Sesta di Mezzo, Gaiole in Chianti - Siena

The long, Cypress-lined driveway is a giveaway that this villa, set in the heart of Chianti country, is something quite special. With an attractive vine-clad exterior and a spacious interior, the well-appointed property makes an ideal holiday home for a large group of family or friends. Sleeping between 12 and 15 guests in seven bedrooms, Sesta di Mezzo oozes Tuscan character furnished with antiques and interesting artefacts. Warm Tuscan colours are offset by traditional wooden beams, terracotta floors and archways.

Generous and well-maintained grounds hold a large private pool overlooking local vineyards. There’s a large terrace, shaded by rambling wisteria, featuring a table and chairs for al-fresco meals cooked on the barbecue, and a courtyard with loungers for snoozing in the shade. Large expanses of lush lawn allow children to run freely and provide a soft spot for a picnic, while plentiful Cypress trees and hedges offer privacy. The nearest town, Gaiole, is only a short drive and has a petrol station, bank, post office, supermarket, grocery shops, cafés and restaurants. Siena and Florence are also within easy reach for a day trip.

Ground Floor

Lounge 1
Three sofas, armchair, fireplace.

Dining Room
Table and chairs, sideboard, doors to terrace.

Lounge-Diner
Two sofas, four armchairs, table and chairs, arch leading to first lounge, door to corridor leading to stairs and second lounge.

Lounge 2
Sofa, daybed, exercise bike, two doors leading to courtyard.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, table and chairs.

Bedroom 1
Three single beds (cannot be converted into a double), wardrobe.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bathroom 1
Shower, sink, WC.

First Floor

Hall
Chest of drawers, chair, doors to two bedrooms.

Landing/Lounge
Two armchairs, table and chair, stool, fireplace with bench seatings, door to hall.

Bedroom 2
Twin beds (can be converted into a double), wardrobe, two chairs.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, table, chair.

Bedroom 4
Twin beds (can be converted into a double), wardrobe, chair.

Bedroom 5
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 6
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), chest of drawers.

Bedroom 7
Twin beds (can be converted into a double), dresser.

Bathroom 2
Bath, freestanding shower, sink, WC.

Bathroom 3
Shower, sink, WC.

Bathroom 4
Shower, sink, WC.

Our Thoughts
With so many spaces for dining and relaxing in, guests in large groups can still find quieter moments or places for a more intimate meal. Armchairs are thoughtfully placed by fireplaces, near a shelf of books, or a window with views across the surrounding forests and vineyards. This highly flexible property also has flexible bedroom configuration, so parents can have children in their rooms if needed. Guests can hop onto the exercise bike in one of the lounges and work off some of that pasta. The grounds score top marks, with a well-equipped pool that will keep guests happy until the sun has set.

Notes
Seven bedrooms. Six bathrooms, two en-suite. Of the bedrooms, three double bedrooms cannot be made into twins and three twin bedrooms can be made into a double if requested when booking; one triple bedroom can be made into a double if requested when booking. Note that although there are three beds in the triple room the owners will not accept more than the indicated number of guests in the villa. The owner lives in the grounds, but doesn't use the pool. The estate is fenced and pet secure, however there are three stray cats and a dog on site.

Pool
Set slightly away from the villa, internal steps lead down into the pool at one end, and there’s a diving board at the other. The pool area is surrounded by a large paved terracotta terrace, which is furnished with sun beds and parasols, which gives way to lawn. Pool size: 20m x 15m, 1.2m-2.8m deep, open May to September, weather permitting.