LA CIVETTA

Set within 15 hectares of private land and perched atop a hillside, La Civetta enjoys stunning views in every direction, taking in a patchwork of farmland, villages, and countryside, stretching all the way to the sea in the distance. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany — where food and wine, coastal pursuits, and local culture all feature on the agenda — Alta Maremma offers the perfect base for exploration. One of the area’s most important historic hill towns, Castagneto, is just a five-minute drive from La Civetta, while a further ten minutes brings guests to privileged, gated access to the beach. These exceptional privileges are made possible thanks to the villa owners’ deep-rooted presence in the region, spanning an incredible 37 generations.

La Civetta itself is a beautifully proportioned, well-appointed farmhouse, so comfortably restored that guests will feel instantly relaxed and at home. The humble origins of its 1800s inhabitants are now barely visible, remaining only in the graceful arches that define and enhance the impressive double-sized living and dining room. Every room in the house has benefited from a recently completed, major restoration, along with a thoughtful redecoration in a contemporary style.

The villa’s grounds were designed by the award-winning Arabella Lennox-Boyd, who created several distinct outdoor spaces, perfectly suited to both larger group gatherings and smaller, more intimate moments. A covered terrace runs the full length of the house’s south and east façades, offering a charming outdoor dining area with soothing views to the west. The swimming pool features a pleasing waterfall feature, shaded by the cool green canopy of a handsome, mature oak tree. A further covered terrace wraps around two sides of the house, perfect for a stroll in the fresh morning air, cappuccino in hand, before settling into a splendid view. Beyond the lavender- and rose-filled gardens lies a rich natural playground of olive groves and fruit trees, while the villa’s private access road to the beach winds through an area of woodland and dunes. Back at the villa, a tennis court offers a further opportunity for activity, while a spacious outdoor dining terrace is edged by a herb garden, its ingredients skilfully used by chef Cristina in her homely Tuscan cooking.