Umberto 121

Medieval walls, imposing frescoes from the 19th century and 1930s terrazzo – Umberto 121 near Montalcino is a spectacular interplay of eras that stretches right up to the modern day.

Hills covered in proud cypresses, olive groves and lush vineyards characterize the landscape of the Val d’Orcia, which was not only a popular motif for Renaissance painters, but is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of castles and medieval towns rise up here and there, still towering above the hustle and bustle of time. The charming town of Montisi is just the right place to slow down and get in contact with Tuscan autenticity.

In the heart of the historic center, flanked to the rear by a panoramic Mediterranean garden, sits Umberto 121, a historic residence whose origins date back to the 14th century. Over the course of time, the Tuscan palazzo has not only changed owners and purposes – from a place where pharmaceutical formulas were manufactured around 1800 to the home of a family of bankers – but has also undergone architectural and aesthetic changes with each era. In order to preserve its multifaceted soul, the house was completely renovated, traces of the past were uncovered and the historical features were brought back to life. In addition to old beams, original doors, bathroom fittings and terracotta floors, the rooms are impressively framed by magnificent 19th century frescoes. Another highlight are the 1930s Graniglia floors, which have been freed from layers of stoneware and re-polished. Wherever the terrazzo floors could not be restored, warm oak parquet came into use.

Umberto 121 has five bright, spacious double rooms spread over two floors. Each has its own bathroom and a view over the Tuscan rooftops and hills. In addition, the tasteful communal areas offer a variety of places to unwind: from the living room, the study with fireplace or the library to the convivial kitchen, dining room and the idyllic garden. Every room of the house has its own identity and history, which the owners wanted to emphasize and pass on. To this end, suitable furniture and lamps were collected from antique dealers and markets and combined with more contemporary design. Selected pieces by Le Corbusier and Eileen Gray meditate in front of Novecento frescoes and emphasize the creative dialogue between antique and modern elements, art, history and the intriguing landscape of the Crete Senesi.

What to do

Explore the Val d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi with their numerous picturesque villages, go hiking, biking, horse riding, visit wineries and enjoy regional cuisine (e.g. in the lovely little bars and restaurants in Montisi), yoga and massages, excursions to the nearby towns of Trequanda, Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano or to the Tuscan art and culture highlights of Siena, Perugia or Florence

Why we like this house

A place of timeless beauty where the stories of past generations resonate.

This house is great for

Families, friends or couples of friends who want to enjoy the nature, art, culture and cuisine of Tuscany

Sustainability

Preservation of the old building fabric and careful renovation, e-charging station in Sinalunga (approx. 15 minutes away by car), public transport: by train to Sinalunga and bus to Montisi

Owner

Spanish journalist Idoia Ruiz Orrio advises brands and architectural projects on communication, while her partner Marco De Pietro is an Italian lawyer and entrepreneur in the fashion industry. When the couple discovered the Tuscan jewel in the summer of 2020, the desire to bring its historical treasures back to life was born. Just a few months later, the couple moved from Barcelona to charming Montisi with their two daughters and have been enjoying the peaceful life in the countryside ever since.

Details

Availability calendar

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