The medieval castle of Castelluccio (literally “little castle”) lies on the summit of a hill on the La Foce estate. The precise date of its foundation is not known. It was probably built in the XIth century, though it had certainly been the seat of an Etruscan acropolis centuries before that time. Over the years the castle has been altered and enlargened, gradually turning into what it is today.

A large, old woodendoor opens onto a stone ramp and a pretty courtyard with arches, which in summer are decorated with a profusion of hanging geraniums. Here, the Incontri in Terra di Siena festival holds chamber music concerts each year at the end of July.

The chapel in the castle, with XVIth century frecoes and an extension by Cecil Pinsent, is still used by the Origo family today for special events such as christenings and weddings. It is also available for La Foce tenants and catholic ceremonies.

Two apartments, Tartaruga and Etrusco, are reached from the courtyard. They were delightfully restored in 2001 with some old family furniture, and enjoy beautiful views of the hills and woods that surround the castle.

The historical walled-in garden of Castelluccio is reached through a wrought-iron gate. A spacious lawn welcomes you, with large shady yew trees and a swimming pool (8 x 4,5 m) with sunbeds and deckchairs. The garden is shared with the tenants of Belvedere 1 and 2, a house at the very far end of the garden, hidden by a laurel and arbutus hedge. The view from the pool over the Orcia valley onto the Monte Amiata is absolutely breathtaking.

A country restaurant lies at the foot of the hill, in walking distance, if you feel like a stroll.