The crete senesi, or the Clay hills of Siena, are a truly stunning part of Tuscany's countryside. For those looking to take in the most typical and postcard-worthy scenery, it is a must-see. You can browse our villas in Montepulciano and luxury villas in Pienza and come discover the natural beauty of this area for yourself.
However, there is also a wealth of natural beauty that is not entirely natural. By this, we mean that man has had a hand in its creation; in the creation of some exceptional gardens.
Villa La Foce is a historic villa and farm, overlooking the Val d'Orcia that boasts a wonderful garden. While the villa was built in the 15th century, the gardens date to the early 20th century and can be attributed to Antonio Origo and his Anglo-American wife Iris, who bought the property in 1924.
However, there is also a wealth of natural beauty that is not entirely natural. By this, we mean that man has had a hand in its creation; in the creation of some exceptional gardens.
Villa La Foce is a historic villa and farm, overlooking the Val d'Orcia that boasts a wonderful garden. While the villa was built in the 15th century, the gardens date to the early 20th century and can be attributed to Antonio Origo and his Anglo-American wife Iris, who bought the property in 1924.
They dedicated their lives to bringing prosperity and cultural and social changes to the formerly poverty-stricken area that was the Val d'Orcia and prepared the surrounding lands for modern agriculture.
The gardens and estate of La Foce constitute one of the most important and best kept early twentieth-century gardens in Italy and, amid 3,500 acres of farmland, La Foce's garden is nestled like the dream that it was. It was the childhood dream garden of Iris Origo and was designed by English architect and family friend Cecil Pinsent. Made up of cypress walks, lawns, wildflower meadows, flower-beds, travertine fountains, fish ponds, wisteria-draped pergole, lemon trees, a rose garden, cherry trees, and lavender and it is a stunning space. It is divided into three distinct sections on different levels and was created between 1927 and 1939, in several stages.
The gardens and estate of La Foce constitute one of the most important and best kept early twentieth-century gardens in Italy and, amid 3,500 acres of farmland, La Foce's garden is nestled like the dream that it was. It was the childhood dream garden of Iris Origo and was designed by English architect and family friend Cecil Pinsent. Made up of cypress walks, lawns, wildflower meadows, flower-beds, travertine fountains, fish ponds, wisteria-draped pergole, lemon trees, a rose garden, cherry trees, and lavender and it is a stunning space. It is divided into three distinct sections on different levels and was created between 1927 and 1939, in several stages.
Today the estate is run by the Origo daughters, Benedetta and Donata, and is open to the public from late March through to the 1st of November. It can be visited by guided tour only, currently offered on Wednesday afternoons (hourly from 3pm to 6pm) and at 11.30am, 3pm, and 4.30pm on weekends and holidays. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and tickets are available at the entrance.
