Cento Petali | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Sarteano
Holiday Home Rental Description
Fourteen guests arrive at Cento Petali in Sarteano, Tuscany, and immediately understand why this luxury villa rental commands attention across the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys. Two acres of fenced grounds separate this meticulously restored stone property from the working farmland beyond—a boundary marked not by walls but by wild roses, vegetable plots, and the occasional sighting of red deer or hares that wander through at dusk. The approach alone signals what awaits: a building that has anchored this Tuscan hillside for centuries, now reimagined with contemporary comfort and gallery-quality interiors.
The driveway curves through gardens that blur seamlessly into the landscape. Here, the distinction between manicured space and wilderness dissolves deliberately. An orchard produces its own fruit. A vegetable garden feeds the kitchen. A wood-fired pizza oven sits ready on the terrace, framed by parasols and loungers that catch the afternoon light. The 17-metre lap pool runs north-south, its 2-metre depth accommodating swimmers and loungers alike, typically open from April through late October. Beyond the pool, a meditation area faces the hills—a spot designed for stillness rather than activity.
Inside Cento Petali
Cento Petali sleeps 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across approximately 600 square metres of interior space that feels far larger than its footprint suggests. Light moves through the rooms with the kind of fluidity that only old stone walls and modern glazing can create together.
The ground floor functions as the social spine. Two connected living rooms anchor either end—one centred around a fireplace, the other equipped with satellite television—allowing groups to splinter or reunite as the evening demands. Between them sits a dining room with a table that seats twelve comfortably; fourteen can manage with addition. The fully-fitted kitchen opens onto the dining space and features a breakfast table, professional-grade oven and hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker, and kettle. This is the kind of kitchen where guests volunteer for cooking duties rather than avoid them. A laundry room and utility bathroom round out this level.
Two of the six bedrooms occupy the ground floor, each positioned with doors opening directly onto the garden. Both feature king-sized beds, televisions, and en-suite bathrooms equipped with either bath-and-shower or shower combinations, plus sink and WC. The en-suites signal the property’s commitment to privacy and convenience; no shared facilities exist anywhere in the villa.
Four additional bedrooms rise to the first floor, each configured identically with king-sized beds, televisions, and full en-suite bathrooms featuring bath, shower, sink, and WC. This arrangement—six bedrooms, six bathrooms, zero compromises—eliminates the morning queues and negotiation that plague multi-family holidays. Each guest inhabits a private retreat.
Throughout, contemporary artworks from the owner’s personal gallery line the walls. High-quality furnishings occupy the rooms without crowding them. Air-conditioning serves the bedrooms, critical during Tuscany’s warm July and August weeks. Wi-Fi extends throughout, a practical concession to modern life. Mosquito nets protect against summer insects. Hairdryers, irons, ironing boards, and safes populate the bedrooms. A washing machine and dryer handle laundry discreetly.
Outdoor Spaces and Living
The gardens constitute the true heart of Cento Petali. The swimming pool measures 17 metres by 5 metres with a constant 2-metre depth—substantial enough for genuine laps, shallow enough for non-swimmers to stand comfortably. Pool season typically runs April to October, avoiding the coldest months. Sun loungers and umbrellas cluster nearby, with a dedicated changing room featuring shower and WC for wet guests returning from the water.
Two al-fresco dining tables sit on stone terraces, oriented to capture different light throughout the day. The wood-fired pizza oven produces genuine Neapolitan-style results from May onwards, its warmth lingering into evening gatherings. A separate barbecue handles grilled meats and fish. Outdoor armchairs dot the grounds, positioned to exploit shade at midday and warmth at sunset. Deckchairs and umbrellas complete the lounging infrastructure.
Ancillary features signal thoughtful design: a separate gymnasium in its own annexe for guests who maintain fitness routines during holiday; a meditation area positioned away from swimming and dining zones; a henhouse providing fresh eggs for breakfast; productive vegetable and herb gardens supplying the kitchen year-round; an orchard offering seasonal fruit. Ample parking accommodates multiple vehicles, essential given the rural location’s lack of public transport.
The surrounding countryside invites exploration on foot or by bicycle. Woodland frames the property to one side; rolling farmland extends to the horizon on the other. Early morning brings birdsong; late afternoon brings long shadows across grass. This is the Tuscan landscape that justifies the region’s reputation.
Location: Sarteano and the Surrounding Area
Cento Petali occupies one of Tuscany’s most geographically significant positions. Sarteano itself—the nearest town at just 6 kilometres away—serves as both supply point and cultural anchor. This medieval village of roughly 2,800 inhabitants has maintained its medieval street plan and fortress-era architecture across centuries. The Sarteano Castle overlooks the entire valley from its hilltop position; visitors can ascend to witness draw bridges and restored medieval prison cells, spaces now hosting rotating art exhibitions and contemporary cultural events. The Renaissance Palazzo Gabrielli contains a significant archaeological museum documenting human habitation in this exact location stretching back 10,000 years to the Palaeolithic era—cave systems near the palazzo reveal evidence of ancient settlement. The village offers conventional services: supermarket, pharmacy, post office, restaurants, and cafés clustered around central piazza. During summer months, medieval festivals transform Sarteano with parades, theatrical performances, and jousting tournaments where participants wear authentic period costumes.
Cetona, positioned 13 kilometres south, ranks among Italy’s most photogenic hill towns. The town occupies the base of Monte Cetona, its Piazza Garibaldi forming a stunning 16th-century square lined with churches, fountains, and small shops selling local products—honey, beef, olive oil—that represent the region’s agricultural heritage. The Civic Museum documents human settlement patterns through centuries of local occupation. An archaeological park just outside town features Bronze Age caves, interpretive displays, and interactive dig areas where families can participate in hands-on excavation activities.
Montepulciano, 26 kilometres northwest, presents an entirely different proposition: a walled town nearly 1,500 years old built substantially on wealth from local wine production and the influence of Pope Pius II, who originated from the surrounding territory. The town’s thermal springs supply water to a professional spa offering beauty treatments and massage services using naturally heated pools fed by therapeutic mineral springs; locals attribute restorative properties to these waters. Architecturally, Montepulciano showcases the Temple of San Biagio and its adjoining rectory (16th-century), a Gothic town hall, and a cathedral that anchors the town’s central piazza. Wine estates throughout the surrounding region welcome visitors for tastings and vineyard tours; family-run operations often provide lunch pairings and explanations of production methods stretching back generations.
Pienza, 28 kilometres away, represents Renaissance town planning executed at its most ambitious scale. Pope Pius II commissioned the town’s reconstruction in the 15th century, creating a remarkably intact example of Renaissance urban design. The Papal residence, cathedral, and surrounding buildings occupy a town compact enough for comfortable walking exploration. Food and wine tours combine guided sightseeing with tastings at local producers, allowing visitors to sample regional specialities while learning histories directly from experts and shop owners.
Lake Trasimeno, positioned 39 kilometres northwest, provides an unexpected element: lakeside beaches within easy reach of inland Tuscany. The lake itself spans roughly 128 square kilometres, making it Italy’s fourth-largest lake. Several small beaches line the shoreline; water sports facilities offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing instruction. Summer water temperatures reach the mid-20s Celsius, permitting extended swimming periods. The lake’s islands—Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese, and Isola Minore—offer boat excursions and nature walks.
Regional exploration benefits from several organized options: tennis and golf courses exist within 20 kilometres; horse-trekking operations arrange guided rides through Tuscan countryside; cycling routes connect villages across varying terrain and difficulty levels. Numerous smaller villages dot the landscape between these major destinations—Radicofani to the east, Montisi to the south—each preserving medieval architecture and local restaurants worth investigating.
For broader regional inspiration, explore our Tuscany travel guide detailing seasonal highlights, cultural events, and extended itineraries. Additional luxury villas across Europe and our complete Italy collection offer alternatives if Cento Petali unavailable for your dates.
Climate patterns suggest April-May and September-October as optimal rental periods: daytime temperatures range 18-24°C, evening cooling eliminates need for constant air conditioning, and summer crowds haven’t yet descended. July-August bring heat (27-32°C daytime), occasional thunderstorms, and peak tourist congestion at major attractions. November-March experience cooler weather (8-15°C), occasional rainfall, and reduced restaurant/attraction hours in smaller villages, though winter’s low-angle sunlight creates stunning landscape photography opportunities.
Who This Villa Suits Best
Cento Petali accommodates 14 guests comfortably across six bedrooms—making it ideally suited to multi-generational family groups, corporate retreats, or friend groups seeking shared accommodation without sacrifice of privacy. The ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms particularly serve families with elderly members or mobility considerations, eliminating stair navigation. The swimming pool, meditation area, and dual living rooms allow groups to fragment by interest (swimmers vs. readers vs. wine drinkers) without isolation.
Families traveling with children benefit from the henhouse (egg-collection appeals to young guests), vegetable gardens (picking fresh produce holds genuine novelty), and shallow pool areas. Babysitting services can be arranged in advance, allowing parents evening freedom. The pizza oven and fully-equipped kitchen transform cooking from chore to social activity—even reluctant cooks participate when pizza preparation becomes entertainment.
Couples seeking countryside retreats find the scale manageable (booking the entire villa remains cost-effective with friends) and the amenities sophisticated: wine-tasting can be arranged with Montepulciano producers; spa treatments can be booked in-villa; cooking classes taught by professional chefs transform the kitchen into a learning space.
Groups organizing milestone celebrations—anniversaries, significant birthdays, book club retreats—appreciate the flexible interior layout, professional services available (chef, maid, babysitter), and entertainment infrastructure (pizza oven, dining tables seating twelve, wine-tasting facilities). The location offers sufficient isolation for privacy yet proximity to restaurants and cafés for dining flexibility.
Practical Information
Cento Petali accommodates 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The nearest significant airport is Perugia Sant’Egidio (approximately 80 kilometres / 50 miles away), requiring roughly 90 minutes’ driving via SS71 and SS3bis roads. Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport, Italy’s larger regional hub, sits approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) away, requiring two hours’ driving via autostrada A1. A car remains essential; public transportation between Sarteano and major attractions exists minimally.
The nearest supermarket is Conad di Sarteano, located in the village 6 kilometres away, offering conventional grocery shopping, fresh produce, wine, and prepared foods. Specialty shops in Sarteano village (bakery, butcher, cheese vendor) provide higher-quality provisions if requested with advance notice. The villa comes pre-stocked with essential provisions upon arrival—coffee, tea, olive oil, pasta, basic condiments.
Included in the rental: Wi-Fi internet, air-conditioning (bedrooms), utilities, pool access and basic maintenance, linen and towels, housekeeping service twice weekly, access to spa treatment facilities upon booking, wine-tasting arrangement services, cooking class facilitation, babysitting (if booked in advance), chef/cook services (if requested), and parking.
Check-in timing remains flexible; contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly to negotiate specific arrival and departure hours accommodating your travel schedule. The property accommodates pets upon request; advance notification required to arrange appropriate accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cento Petali
How many guests does Cento Petali sleep?
Cento Petali sleeps 14 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms: 2 ground-floor bedrooms sleeping 2 guests each (both with king beds), and 4 first-floor bedrooms sleeping 2 guests each (all with king beds). The property contains 6 full en-suite bathrooms—one per bedroom—ensuring no guest queues or bathroom sharing. No additional sofa beds or annexe accommodation exists; the villa’s capacity is fixed at 14 guests.
What is the nearest airport to Cento Petali in Sarteano?
Perugia Sant’Egidio Airport lies approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Cento Petali, requiring roughly 90 minutes’ driving via the SS71 and SS3bis regional roads. Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport, serving as an alternative for international connections, sits approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) away via autostrada A1, requiring approximately two hours’ driving. Both airports offer car rental facilities; arranging vehicle hire in advance eliminates taxi dependency in this rural location.
What is the best time of year to rent Cento Petali?
April through May and September through October represent optimal rental periods for Cento Petali. Spring brings daytime temperatures of 18-24°C, spring flower blooms (April’s wild roses provide stunning garden colour), and manageable tourism crowds. September-October offer similar temperature ranges with the advantage of August heat’s departure and school-calendar alignment with family travel periods. July-August experience higher temperatures (27-32°C), occasionally requiring constant air-conditioning, and peak tourist congestion at major Tuscan attractions. Winter months (November-March) see reduced hours at restaurants and cultural sites in smaller villages, though dramatic low-angle winter light suits landscape photography. Summer festivals (including Sarteano’s medieval celebrations in July-August) provide cultural entertainment but require booking accommodations well in advance.
Is Cento Petali suitable for families with children?
Yes, Cento Petali offers multiple family-friendly amenities: the swimming pool features varying depths accommodating non-swimmers (shallow end) and confident swimmers alike, with a designated changing room and shower facilities. Ground-floor bedrooms allow families to keep children near adult supervision without stair navigation during evening routines. The henhouse and vegetable gardens provide hands-on agricultural experience—children genuinely enjoy collecting eggs and harvesting produce for meals. The pizza oven transforms dinner preparation into entertainment. Babysitting services can be arranged in advance, permitting parents evening freedom for adult-focused village exploration or restaurant dining. Lake Trasimeno’s beaches, positioned 39 kilometres away, provide summer swimming alternatives to the pool. Small-village life suits families seeking cultural immersion without overwhelming infrastructure—Sarteano’s size (roughly 2,800 residents) means manageable exploration on foot, minimal traffic, and genuine community atmosphere.
What is included in the rental price at Cento Petali?
The rental price includes: utilities (electricity, water, gas heating), Wi-Fi internet connectivity throughout the villa, air-conditioning in bedrooms, linen and towels, pool access and basic maintenance (seasonal April-October operation), housekeeping service twice weekly, and initial provisioning of essential items (coffee, tea, olive oil, pasta, salt, sugar). Additional services available upon advance request include: professional chef/cook services, maid service beyond twice-weekly standard, babysitting, spa treatments (massage, facials) arranged in-villa, wine-tasting coordination with local Montepulciano producers, and cooking classes taught by experienced culinary instructors. Pet accommodation requires advance notice but remains possible with negotiated arrangements.
What restaurants and shops are near Cento Petali?
Sarteano village, 6 kilometres away, contains the primary commercial district: Conad supermarket for groceries, Panificio Rossi for fresh breads, various restaurants clustered around the central piazza, and cafés serving espresso and pastries. Specific restaurant recommendations—Il Giardino, Trattoria da Ivo, Osteria della Porta—focus on regional cuisine utilizing local produce, though menus and hours shift seasonally. Cetona, 13 kilometres south, offers the Piazza Garibaldi lined with additional restaurants and specialty food shops (honey, beef, olive oil) from local producers. Montepulciano, 26 kilometres away, contains restaurants of greater sophistication and vineyard restaurants offering panoramic valley views with wine pairings. For provisioning during the rental period, advance shopping lists can be submitted to Excellence Luxury Villas for pre-arrival stocking, or guests can self-provision via Sarteano’s Conad supermarket during the first day following arrival. Fresh produce markets operate in Sarteano on specific weekdays; staff can provide current market schedules upon booking confirmation.
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On the Map
Approximate location shown


