Palazzone Della Lavanda | 11-Bedroom Villa in Province of Siena

Twenty-two guests, lavender fields stretching to the horizon, and a 12th-century fortress that once guarded Siena itself—Palazzone Della Lavanda is a luxury villa rental in Siena that transforms large gatherings into unforgettable Tuscan experiences. Positioned within a sprawling 40-acre estate just 20 minutes from Siena’s UNESCO-listed medieval centre, this property combines authentic Renaissance architecture with the kind of modern comfort that lets groups actually relax together rather than compete for space.

Inside Palazzone Della Lavanda

Palazzone Della Lavanda sleeps 22 guests across 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms distributed between the main castello and a connected farmhouse annexe, each room configured for different group dynamics. The layout evolved organically from centuries of use—what began as a defensive structure became a hunting lodge, then a hamlet, and now accommodates large families and celebration parties without feeling corporate or institutional.

The main house ground floor centres on a living room anchored by a working fireplace, an antique billiard table (reserved for ages 12+), and direct access to the courtyard and terraces. The fully equipped kitchen includes dishwasher, dual refrigeration, full oven, microwave, blender, and Nespresso machine—functional enough for guests to prepare casual meals, professional enough that the included chef can execute dinner service five evenings weekly. A guest WC serves this floor.

The former chapel—the property’s most distinctive suite—occupies the ground floor’s southern wing. This bedroom features a 150x195cm double bed, air-conditioning, garden access, and a full en-suite bathroom. An adjoining antechamber (without air-conditioning) provides sleeping flexibility with a 90x180cm single bed and an 80x160cm daybed, plus its own shower room, creating a self-contained family zone. Both spaces connect to the courtyard independently.

The first floor, accessed via contemporary metal stairs or courtyard steps, holds the property’s master suite at 35.9 square metres—a king-size bed (180x200cm), air-conditioning, and a bathroom combining both bath and separate shower. Two additional first-floor bedrooms flank the landing: one at 21.9 square metres with a 150x195cm double bed, working fireplace, and shower en-suite; the second similarly proportioned with a 140x195cm bed and shower room. A shared salon with fireplace, seating, desk, and dining capacity serves as a gathering point, with a small terraced extension offering outdoor seating and uneven stone stairs descending to the courtyard.

The tower bedrooms occupy the second and third floors, each framed by thick medieval walls that regulate temperature naturally. The second-floor tower contains a 20.3 square-metre bedroom (180x195cm double, splittable to twins) with en-suite shower, and a more intimate 12.5 square-metre room (140x190cm double) with shower. The third-floor tower repeats the pattern: an 18.9 square-metre space with a 180x195cm double (twin-splittable) and shower, plus a 21.5 square-metre room with 150x195cm bed and en-suite. Every bedroom features independent air-conditioning and en-suite facilities—no shared bathroom anxiety across 22 guests.

The farmhouse annexe operates as a semi-independent wing, ideal for extended families or friends seeking privacy within proximity. Its ground-floor dining room, fitted with fireplace and side kitchen, seats the entire party of 22 and serves as the evening gathering point when the included chef prepares traditional local dishes. A quad bedroom (24.2 square metres) holds two double beds—one standard (160x195cm) and one elevated on floating stairs—with air-conditioning, while the adjoining shared bathroom serves both this room and the next bedroom. A third farmhouse room offers a king-size bed (180x195cm, splittable to twins) and can access either the shared bathroom or the adjacent bedroom’s en-suite shower room. The final farmhouse bedroom (15.8 square metres) contains a 160x195cm double with air-conditioning and private shower room.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The sensory experience here begins before you leave the car: the lavender-scented air, the sight of rolling rows stretching across 40 acres, the sound of cicadas in the protected woodland. The medieval courtyard anchors outdoor life—stone-paved, ringed with travertine walls, planted with roses and jasmine that perfume the evening. A formal dining table occupies one side; a relaxation zone with seating dominates the other. Stone steps lead downslope to the swimming pool, a fan-shaped basin approximately 10 metres by 10 metres at 1.8 metres depth, with a shallow enclosed area for children. The pool operates from May through October; heating can be arranged for an additional fee. Fourteen sun loungers and two parasols ring the terrace—enough capacity that no guest fights over shade.

A pergola-covered dining area stands adjacent to the barbecue zone, which comprises both a gas grill and a wood-fired pizza oven, plus a bar area for aperitivos at sunset. A front terrace on the property’s northern aspect offers alternative dining with different light and views. Recreational facilities include a bocce pitch and table tennis—the kind of activities that occupy groups aged 6 to 86 simultaneously. The 40-acre grounds themselves provide hiking and cycling trails through protected forest where deer, hares, wild boar, and porcupines move freely; walking paths depart directly from the courtyard. The working organic farm section produces lavender, olive oil, and honey; a vegetable garden permits guest harvesting. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles; an electric vehicle charger is available for an additional fee.

Location: Siena and the Surrounding Area

Position matters. Palazzone Della Lavanda sits 15 kilometres south of Siena, yet feels utterly removed from crowds and traffic noise. The property occupies the Montagnola Senese region, characterized by undulating terrain, dense forest, and villages so small they appear only on detailed maps. A modest Tuscan hamlet lies 2 kilometres distant—this settlement contains a restaurant, café-bar, pharmacy, and grocery shop stocked with regional produce and fresh vegetables from local farms. This 2km distance proves ideal: far enough away to preserve peace, close enough for last-minute provisions or casual dinner if the group tires of in-house cooking.

Siena itself, a 20-minute drive north, ranks among Tuscany’s most important medieval cities. The Piazza del Campo, UNESCO World Heritage-listed, radiates fan-like from its centre and hosts the Palio di Siena—the chaotic, thrilling horse race held in July and August that transforms the city into controlled pandemonium. The surrounding Palazzo Pubblico and Siena Cathedral represent uncompromising Gothic architecture. Wandering streets like Via di Città and Via Banchi di Sopra connects you to Renaissance palaces, artisan workshops, traditional trattorie serving pici pasta and wild boar ragù, and gelateria producing gelato by hand each morning.

The surrounding region offers specific activities: a neighbouring winery within walking distance conducts tastings and vineyard tours; the Royal Golf La Bagnaia, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., lies approximately 25 kilometres northeast and welcomes visiting golfers year-round. Wild swimming occurs in the Merse River, a tributary system flowing through protected valleys roughly 8 kilometres west. The Montagnola Senese’s protected woodland hosts autumn truffle-hunting expeditions September through November—specialized guides can be arranged. For broader Tuscan context, explore our Tuscany travel guide and our collection of luxury villas in Italy, with additional options throughout our Province of Siena portfolio.

Florence, Tuscany’s capital, lies 70 kilometres north (approximately 90 minutes’ drive) and contains the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo. Montepulciano, celebrated for its Vino Nobile red wines, sits 35 kilometres southeast. Montalcino, producing Brunello di Montalcino and offering a medieval hilltop setting overlooking the Val d’Orcia, lies 45 kilometres south. Both towns feature wine estates open to visitors. The nearest commercial airport is Peretola (Florence), approximately 100 kilometres north (2-hour transfer). Pisa International Airport, 150 kilometres northwest (2.5-hour transfer), offers more flight options and lower fares.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Palazzone Della Lavanda accommodates specific group dynamics beautifully. Large families spanning three generations find relief in 11 separate bedrooms—grandparents occupy the chapel suite with garden access, adults inhabit the first-floor rooms near the main salon, children sleep in tower rooms where noise matters less. Extended family reunions of 15-22 people, where group meals matter as much as private time, use the farmhouse dining room as a gathering ritual while bedrooms scatter across multiple floors. Wedding parties requiring accommodation for guests plus separate spaces for the couple use the chapel suite as a honeymoon hideaway, with family and friends distributed across remaining rooms. Corporate retreats and multi-family celebrations benefit from both intimate dining (private suite) and large-group assembly (22-person farmhouse table). Groups wanting an all-inclusive experience appreciate the integrated chef service (five evenings weekly), breakfast provision, and wine tastings at the adjacent winery.

This property suits groups less interested in nightlife and more invested in shared meals, games, conversation, and exploration. Families comfortable letting teenagers navigate tower stairs and couples seeking genuinely separate accommodation spaces thrive here. Groups uninterested in constant activity and drawn instead to afternoon reading by the pool or evening cards in the billiards room find the pace matches their temperament. Guests planning celebration gatherings—anniversaries, milestone birthdays, successful business transitions—value the property’s event barn (available at additional cost) and its inherent ceremonial atmosphere.

Practical Information

Capacity: 22 guests maximum across 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The property accommodates this full group continuously or smaller subsets (families of 6-8, couples’ weekends, groups of 10-12) with abundant space and privacy. Air-conditioning operates in all bedrooms; public areas remain naturally cool due to thick medieval stone construction. Wi-Fi coverage extends throughout the property. Linens, towels, and bathroom toiletries arrive changed and refreshed according to rental agreement. The included chef service operates five evenings per week, preparing traditional Tuscan cuisine from fresh local ingredients and including wine pairings. Continental breakfast (coffee, pastries, fresh fruit) is included. Additional catering services accommodate parties exceeding standard meal capacity. Maid service is available. Yoga classes and cooking classes can be arranged with external instructors. Wine tastings at the neighbouring winery are bookable. Transfers from Florence or Pisa airports are available through a private driver service (arrange in advance). Pool heating carries a supplement charge. The events barn requires separate arrangement and fee. Check-in typically occurs at 16:00; early arrival or late departure negotiable depending on prior bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Palazzone Della Lavanda

How many guests does Palazzone Della Lavanda sleep?

Palazzone Della Lavanda accommodates 22 guests across 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The main castello holds 7 bedrooms (including the former chapel suite) distributed across ground, first, and tower levels. The connected farmhouse annexe contains 4 additional bedrooms. All bedrooms feature individual air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms except the ground-floor chapel antechamber (which shares facilities with the chapel proper but contains two additional sleeping surfaces—a single bed and daybed). This arrangement ensures every guest has dedicated sleeping space without crowding shared facilities.

What is the nearest airport to Palazzone Della Lavanda in Siena?

Peretola Airport in Florence lies approximately 100 kilometres north of Palazzone Della Lavanda—a 2-hour transfer by private car. This airport serves European destinations and offers good connections from major cities. Pisa International Airport, 150 kilometres northwest (approximately 2.5 hours’ transfer), offers more extensive flight options and typically lower ticket prices. Both airports connect to the property via arranged private driver service, booked at time of reservation. Siena itself has no commercial airport; the city centre lies 15 kilometres north of the villa.

What is the best time of year to rent Palazzone Della Lavanda?

May through September represents peak season in Tuscany, with warm reliable weather, long daylight hours, and active village restaurants and wineries. May and September offer advantages over July and August: temperatures remain warm (20-28°C) without oppressive heat, spring wildflowers or autumn colours enhance the landscape, and tourist crowds thin slightly. The swimming pool operates May through October. June offers the longest days and stable weather before summer heat peaks. April and October appeal to guests seeking mild weather and fewer tourists, though evening temperatures drop below 15°C. November through March brings cooler conditions (5-12°C daytime), occasional rain, and shorter daylight—less suitable for pool use or extended terrace living, though ideal for those prioritizing solitude and autumn truffle season (September-November). The Palio di Siena occurs in July and August; if witnessing this spectacle matters to your group, those months are essential despite crowds and heat.

Is Palazzone Della Lavanda suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific provisos. The swimming pool includes a shallow enclosed area for young children (approximately 60cm depth) and reaches maximum 1.8 metres in the main basin. Fourteen sun loungers and pool-side supervision enable safe swimming; lifeguards are not provided—adult supervision is the family’s responsibility. The property’s layout across multiple floors means older children and teenagers can navigate stairs, while younger children (under 6) require active supervision near the pool and on sloping grounds. The billiard table is restricted to ages 12+. Bocce and table tennis suit children aged 6+. The village 2 kilometres away contains a pharmacy and grocery shop but no dedicated children’s activities or beaches. No wild swimming sites exist immediately on the property; the Merse River wild swimming location lies approximately 8 kilometres away and requires separate transport. Families find the property rewarding when they prioritize group time, shared meals, and outdoor exploration over structured children’s entertainment or beach access.

What is included in the rental price at Palazzone Della Lavanda?

The rental price includes: all utilities (electricity, water, heating); Wi-Fi throughout the property; bed linens and towels (changed according to stay length); bathroom toiletries; kitchen equipment and appliances; maid service; chef/cook service five evenings per week, including preparation of traditional Tuscan dishes and wine pairings; continental breakfast daily (coffee, pastries, fresh fruit); access to all outdoor facilities (pool, terraces, gardens, bocce pitch, table tennis, billiard table); access to kitchen gardens for vegetable harvesting; and participation in the property’s working organic farm. Not included: pool heating (available for supplement); wine tastings at the neighbouring winery (bookable separately); cooking classes and yoga classes (arranged through external instructors, cost varies); events barn rental (additional charge); private transfers or driver services (bookable in advance); and any catering beyond the five included chef evenings. Check final rental agreement for ancillary services and costs.

What restaurants and shops are near Palazzone Della Lavanda?

A small Tuscan village 2 kilometres away (approximately 5-minute drive) contains a restaurant serving traditional regional cuisine, a café-bar, a pharmacy, and a grocery shop stocked with fresh produce, local wines, olive oils, and regional specialities. This village represents the nearest commercial services. Siena, 15 kilometres north (20-minute drive), offers dozens of restaurants ranging from casual pizzerie to Michelin-recommended establishments, plus markets selling fresh produce, cheese, cured meats, and wine. Via Banchi di Sopra and surrounding streets concentrate food shops, bakeries, and gelaterie. The San Giuseppe market (operating mornings, closed Sundays) sells fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, and prepared foods from local producers. For fine dining, Siena contains restaurants like Osteria Le Logge and Enoteca I Terzi. In the surrounding region, Montepulciano (35 kilometres southeast) and Montalcino (45 kilometres south) host estate restaurants serving wine-country cuisine paired with their respective wines—Vino Nobile and Brunello. The neighbouring winery (walking distance from Palazzone Della Lavanda) conducts tastings and can prepare light meals by arrangement.