Villa del Golfo - Fonteblanda - Tuscany Coast

10 Bedrooms/Suites - Pool

Location and Surrounding Area. This superb Tuscan manor house, dating back to the mid 18th century, was once upon a time a monastery with sweeping views across the Mediterranean Sea. Today it is a magnificently restored, country retreat located a mere stone's throw from the turquoise water. The property is set in the exclusive Argentario area on the Tuscan coast, nestled within in the spectacular scenery of the Maremma. It offers breathtaking views across the water to Porto di Talamone, Monte Argentaria and the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo. This area of coastal Tuscany has been an elite destination for years and the rolling hills and olive groves set against the azure waters of the Mediterranean have a calming effect on both body and soul. The Maremma is famous for its butteri, Tuscan cowboys who, until fairly recently, drove the Maremma cattle on horseback. If you're really lucky, you'll even see some of the indigenous wild horses galloping along the beach at sunset. From a gastronomical point of view, the region is famous for its cold-pressed olive oil, world-class wines, cheeses, cold meats, truffles, mushrooms and chestnuts.

Punta Ala to the north is an elegant coastal resort, frequented by expensive yachts and offers both excellent restaurants and a glamorous nightlife. In fact, the Maremma region boasts various Michelin starred restaurants as well as hundreds of quaint, family-run trattoria. There are wide, sandy beaches near Punta Ala and the pine clad hills lead right down to the water in places. The nearby Monte Argentario area to the south of the property is also surrounded by splendid beaches, picturesque sandy coves and flat rocks that are perfect for sand-free sunbathing and snorkelling. Cala Piccola is one such delightful bay with pebbles and turquoise water. Some of the other beaches are accessible by car, some by foot and some only via boat. La Feniglia Nature Reserve offers 7km of dunes and fine sand leading right down to the Mediterranean Sea. Try the pebbly Cala del Gesso or the Pozzarello beach with its easy access from the road and then stop for an aperitif at one of the surrounding bars or restaurants. The seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago; Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Pianosa, Giannutri, Gorgona and the nature reserve of Montecristo, with its legends of Alexandre Dumas's Count and Red Beard's hidden pirate treasure, are all within easy reach.

The Argentario golf course and spa hosts some of the most important golf tournaments in Tuscany, and indeed in Italy. It opened in 2006 and was designed by the architect David Mezzacane and the professional golfer Balsovino Dassù. It has a panoramic 18-hole course, which is certified organic eco-compatible and all of the products used in maintaining the golf course are completely natural. In addition to the wonders of the course itself, the Argentario Golf Academy also boasts a staff of experienced professionals and a TrackMan simulator for swing analysis.

Villa del Golfo is only 20 minutes from Monte Argentario beaches and the Orbetello Nature Reserve, half an hour from the Argentario golf course and spa and an hour from both Punta Ala, the Etruscan age Saturnia thermal baths and the wine-producing area of Montalcino. The property is well served by a variety of international airports: Rome's Fiumicino is an hour and a half away, Pisa less than two hours and Florence, Pisa and Rome's Ciampino are all a two hour's drive.

The Property. Historical Villa del Golfo sleeps up to 22 guests in sumptuous luxury. There are two double suites with a queen-size bed, a single bed, an en suite bathroom and a sitting room. The other double suite has a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and en suite bathroom. Four of the  double bedrooms have an en suite bathroom and the other three each have a private bathroom nearby. A stone flagged staircase leads you down to the ground floor.

The spacious kitchen offers cooking facilities to please even the most amateur chefs. There is also lots of space around the kitchen table for cozy conversations. Or why not call in  a professional chef for the evening? He'll be able to create a menu specialized for all dietary needs while you sit back and sip a glass of wine in front of a dazzling sunset across the water. The sitting room is a peaceful haven with a fireplace and superb views out onto the gardens. There is plenty of space for al fresco dining either in the shade for lunch or out under the stars overlooking the water at night.

The grounds surrounding the villa are superb and offer plenty of shady seating, ideal for just sitting back to admire the sea views. You can have your breakfast in the glorious Winter Garden, strewn with rambling flowers and then take afternoon tea under a vine-covered pergola. The enormous swimming pool is safely fenced off from inquisitive children and plenty long enough for a swimmer to do some reasonable lengths. There is also a handy barbecue for rustling up some juicy, Florentine steaks.