Pape Touna | 12-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Chiusdino (SI)

Twenty-four guests, twelve bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a thousand years of history converge at Pape Touna, a luxury villa rental in Chiusdino (SI) that began life as a Cistercian monastery in the 11th century. Standing on the same hilltop where monastic communities once watched over Val di Merse, this meticulously restored compound transforms medieval architecture into contemporary comfort without compromising the soul of its past.

Inside Pape Touna

Pape Touna sleeps 24 guests across 12 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms distributed across six distinctive apartments, each occupying a separate building within the former monastic complex. The interiors respect the property’s ecclesiastical origins through exposed brickwork, timber beams that speak of centuries, and fireplaces that anchor each living space with working warmth.

Lavanda Apartment accommodates up to eight guests and serves as the romantic anchor of the estate. Its three double bedrooms provide sleeping capacity, with two bathrooms offering shower facilities. A living room furnished with a single sofa bed allows flexible occupancy, while a wood-burning fireplace commands the kitchen space. Brick archways frame doorways, and wooden ceiling joists create the tactile environment of centuries past. The fully equipped kitchen contains crockery, utensils, a kettle, microwave, and Moka fridge-freezer. Garden furniture and imported bath towels complete the offering.

Rosmarino Apartment occupies the footprint of the former stable block on the ground floor, preserving architectural memory within contemporary guest quarters. One double bedroom and a single bathroom with shower serve couples or pairs traveling together. The living area incorporates a double sofa bed, extending occupancy if needed. A wood-burning fireplace dominates the kitchen zone, which contains identical appliances to Lavanda. An exclusive outdoor zone overlooks the hamlet square, furnished with table, chairs, and parasol for morning coffee or evening aperitivo. Hair dryer and bath towels are provided.

Salvia Apartment brings family flexibility through one single bedroom and one double bedroom, ideal for parents with children or friendship groups requiring separation and privacy. Located within the old stables, it commands views across the hamlet square. The living space features a wood-burning fireplace, tiled floors, and rustic furnishings that echo the property’s agricultural past. The kitchen replicates the full equipment standard: utensils, crockery, kettle, microwave, Moka fridge-freezer. One bathroom with shower serves the unit. Exclusive outdoor seating with parasol overlooks the village plaza.

Timo Apartment stretches across two levels and accommodates guests who value space and separation of functions. Two double bedrooms occupy different floors, while the living area on the entry level includes a single sofa bed for flexible sleeping arrangements. Wood-burning fireplace, exposed beams, and brick arches create visual continuity with the monastic theme. The kitchen meets the standard specification of all units. From the exclusive outdoor terrace furnished with table and chairs, guests enjoy unobstructed views toward the hamlet and surrounding countryside. Bath towels and hair dryer are included.

Impetella Apartment occupies the first floor of the former convent church, a position that bathes the space in distinctive light throughout the day. The apartment features one double bedroom and one triple bedroom—the latter accommodating three guests in standard comfort. Large windows frame views toward the private swimming pool and beyond. A wood-burning fireplace provides atmospheric heating and visual focus. The kitchen includes the standard complement of equipment. An exclusive outdoor area with table, chairs, and parasol accesses the hamlet square. Bath towels and hair dryer are standard.

Girasole Apartment commands a private terrace position within the grounds of the former Cistercian church building. Two double bedrooms provide sleeping space for four guests in comfortable separation. Ground floor positioning allows direct terrace access, and a wood-burning fireplace delivers both heat and ambiance. The kitchen follows the established equipment pattern across all units. Views extend across the surrounding countryside from the private outdoor seating area, furnished with table, chairs, and umbrella. Bath towels and hair dryer complete the amenities.

Throughout Pape Touna, intentional choices honor the monastery’s original character. No televisions interrupt the silence that monks once treasured. Air conditioning is absent, yet the meter-thick stone walls maintain consistent coolness year-round, creating natural thermal regulation that mechanical systems cannot replicate. This architectural honesty distinguishes the experience from conventional luxury rentals that merely perform heritage without committing to its discipline.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heart of outdoor life centers on the private swimming pool, measuring 8 meters by 16 meters and positioned to capture unobstructed views across the Val di Merse landscape. This is not a small amenity tacked to the property—it represents a deliberate focal point around which all outdoor furniture, sightlines, and circulation organize themselves. The surrounding terrace accommodates sun loungers and parasols, creating zones for both social gathering and solitary retreat.

The stone courtyard, constructed from materials authentic to the original farm complex, connects all six apartment buildings and creates the primary circulation spine of the estate. Barbecue facilities occupy a dedicated zone, enabling guests to prepare meals without entering the confines of apartment kitchens. This courtyard becomes the evening gathering point where multi-generational groups congregate after dinners, where children play while adults supervise, and where the Tuscan sunset turns the stone and timewashed walls into a palette of amber and rose.

Each apartment maintains exclusive outdoor seating—table, chairs, parasol—positioned to maximize both privacy and connectivity to the broader hamlet. Terrace views overlook either the hamlet square or extend toward the Val di Merse landscape. These are not generic furnished patios but intentionally designed social zones where guests experience al fresco dining against one of Europe’s most consistent Mediterranean climates.

Practical facilities include high chairs, travel cots, and stair gates available on request, signaling that the property understands families with young children require infrastructure beyond aesthetic appeal. Wi-Fi and internet connectivity extend throughout the grounds, allowing remote workers to maintain productivity without sacrificing location or landscape.

Location: Chiusdino (SI) and the Surrounding Area

Chiusdino (SI) occupies a ridge position in the Val di Merse, approximately 30 kilometers south of Siena’s medieval center and its famous Piazza del Campo—the crescent-shaped plaza that hosts the biannual Il Palio horse race each July and August. The property sits roughly 90 minutes by car from Florence, Italy’s cultural capital and home to the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Accademia Gallery housing Michelangelo’s David.

The immediate surroundings reward exploration on multiple scales. San Galgano Abbey, a Gothic ruin set within a valley 8 kilometers distant, attracts wedding parties and cultural tourists for its architectural drama and spiritual resonance. Monteriggioni, a medieval walled town perched 15 kilometers to the north, offers narrow streets, local restaurants, and artisan shops that exemplify Tuscan hill-town character. San Gimignano, the famous “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” for its surviving tower houses, lies 25 kilometers northwest and functions as a day-trip destination for families and cultural enthusiasts.

The Tuscan coast becomes accessible within 90 minutes by car. Parco Naturale della Maremma, a protected coastal landscape 60 kilometers to the south, features golden beaches along an undeveloped stretch of Italian shoreline. Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia offer resort-style beach communities with water sports, restaurants, and family facilities. For wine enthusiasts, the Brunello di Montalcino region lies 40 kilometers to the south, with wineries and tasting rooms operating throughout spring, summer, and autumn.

Local gastronomy centers on farms and producers within 10-15 kilometers. Pecorino Toscano sheep’s cheese production dominates the Val di Merse, with farmgate sales available directly from producers. Fresh pasta production remains a daily ritual in village kitchens. Wild boar (cinghiale) appears on local menus in autumn and winter, prepared with red wine and herbs according to traditions unchanged for centuries. Local supermarkets in Chiusdino and the adjacent village of Abbadia San Salvatore provide standard provisions, while farmers’ markets operate on specific days throughout the week, offering seasonal vegetables, cured meats, and artisan breads.

Seasonal rhythms shape the Tuscan experience decisively. May through June brings wildflower blooms across the Val di Merse, reliably warm days, and lower accommodation occupancy before school holidays begin. September and October deliver ideal weather, post-summer crowds, harvest festivals, and the beginning of truffle season. November through February represents the quiet season—fewer tourists, dramatic light, occasional rainfall, and the comfort of wood-burning fireplaces. July and August bring peak heat, peak crowds at major sites, and peak prices.

For destination inspiration and detailed regional knowledge, explore our Tuscany travel guide, which covers seasonal highlights, cultural sites, and regional specialties in depth. Additional luxury villa options throughout the region are available in our European collection.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Pape Touna serves multiple guest profiles with equal effectiveness. Multi-generational families—grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes cousins—benefit from the six-apartment layout, which provides sleeping separation and privacy while maintaining proximity for shared meals and pool time. The ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms accommodate guests with mobility considerations. The private pool and courtyard create secure spaces for children aged 2-12.

Friendship groups of 12-24 people find the layout ideal for maintaining group cohesion while allowing smaller subgroups to occupy apartments independently. Wedding parties often rent the property for the week preceding a ceremony at San Galgano Abbey, hosting rehearsal dinners in the courtyard and allowing guests to disperse to private apartments for rest.

Professional retreat groups and corporate teams appreciate the Wi-Fi infrastructure, flexibility in meal arrangements (chef and catering services are available), and the contrast between intensive working sessions in apartments and restorative outdoor time around the pool and courtyard.

Couples seeking rural immersion without isolation can rent a single apartment and experience the monastery aesthetic while maintaining access to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites within reasonable driving distances. The property’s silence and absence of televisions create genuinely different conditions from urban hotel environments.

Families prioritizing child safety and comfort receive cots, high chairs, stair gates, and babysitting services on request. The pool area accommodates supervised swimming for children of varying ages and abilities. The private nature of the property eliminates traffic concerns.

Practical Information

Capacity and Configuration: Pape Touna accommodates 24 guests across 12 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms within six separately-sited apartments. Minimum stays typically span 7 days during peak season (June-August) and 3-4 days during shoulder and low seasons.

Airport Access: Perugia Sant’Egidio Airport (PEG) lies 85 kilometers to the southeast, approximately 90 minutes by car. Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) stands 120 kilometers to the north, requiring roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes of driving. Most international travelers use Florence for transatlantic connections.

Ground Transportation: Rental car hire is essential, as local public transportation does not serve the property reliably. The property sits approximately 8 kilometers from the nearest supermarket (in the village center of Chiusdino) and 12 kilometers from more comprehensive shopping in Abbadia San Salvatore.

Included Services: The rental price includes water, electricity, Wi-Fi, bed linens, towels, pool access, and heating. Chef services, babysitting, and breakfast preparation are available at supplementary daily rates and must be arranged in advance. Maid service operates on a daily or every-other-day basis depending on group size and preference.

Check-in and Flexibility: Standard check-in occurs at 4:00 PM and check-out at 10:00 AM. Early arrivals and late departures are negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on housekeeping schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pape Touna

How many guests does Pape Touna sleep?

Pape Touna accommodates 24 guests total across 12 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Individual apartments range from 2-person capacity (Rosmarino) to 8-person capacity (Lavanda). The Timo, Salvia, Impetella, and Girasole apartments each accommodate 4-5 guests. Most bookings rent the entire property for group events, weddings, and multi-generational family gatherings, though individual apartments are available for smaller parties.

What is the nearest airport to Pape Touna in Chiusdino (SI)?

Perugia Sant’Egidio Airport (PEG) is the closest facility at 85 kilometers distant, requiring approximately 90 minutes by car via the E76 and A1 motorways. Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) lies 120 kilometers to the north (2 hours 15 minutes) and offers more frequent international service and competitive pricing. Most North American and European carriers operate from Florence, making it the preferred entry point despite the longer drive.

What is the best time of year to rent Pape Touna?

May, June, September, and October offer optimal conditions: daytime temperatures between 22-28°C (72-82°F), minimal rainfall, lower tourist crowds than July-August, and reasonable accommodation pricing. July and August deliver consistent sunshine and warm conditions (28-35°C / 82-95°F) but attract maximum crowds at cultural sites like Siena and Florence. November through April brings cooler weather (5-15°C / 41-59°F), occasional rain, but authentic rural atmosphere and significantly reduced pricing. Winter and early spring reward guests seeking solitude and the monastic silence Pape Touna was designed to preserve.

Is Pape Touna suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property provides travel cots, high chairs, and stair gates for guests with infants and toddlers. The private swimming pool (8m x 16m) allows supervised swimming without traffic or stranger concerns. The enclosed courtyard and hamlet square provide safe play zones for children aged 3-12. Several apartments offer ground-floor bedrooms with direct bathroom access, simplifying nighttime routines with young children. Babysitting services are available at supplementary rates. Parco Naturale della Maremma’s beaches (60km south) and the Val d’Orcia region (50km south) offer family-friendly day trips. The absence of televisions and internet distractions encourages outdoor family activities—pool games, courtyard meals, local exploration—that many families intentionally seek.

What is included in the rental price at Pape Touna?

The rental price includes accommodation across all apartments, bed linens and towels for all guests, Wi-Fi and internet connectivity, water and electricity, heating via fireplaces and central systems, and access to the private swimming pool. Pool heating during spring and autumn is standard. Use of garden furniture, barbecue facilities, and courtyard spaces is included. Chef services, breakfast preparation, babysitting, and daily housekeeping are available at supplementary daily rates and must be arranged at the time of booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Pape Touna?

The village of Chiusdino (8km) contains a supermarket, post office, pharmacy, and local trattoria. Abbadia San Salvatore (12km) offers more comprehensive shopping, including a larger supermarket (Coop), butcher, bakery, and several restaurants serving traditional Tuscan cuisine. For fine dining, Siena’s historic center (30km) contains Michelin-starred establishments and numerous trattorias. Monteriggioni (15km) features village restaurants specializing in game and seasonal menus. The Val d’Orcia region (50km) is renowned for agriturismo restaurants—working farms offering meals—where booking in advance ensures access. Farmers’ markets operate in local villages on specific weekdays, offering seasonal vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, and fresh breads directly from producers.