A Superb Property In A Magical Location Near Pienza In The Val D'orcia

Located just outside the medieval hamlet of Castelmuzio in the heart of the Val d’Orcia and close to the Renaissance town of Pienza, this property was once an annex for hosting pilgrims next to the adjacent Romanesque church which has origins from the 7th Century.

Built on an Etruscan site which later became a pagan temple before becoming a Christian church, this is a truly magical location steeped in history and character.

The property was fully restored to the highest specifications by a Sardinian architect in 2013 and was designed to be a holiday residence for a film director and art collector.

With work spaces, modern comforts and guest accommodation with innovative systems and open spaces yet preserving the beauty and character of the original buildings.

Area:

A magical location surrounded by olive trees and with views to Pienza and the monastery Sant Anna in Camprena across rolling hills and woodland. Just outside the pretty village of Castelmuzio, quiet and tranquil yet just a short walk from civilisation. Pienza is just 9 kms from the property and major services can be found in Sinalunga (13 kms) where you can also reach the superstrada to Siena and the A1 to Florence and Rome.

Services:

Particular attention was paid both to wall insulation, which achieved higher values than those called for in Italian codes, as well as to roof insulation by working with the depth of both existing and new wooden structures and roof or floor sections. The floor heating and cooling system - powered by solar panels and heat pump, which in turn may be powered by PV - reduces energy consumption (given the 4-5 meter/13-16 feet ceiling heights and the large interior volumes to be heated/cooled), focusing on renewable energy sources and providing interior comfort well above that which can be achieved with traditional fan coil systems.

The ground floor was conceived on various levels to connect the west entrance, on a higher level, to the olive grove on a lower level to the east, thus creating a spatial sequence opening to the dramatic Tuscan landscape with uninterrupted views to the Church of S. Anna in Camprena and Pienza.

Two separate living areas are located on two different levels; the dining room and kitchen are connected by openings that allow the perception of the entire spatial sequence.

No changes were made to the existing load-bearing wall structure; interior openings were modified both for circulation purposes as well as for creating complex visual and spatial experiences.

The second floor is accessed both by an interior staircase recessed into the depth of the wall to the right of the entrance as well as by an exterior stair leading directly to one of the owner’s office spaces. Another office, with a full wall built-in bookcase facing an oversized fireplace, is the fulcrum –conceived almost like a “piazza” - for the distribution of the smaller office and the master bedroom; stairs on both sides lead to 3 bedroom/bath suites located in attics on different levels.