My husband and i were recently on our honeymoon in italy and stayed in this beautiful tuscan villa. It was fabulous as its tucked away from busy roads and big tourist attractions to make it a real tuscan retreat. It was very relaxing.

The hosts were fabulous they let you know all the secrets to experience tuscany the real italian way not the tourist way. So We went to some of the best restaurants with great homecooked real authentic italian food. Il conte matto was one of the best restaurants. They also reccomended some great day trips to Montepulciano which is a gorgeous little town a must see place for sure.

A word of warning though for those of you who think this might be part of the town Siena think again. It is actually about 45 mins to an hours drive from Siena. Its quite easy to get lost but once you arrive its complete bliss!
The art in this cute villa is really quite something and makes this place very unique. I def reccomend this place to anyone who wants to experience real tuscany away from busy tourists places.

The only thing negative thing i would say is that you have to carry your bags from the car park up stairs and to your villa so try to travel lightly.

I spent weeks researching Tuscany hotels and was captivated by the unique rooms and artwork of Residenza d'Arte. The website photos barely do the reality justice.

The hotel is just outside Torrita di Siena (this is not the large city of Siena). The breakfast pavillion where you eat on warm days overlooks the walled city and both sunrise and sunset views are spectacular!

There is not much in Torrita di Siena, but Enrico recommended an outstanding restaurant called I Musicante where we had the best meal of our 11 night trip. Try the mixed pork grill if you love meat - some of the best spce rubbed ribs I've ever had!

The location is perfect for day trips throughout Tuscany or even to Florence. We stayed four nights and managed to see Siena, Piena, San Gimingiano, Castenuovo, Montepulciano and Bagno Vignoni, as well as take a drive through Chianti.

As for the hotel, it was gorgeous, spacious, offered excellent views, the bed was comfortable, and the artwork amazing. It seems as if every surface offers a painting and every nook a sculputre. We stayed in the Rafaello Suite which was large, quiet and sumptuous. Ask Enrico to tour the small church that shares the building!

Enrico and Francesca are friendly, knowledgable and helpful. They made reservations for us at restaurants in Toriita di Siena and in Montepulciano, and advised us on how to visit Bagno Vignoni to take a swim in the mineral pools (worth the trip if you're into that sort of thing!).

Some details:

Air conditioning - wall mounted in the bedroom, but we never needed it in September. Thick stone walls keep the temp contstant and windows offer fresh air and breeze.

Accesibility - this is a historic bed and breakfast! You have to park below and walk up the path / stairs. This is NOT a downtown Ritz Carlton with valets and elevators. Who would want it to be? Enrico was always there to help with luggage.

Bed - big and soft. Extra blankets and pillows in the closet. When we pulled out the blanket one night for a little extra comfort, so we could enjoy the crisp fresh air, the next day it was made right into the bed by the helpful maid.

Bathroom - tiny but functional in our room. If you are a very large person, showers throughout Italy will annoy you, and this one was smaller than most.

Mini-bar - the fridge is stocked with a few items. The wine is affordable and tasty, but everything else expensive. Stop at the grocery store in town and stock up if you're going to be there a few days.

Breakfast - great fresh juice, cappucino, bread, cheese, meats and fruit. Breakfast in Italy gets a little boring after a while for Americans who are used to a wide variety of hot foods, but R d'A offers more than most places. The best part is eating either on the gorgeous lawn patio overlooking the city or inside in the art gallery.

Location - Perfect in my opinion. Only about 15 kilometers from the train station in Chiancano Terme. From there you can get anywhere. We drove and the scenery from Torrita di Siena as you traveled to other towns was more impressive sometimes than the towns themselves. It took us a little mroe than an hour to drive to Florence. Very close to the major roads of the A1 (florence and rome)and 326 to Siena and Chianti.

Overall I consider the Residenza D'Arte a MUST STAY if you are visiting Tuscany! Romantic, relaxed, historical, beautiful. I will post in the Tuscany Forum for details on our favorites for day trips, restaurants, etc!

We had a wonderful stay in this historic hotel with magnificent views of the Tuscan countryside. The hotel itself is unique, covered inside and out by wife Anna's art. The hosts, father, son, daughter and wife are exceptional in their graciousness, generosity and knowlege of the area. Each guests feels personally welcomed and catered to. Both father and son shared history of the area, knowledge of nearby towns and suggestions for dinners at small, non -touristy restaurants. Breakfasts, al fresco when weather permitted, were lovely, with the special daily treats of homemade pastries, blood orange juice and excellent capucino. It was a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

My partner and I spent two nights at the Residenza d'Arte at the end of a lovely holiday in Italy. It was the cherry on the top of the cake - a wonderful blend of stylish and comfortable accommodation, a peaceful and relaxing setting, and warm hospitality. Enrico and Francesca are relaxed, friendly and very knowledgeable about the local area. Enrico pointed us in the direction of beautiful and romantic Pienza and we had a couple of lovely meals in recommended restuarants. The rooms are spacious, viibrant and very creative, a truly welcome break from the bland beiges and flower prints which you so often find in hotels. The breakfast too was very tasty with freshly cooked pastries and cakes, and a good selection of yogurts, meats, cheeses and fruits.

If luxury to you is a seven-dial pressure shower with steam facility or an in-built sound system/entertainment suite then the Residenza may not be for you. If however you value a unique, creative and homely place to stay, with fantastic hospitality and a willingness to help then I thouroughly recommend the Residenza d'Arte.