The beautiful estate of "La Bandita" is situated in the northwest of Tuscany in the province of Livorno.

Villa la Bandita encompasses 85 hectares of land on the sunny hills of upper Val di Cornia, a few kilometers from the picturesque and ancient villages of Castagneto, Carducci and Bolgheri. The views are spectacular and in some areas glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea appear in the distance. Other panoramic views include those of the Sassetta hilltops and the surrounding olive groves, vineyards and forests.

Cedar and pines forests account for 70% of the land surface the remains of which are divided into turf fields, olive groves (1000 trees), a vineyard of 18 hectares (classified DOC), fruit trees, vegetable plots and two small artificial lakes.

Within the confines of tenuta "La Bandita" lie 5 estates, the dwellings of which have been completely restored and transformed into country villas. All have easy access by private, well maintained roads. The Villa Padronale, dating back to the 17th century, is completely and luxuriously restored in a manner befitting its origins but with modern conveniences.

Guests of Tenuta "La Bandita" also enjoy free use of tennis court.

Cottages and Apartments:

The Villa Padronale:

Built to a rectangular plan typical of its era, the Villa has two levels and a mansarda and was owned by a noble family from Genoa until the end of the 1980's. Now fully and beautifully restored and renovated, guest rooms have been incorporated into the original floor plan, each room with a bathroom ensuite.

The conversion of the rooms has in no way detracted from the authenticity of the original building and guests are still able to appreciate a style of aristocratic life of a former era. Enjoy relaxing in the salon and reading room, experience fine cuisine and exceptional wines all grown on the estate or locally produced, swim in the pool or simply stroll in the beautiful surrounds.

Le Scuderie:

This building has been converted into 3 spit level apartments, each with an area of 66 square meters. The attic areas incorporate a double bed sitting room and bathroom while downstairs there's a small bedroom and corner kitchen. Each apartment has an open fireplace and small adjoining garden. "Le Scuderie" is situated at 250 meters from the main Villa.

Rooms:

Each room at the Villa, La Foresteria and Gli Ulivi represents a sample of country living akin to the Tuscan aristocracy of a former area. The furnishings and fittings area all original antiques of considerable value and quality.

A combination of spacious double bedrooms and bathrooms, finished in marble or local stone ensure that your stay will be memorable. Soft furnishings, such as bed covers and curtains are of the best quality fabric and in superb taste and fine examples of art work and tapestries abound. In addition, each room has a mini bar, safe box, hair dryer and telephone in the superior and junior suite rooms.

La Foresteria:

In "La Foresteria" we have 5 double rooms. The rooms in "La Foresteria" are all situated at the first floor. Behind this building we have a private garden and the chapel.

"La Foresteria" is an ancient stone cottage that is now connected to the Villa by a small piazza with a fountain. "La Foresteria" truly represents rural Tuscan architecture at its best. Although obviously not as grand as the Villa, restoration has once again been completed in a style and of a quality befitting the period. The three levels of the building all have private external access via stone stairways and bedrooms once again have ensuites.

Gli Ulivi:

"Gli Ulivi" is a renovated cottage that is also connected to the main villa. In "Gli Ulivi" we have 4 double rooms on the 1st floor and 6 double rooms ground floor, each room with a private small garden.

Situated just south of the main Villa and "La Foresteria", this ancient renovated cottage is bordered by forest, olive groves and a small lake and it is also close to the swimming pool.

Common Rooms:

Common Rooms in the Villa, La Foresteria and Gli Ulivi reflect the ambience of aristocratic Tuscan country life. Once again furnished in the style of the era with valuable fixtures and fittings, either original or antique.

The architecture of the Villa and La Foresteria and particularly the vaulted ceilings in the Villa, display a fine example of the country style of design of the high Maremma region. Fine paintings, tapestries, stamp collections and linen pieces add the finishing touches to complete the atmosphere.

Restaurant:

The huge kitchen provides guests with fine cuisine, using local produce either grown on the estate or obtained from nearby farms. Only quality products are used in preparation, such as selected oils, free range poultry and meat, organic fruit and vegetables and both sheep and goat's cheese from local producers.

Cellared wines available to compliment your fine dining experience are representative of the finest the area has to offer. Many are to be found on the world's top wine lists.

Cooking classes have also been organized at the Villa, with chefs and guests from as far away as America and Australia participating. On request, it is possible to arrange visits to local producers of wine, olive oil and cheese or explore the breeding grounds of the wild boar, a local delicacy.

Nearby:

The port of Piombino is 45 minutes away by car and from here guests can easily access the beautiful island of Elba. Within 15 minutes from La Bandita you will find lovely beaches at Marina di Castagneto or San Vincenzo (where you may enjoy the famous "Gambero Rosso" restaurant - 2 stars Michelin) or Golfo di Barattifrom.

Bolgheri:

An ancient walled fiefdom of a noble family, Bolgheri is accessed from the via Aurelia by the famous Viale dei Cipressi, a beautiful road lined with ancient cypress trees and made famous by the poet Carducci. Wander the streets and absorb the atmosphere or shop for quality local products, including olive oil, wine, ceramics and linen. Along the way you will pass the famous Incisa horse racing stables, home of Ribot, a world class winner. The famous wineries of Sassicaia and Ornellaia are also located here.

Castagneto Carducci:

Perched on the hillside on the descent from La Bandita in the direction of the Aurelia, this picturesque ancient village has gained notoriety in recent years as a holiday venue for the famous, including British Royals. Sample fine cuisine in the restaurants or superb wines at the specialist wine boutiques.

Populonia:

Continue on the west coast to the beautiful bay of Baratti where there are fine examples of Etruscan remains. Ascend the hill above the bay for spectacular vistas and arrive at the medieval walled castle of Populonia. Here local shops have a wide variety of ceramics, leather craft and much more. There is also an Etruscan Museum.

Sassetta:

This ancient village remains practically unchanged by modern times and one can absorb a real sense of life as it was, and still is, for the people of the high Maremma. The well known towns of San Gimignano, Siena and Volterra are a close drive and make wonderful day trips.

Islands:

From Baratti, head south along the coast to San Vincenzo, a popular holiday resort with a marina and attractive shopping mall. Continue on the port of Piombino from where ferries depart every ½ hour for the spectacular island of Elba, made famous as the exiled domain of Napoleon.

Elba, its coastal and hill villages and spectacular scenery and beaches should not be missed. Further south other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago can be accessed.

Proposals:

A 10% discount on the official price list is available to guests on the weekends between November and March (Christmas and New Year's Eve excluded).

During October, November, December and January is possible to arrange the following activities:

• Food tasting
• Olive picking
• Christmas lunch
• Cooking courses
• Conference rooms
• Golf bookings also arranged on request
• Mountain bike hire and trekking excursions
• Visiting the "frantoio" where the olives are pressed to produce oil

Location:

The area is designated high Maremma and close by is the ancient village of Sassetta which clings to the hillside at over 300 meters above sea level.

The Tyrrhenian Sea is 12 kilometers to the west. Between the coast and Sassetta lies the Val di Cornia which produces some of Italy's best wines and olive oil and experiences a temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. The forests of the high Maremma near to Sassetta are the habitats for a vast variety of species of spectacular flora and fauna, including rare examples of wild orchids, deer, porcupine and wild boar.

The Etruscan Riviera is about a 1 hour drive away.

Directions:

La Bandita is only 70 kilometers from Pisa Airport.

From the North (Florence, Milano, Pisa Airport, etc):

• Exit at the end of the Genoa-Rosignano A12 motorway and take the SS 1 Aurelia (south) and exit at Donoratico.

From the South (Rome, Rome Airport, etc):

• Take the motorway to Civitavecchia and continue on the SS 1 to the Donoratico exit.
• Once in Donoratico, follow the signs to Castagneto Carducci, then to Sasseta.
• Before entering the village of Sassetta turn left at the sign for Monteverdi and continue for 2 km to the entrance gate of "La Bandita" on your right.

Approximate Distances From:

• Pisa 75 km
• Siena 95 km
• Milan 350 km
• Roma 240 km
• Florence 135 km