Bandella, San Gimignano - Siena and Chianti

Do you have a picture in your mind of the perfect Tuscan villa? It could well look like Bandella. This is an imposing mansion, with stone-dressed arched windows, and a terracotta-tiled roof crowned by a second storey shaped like a cupola. Set in lush gardens studded with cypress trees, this villa makes quite a statement in the landscape, an impressive place to host a holiday for the extended family or a group of good friends. What’s more, it’s just a short drive from one of Tuscany’s true highlights, the lovely walled medieval town of San Gimignano.

Bandella just oozes with traditional features, such as the lovely wooden beams and herringbone terracotta-tiled floors, which are enhanced by elegant antique furnishings. But it’s well equipped for supremely comfortable modern living, too, from its squashy sofas in the huge lounge to the professional-standard kitchen. Treats include the first-floor terrace, onto which two of the bedrooms open, and the private balconies off the top-storey rooms, all giving wonderful views. Outside, there is a terrace furnished with a large wooden table with benches, and a stone path winds through the upper garden and down some steps to a private pool, screened by a row of trees and hedges. Take your pick of the vantage points and enjoy a glass of local wine while daydreaming that you are master or mistress of all that you survey.

Ground Floor

Hall 1
Main entrance.

Hall 2
Rear entrance.

Lounge
Sofa, table and chairs, desk, chair, coffee tables, sideboard.

Dining Room
Table and chairs, cabinet, fireplace, door to rear hallway.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, plus table and chairs, door to terrace.

Cloakroom
Sink, WC.

First Floor

Bedroom 1
Double bed (can be converted into twins if requested when booking), wardrobe, chair, doors to terrace.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (can be converted into twins if requested when booking), chest of drawers, couch, doors to terrace.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (can be converted into twins if requested when booking), chest of drawers.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (can be converted into twins if requested when booking), wardrobe, chair, sink.

Bedroom 5
Double bed (can be converted into twins if requested when booking), wardrobe, chest of drawers, two chairs.

En-suite Bathroom
Bathtub with hand-held shower, shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 6
Double bed (can be converted into twins if requested when booking), wardrobe, chest of drawers, chair.

En-suite Bathroom
Bathtub, hand-held shower, shower, sink, WC.

Second Floor

Bedroom 7
Single bed, wardrobe, doors to balcony.

Bedroom 8
Single bed, wardrobe, chair, doors to balcony.

Bedroom 9
Single bed, wardrobe, chair, doors to balcony.

Bathroom
Shower, double sinks, WC, doors to balcony.

Our Thoughts
There’s just so much space for everyone to relax in at Bandella, we think it is an ideal choice for multi-generational families or large groups of friends. All those balconies and terraces – such a lovely feature. Guests will find it hard to drag themselves away from the large pool, and the covered terrace with its wooden table and bench seats, overlooking the gardens, is a great place for a meal.

Notes
Nine bedrooms. Six bathrooms, five en-suite, one guest toilet.
There is another villa next door – the two properties are separated by a tall hedge which offers some privacy.
Owners restaurant within walking distance (1km), breakfast and diner served daily.
Please be aware that only a maximum of three double beds can be converted into twins.
Parking - 3-4 spaces on site.

Pool
The private pool is in the lower garden, surrounded by a paved terrace, well furnished with deckchairs and umbrellas. Access to the pool is by Roman steps at the shallow end. There is a shower area. Chlorine-cleansed swimming pool measuring 6 x 12 metres with a depth of 1.5 metres. Open from May to September, weather permitting.