The property of La Foce lies on the hills overlooking the Val d'Orcia, a beautiful and miraculously intact valley in Southern Tuscany. Midway between Florence and Rome, it is also within easy reach of Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto.

Renaissance and medieval gems such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Monticchiello and Montalcino are only a few miles away. The countryside abounds in lovely walks among woods and the characteristic crete senesi (clay hills); the food is among the best in Tuscany and famous wines such as the Vino Nobile and Brunello can be tasted in the local cellars. Cultural events - concerts, exhibitions, seminars - are organized in beautiful venues nearby. Tuscany's charms have been widely publicized, but La Foce is undoubtedly a place where you can enjoy the very best of this region.

Known as an important settlement from Etruscan times (a burial-place dating from the 7th century BC to the 2nd AD has been recently excavated on the property), La Foce has been continuously inhabited for many centuries. Later, its strategic position on the historical Via Francigena leading to Rome greatly increased its significance.

The Villa itself (now available for rent) was built in the late 15th century as a hostel for pilgrims and merchants travelling on this busy road. In 1924 the property was bought by Antonio and Iris Origo, who dedicated their lives to bringing progress and social change to this poverty-ridden land. Today the estate - a combination of woods, cultivated fields and olive groves - is run by the Origo daughters, Benedetta and Donata. The garden, designed by the English architect Cecil Pinsent, is considered today an ideal combination between the landscape and XXth-century architecture, blending Italian and English traditions and taste.

On the estate is Chiarentana, a fortified farmhouse from the 11th century, which has been renovated and lived in by Donata, one of the Origo daughters. This too has recently become available for rent.

La Foce has also become a center for cultural and artistic activities. Castelluccio, a medieval castle on the property, is the home of an international music festival, Incontri in Terra di Siena.

La Foce's farmhouses have been beautifully restored, and provide wonderful holidays in this remarkably unspoilt valley combined with many activities such as cooking and language courses, hikes, riding and tennis lessons, cycling, wine/tasting, ballooning, family holidays, and visits to the many lovely hill towns in the vicinity. La Foce and its many houses and gardens make perfect venues for celebrations, weddings, or any kind of event: Benedetta Isidori will cater to all your needs, in perfect English.