of Montalto lies in one of the loveliest and most unspoiled parts of the Chianti area of Tuscany, not far from Siena. Its charming Tuscany Villas are very centrally located for art touring, an excellent home base for sight-seeing, winery visits and exploring hill towns and back roads
Owner's Map of Castelnuovo Berardenga
Giovanni, an economist, was born of an aristocratic Neapolitan family in 1929. He studied at the University of Naples and then worked briefly on a coffee plantation in Africa and at FAO in Rome before going to California for an advanced degree at UC-Berkeley.
There he met Diana, daughter of a California artist, who was already entranced with Tuscany after a European tour following her graduation from Stanford.
We were married in 1961, and after a few years in Naples we moved to the Castle where we managed the farm and raised four children, while Giovanni continued to teach European agricultural policy at the University of Siena until his retirement.
Around 1980 we started refurbishing the abandoned old stone houses within the castle walls and around the property, offering them for rent to vacationers.
In 1995 daughter Paola, who had learned computer design in San Francisco, designed the first Montalto web site, subsequently updated regularly by Giovanni and completely reworked by daughter Elena in 2006.
As time went by, one after the other the old buildings were restored, bathrooms and heating put in and plumbing and wiring improved. The swimming pool and tennis court were installed and the former granary became an impressive hall for banquets and ceremonies. Montalto is still a working farm under Giovanni's guidance, but agriturism - "agrotourism" or hospitality for tourists in an agricultural context - has become a full-time occupation.
Property Photos
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Traveler Reviews (7)
An Ideal Vacation Site
Guest: Michael C
(Geilston Bay, Tasmania, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11
Review Submitted: 10/24/11
With a group of friends, I have just completed my fifth stay at Montalto, this time in Loggia. And again, all of my party found that our stay was excellent value for money. Warm welcome, helpful and informative staff, perfect location for exploration of Tuscany. When we weren't out sightseeing, we enjoyed the pool or the walking opportunities around the castle. The nearby village of Castelnuovo became our second home, with so many excellent dining opportunities and good local shopping. Once again, our enjoyment of the Montalto experience was underscored by the hospitality and warmth of Diana and Giovanni, and by the consistent helpfulness of Alexander. I look forward eagerly to my next visit, and warmly commend Montalto to prospective visitors to Tuscany. Michael (Australia)
Owner response:Dear Michael, it was wanderfull to have you here for the 5th time. We are waiting for the 6th !! Best from Diana, Giovanni and Alexander (and Leo)
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Idyllic castle in Tuscany
Guest: Eliza
(Norway)
Date of Stay: 09/15/11
Review Submitted: 09/21/11
A group from Norway placed a conference to Castello Montalto in the middle of September 2011. We had a wonderful stay and the hosts were so friendly and helpfull. The place is great for anyone who likes quiet, walks in the woods and the good life in general.
Owner response:Thank you Elisabeth, for us too it was great to have your party at Montalto
Recommended for:
A place to be
Guest: Boby
(Zurich, Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
Very charming place, where you rent a beautiful furnitured appartement in a castle in the countryside. Very calm in the hills and woods away from traffic. Ideal for kids. A lot of space, a pool, tennis court is there for free. Very nice owners who will also intrduce you to the history of Montalto and a helpful "guard". Montalto even surpassed our expectations we had after consulting the homepage. It has its price and this is more for authenticitiy than for luxury, you should not expect a "designed" Spa-Castle! We will be there again for sure!
Owner response:Thank you for your kind words. We will be expecting you all soon ! Giovanni & Diana
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, age 55+.
2 magnifcent weeks in a spectacular castle .
Guest: Jan
(Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
Four of us (Australians) stayed for two wonderful weeks at Montalto castle in the Tower (Torre Del Vescovo). The accomodation was exactly as described on the website. We could find no fault at all. The choice of furniture and decorations was like stepping back in time but with all the modern conveniences of today; fully functional and clean bathrooms, and a very well equipped kitchen. We spent many an hour walking the gardens and grounds of the castle and were delighted with fresh produce available from the vegetable garden. Our hosts Giovanni and Diana and their "Jack of all Trades" lessandro were extremely amenable, nothing was too much trouble for them and we delighted in hearing of the long history of Montalto. The castle is only 20 minutes drive from Bucine train station, which meant we could catch the train for our trips to Florence, Venice and Rome. The nearest town for groceries is only about 15 minutes away and a wonderful restaurant very reasonably priced, and very popular with both locals and tourists is but a 5 minute drive away. We had a wonderful stay and continue to recommend Montalto Castle to our friends. Hopefully one day we will return; many thanks to Giovanni and Diana for allwoing us to share their home.
Owner response:So kind of you! I think your comments add to the information on our site and will be useful for other people.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+.
Great for Families
Guest: Happy Family of Four
(Currently London but returning to New York)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11
Review Submitted: 07/30/11
Our family of four stayed at Castello Montalto this Spring. It was everything they described at their website and more. The location was perfect and close to everywhere we wanted to go.The accomodations were clean and extremely "tuscan rustic." It really felt like we were staying in a castle (which it is). More importantly it was child friendly. Our children had lots of places to run and explore. They would have preferred staying at the castle over visiting the sights of Tuscany!! They wanted to take Leo, the German Shepard, home with them! The owners were extemely charming and invited us all into their home for tea. Seeing the original living quarters of the castle was a treat all in itself. The manager, Alex, was extemely helpful and always ready with directions, maps and restaurant recommendation.
Owner response:So glad you all enjoyed your stay. Having children and grandchildren of our own, we know how important it is for their (and their parents') wellbeing to have a respite from tourism and the freedom to run around.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, sightseeing.
Italian Countryside Gem
Guest: Katie B.
(Houston)
Date of Stay: 05/04/11
Review Submitted: 07/12/11
My husband and I wanted a small wedding in Tuscany, and when we found Castello di Montalto, we thought it fit the bill. We had no idea how wonderful it actually would be. Diana and Giovanni were gracious hosts. Diana was incredibly helpful in advising us with our arrangements as we tried to coordinate a wedding overseas. When we arrived, we couldn't have asked for a better welcome. Diana and Alexander had everything ready for us and our guests, and they were very accommodating. The castle grounds are spectacular. We enjoyed morning walks during which we admired the wild flowers, spotted deer, found porcupine quills and leftovers from the wild boars. The apartments were clean and comfortable, with everything we needed to entertain ourselves. The huge linden tree was the perfect backdrop for our wedding, and the granaio was a great space for dining and dancing. The location was a great launching point for wine tasting in Tuscany. The towns nearby are charming and offer lovely restaurants and more views of the beautiful countryside. We enjoyed every moment of our stay, and we hope to be back soon. Thank you, Diana and Giovanni!
Owner response:I'm so glad you enjoyed your wedding stay at Montalto, Katie, and I'm pleased you agree that the accommodations we offer for living and for celebrating are perfect for such an occasion. We love holding weddings here, and the ceremony you created under the big tree was particularly beautiful and moving. I hope that, like so many other couples who have 'tied the knot' at the castle, you will come back for an anniversary. And come back sometime in full summer, when our courtyard is abloom with hydrangeas and the countryside is even more beautiful! It will always be a joy to see you and your wonderful family again. Thank you for your kind words and best wishes from us all. Diana
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Great Experience!
Guest: JSTEVE
(Broken Arrrow, Okla. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/08/11
Review Submitted: 04/23/11
We recently returned from a short stay at the castle and what a great experience!! We certainly wish we could have stayed longer! The pictures I took of the castle and surrounding area are truly amazing! Our accomodations were extremely nice and clean with very good amenties. The owners and staff could not have been nicer or more helpful, and an evening "tea" with the owners was truly a highlight of our stay as we learned a little history of Montalto and the area. What a treat!! We hope to make a return trip to the castle in the very near future!
Owner response:Thank you for your kind words, Jerry! We're so glad you enjoyed your vacation - and would love to see some of your pictures! People often tell us our photos don't do Montalto justice, I guess we're not such good photographers. Diana
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #65273
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