Villa Canneto is a charming, elegant "home away from home" set in the middle of a lovely, large olive oil and wine-producing estate. Located near the beautiful art city of Siena, the villa and surrounding grounds are owned by an ancient noble Sienese family.

Originally a 17th-century schoolhouse, Canneto has been carefully restored for maximum modern comfort, while retaining the original architectural features such as brickwork floors, vaulted ceilings and whitewashed walls that create a typical Tuscan feel. Perfect for families, the home offers the attractive option of two independent living areas with garden access, each featuring an open kitchen, dining area and living room (one with fireplace) on the ground floor. Head upstairs to the first floor where five bedrooms await you, including one master king bedroom with walk-in closet and large en suite bathroom. There are also three queen/twin bedrooms (two with private bathrooms and one with en suite bathroom) and one twin bedroom (with private bathroom), all cozy and stylish.

The villa's pleasant grounds offer lovely views of the surrounding countryside. The large, bamboo-shaded terracotta terrace is perfect for enjoying afternoons and evenings with your friends and family, dining al fresco with the olive grove just beyond. The heavenly scent of the villa's rose bushes will follow you as you walk down the grassy garden path to the private pool. With its comfortable sun lounges and pretty landscaping, it's the perfect spot for a summer barbecue. A professionally maintained old-world Italian fruit, vegetable and flower garden is available for quiet walks—don't forget to pick some fruit for a delicious breakfast or snack!

Canneto is just minutes from beautiful Siena—upon request, a local country bus can stop at the villa and take guests to the heart of the city. Villa guests also have reserved access to the private tennis court on the estate.

What to do in the Siena region of Tuscany:
The medieval town of Siena was founded by the Etruscans and later became a Roman colony. During the 13th and 14th centuries it flourished as one of the major cities of Europe, growing rich from banking and the wool trade. The 14th century saw a great amount of construction: the Duomo, the Palazzo Publico and the Campo Square were all products of this time. Siena's glory took a tragic downturn by the end of the 14th century due to the Black Death and political upheaval. The city became little more than a rural market center. It was exactly this decline that accounts for the incredible state of medieval preservation that Siena exhibits today. Built across several hills and valleys, you will find a bit of up and down while walking through the historical center. However, the lack of traffic makes it a wonderful place to stroll—even when packed with tourists, there is a quiet and easygoing feel. A must-see is the shell-shaped square called Il Campo. This is the focal point of the city as well as being the venue for the internationally renowned horse race, the Palio.

Casole d'Elsa hosts one of the most charming museums of the many recently opened/restyled in Siena. The art exhibited ranges from the Neolithic era to the XVII century. A visit to the attached Collegiata di Casole is also highly recommended.

Colle Val d'Elsa's newer outskirts offer very few attractions, aside from the crystal manufacturing—but the old town/historical center, Colle Alta, deserves to be seen. Particularly interesting in Colle Alta is the Palazzo Campana, built in the XVI century by the architect Agnolo di Baccio d'Agnolo. This private building looks like a city gate, or a triumphal arch, and dominates the main street of Colle. The Cathedral shows a rich collection of paintings from the XVII century. Don't miss the dramatic and intense Nativity by Rutilio Manetti (fourth chapel on the right, looking to the main altar).