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 centre, 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
| Region |
IT – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Montisi Tuscany |
| Name | Umberto 121 |
| Scenery | In the historic center of the small village, with a view of the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi |
| Number of guests | Max. 10 in 5 bedrooms |
| Completed | built in the 14th century, extended in the 19th century, renovated in 2023 |
| Design | Idoia Ruiz Orrio und Marco De Pietro (Renovierung) |
| Published | Secret Hideaways (Callwey Publishers, May 2025), Living Corriere 10/2023, Elle Decor Italia 7/2023 |
| Architecture | Old & new |
| Accomodation | Holiday home |
| Criteria | 8+ (house/apartment), Family, Garden, Hiking, Wine, Workation |
| Registration | CIN: IT052037B4H3NJ75V2 |
Availability calendar
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3 Comments
An absolute dream of a place! What Idoia and Marco have created here is simply outstanding. When we first walked in, we were speechless – and just had to stop and take it all in. The house is truly unique, furnished with great care and attention to detail, featuring beautiful designer pieces and a wonderfully warm and atmospheric feel. You feel at home the moment you arrive.
The kitchen is perfectly equipped – we cooked a lot during our stay, and doing so in this space was a genuine pleasure. The garden invites you to enjoy a relaxed aperitivo or your morning coffee with a stunning view over the rolling hills and pine trees. And yes – there are even turtles in the garden, which our kids thought was absolutely brilliant!
Umberto121 is located in Montisi, a village we also came to love. Just across the street is a tiny grocery store that, despite its size, has everything you need – including a fantastic fresh food counter with excellent local products.
Idoia was a warm and welcoming host, and we couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful stay. We’ll definitely be back!
Wir haben das Haus in Montisi mit vier Erwachsenen für eine Mai-Woche bewohnt und sind rundum zufrieden. Alles ist liebevoll eingerichtet. Es gibt viele schöne Accessoires, die offenbar von Menschen mit Stilbewusstsein ausgewählt wurden. Der Garten mit Blick über die toskanische Landschaft macht glücklich. Schlafzimmer, Betten und Duschen sind tadellos. Und in der Küche findet man wirklich alles, was man braucht, von hübschen Schüsseln bis zum Salatbesteck. Man kann in der Gegend gut wandern, es gibt aber auch viel Kunst zu entdecken. Ausflugs-Tipp: Der Spoerri-Garten bei Seggiano. Er liegt zwar nicht gleich um die Ecke (etwa 1 Stunde mit dem Auto), aber ist wirklich einzigartig, man kann den ganzen Tag dort verbringen.
Ein wunderschönes Haus in einem kleinen, schönen Dorf mit tollem Restaurant, kleiner Bar, Apotheke, kleiner Supermarkt … Die Zimmer sind liebevoll eingerichtet und mit viel Platz. Wir waren als Familie mit 3 älteren Kindern eine Woche dort, haben Ausflüge in die malerischen Nachbardörfer gemacht oder haben einfach im Garten gelesen. Die sehr netten Besitzer haben uns zur Begrüßung mit einigen Leckereien verwöhnt und immer einen guten Tipp parat gehabt.