Chiarentana Chianciano Terme

During the middle ages, Chiarentana castle provided shelter to pilgrims travelling through Val d'Orcia along the Via Francigena to Rome. In later centuries, the castle was de-gentrified, and converted for use as storage rooms, stables, and living quarters for workers on one of Tuscany's most important agricultural estates. Right up until the 1950's, Chiarentana was home to some 20 families, employed to work land once owned by Siena's Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala.

After extensive restoration work, Chiarentana now offers visitors to this, one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany, the possibility to sojourn in any of 6 tastefully furnished apartments. Walls washed in warm earthy tones, terracotta floors, and sturdy exposed wooden beams feature in rooms adorned with attractive pieces of period furniture and, at the same time, equipped with every modern comfort.

Meals are served in the dining room, featuring a magnificent open fireplace, and, in warm weather, under the great linden tree in the large open air courtyard at the center of the building. The finest Tuscan cuisine, much of which prepared using the produce grown in Chiarentana's vegetable garden and fruit orchards, is accompanied by some of the region's highly acclaimed wines.

Chiarentana is an excellent choice for a family holiday and provides a number of facilities especially designed for younger guests, including a play area with a swing, see-saw, slide, and trampoline. A tennis court and swimming pool are located in the grounds.