Welcome

Originally a fortress, Montecastelli is located on an ancient road known as La Francigena. Its hilltop location has been the stopover destination for many pilgrims, soldiers and merchants long before today's owner, Jens Schmidt, decided to revive the art of hospitality in this 1000 year old hamlet between Siena and San Gimignano. (see more in History)
 
The stunning views from the hilltop Villa and the silent surroundings of Montecastelli welcome the traveler arriving from Florence or Siena, each less than an hour's drive away. A winding driveway of more than 2km announces the peace awaiting one in Montecastelli, while cultural and culinary places of interest are reachable within less than 15minutes. Located in the heart of our olive oil producing organic farm the Villa is surrounded by the beauty of silver-green Olive trees, interspersed with the aromatic bushes of rosemary, lavender and jasmine. (see more on the Farm)
 
The old ruins of Montecastelli were restored in over 10 years of detail oriented labor put in by Jens, his family and their group of friends, rediscovering ancient masonry techniques and bringing back the spirit of the past Montecastelli while carefully integrating the needs of modern living. (see more in History of Restoration)
 
The Villa is laid out in a way that you can settle in comfortably and develop a relationship of your own to the place that we have come to love so much. Generously spaced kitchen and dining rooms for the wine and food lover, high speed internet connections, individual outdoor terraces (with barbeque) overlooking the sunset with San Gimignano in the distance - are some of the delights that await our guests. Four apartments of different sizes can be rented individually or combined in one package to accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. The four apartments are named after the major varieties of olives grown on our property and are called: Frantoio (sleeps 6), Moraiolo (sleeps 4), Leccino (sleeps 2+2) and Pendolino (sleeps 2). Please click the name for details on each apartment and check their availability.
 
Geared to the Wine and Food lover, Jens Schmidt will share his wine expertise in weekly tastings in the Montecastelli Wine Cellar. Throughout the year, special culinary and wine events are planned. Several of Italy's top restaurants are within close driving distance including the two Michelin Star 'Arnolfo' Restaurant where you can enjoy renowned chef Gaetano Trovato's delicacies, and Lazzaro Cimadoro's wonderful 'Casalta' Restaurant, both in the next village (make your reservations ahead of time restaurantreservations@montecastelli.com). Jens can help arrange tours to wineries, private cooking classes and tell you where to find all the best markets. In most seasons you can buy Tuscany's best olive oil, enjoy fresh organic produce from our garden, sample Montecastelli homemade prosciutto and salami or gather fresh eggs from our own hens without leaving Montecastelli. Or if you are tired of gourmet food and world class wines, you can always walk or mountain bike over the hill to the Astronave, our local trattoria, or opt for a pizza at Indios in Colle. (see Cooking classes and Wine tours)
 
The view from the back terrace of Montecastelli is to the rolling mountains of the Montagnola, Tuscany's green lung and nature reserve, offering well marked hiking trails (European hiking trail 101 + 106) where one rambles to discover rare birds, wild boars, porcupines, porcini mushrooms, wild orchids, chestnuts as well as the occasional truffle. Departing from Abbadia Isola, Castel Pietraio or Montecastelli you may explore the Montagnola and enjoy spectacular untouched nature on the road traveled by pilgrims for 1000 years on their way from Rome to France. Discover this land of hunters and collectors on foot or arrange for a Mountain bike rental onsite. (see more on Activities)