Amidst this splendor is set the beautiful and private property known as Villa Brunello at San Sebastiano. This centuries-old, independent, four-bedroom, two-bath, 3250-square-foot home has everything to make your Italian vacation memorable. Just five kilometres from Montalcino (two-and-one-half as the crow flies), this ancient farmstead boasts views to die for - from Mount Amiata in the south to Siena in the North. And it serves as the perfect point from which to visit the most beautiful villages and cities in Italy - Montalcino, Allesino, Pienza, San Quirico D'Orcia, Volterra, Florence, Montepulciano, Siena, San Gimignano, Monterrigione, Pisa, Cinque Terra, and Rome.

Or stop at the ancient Roman baths of Bagno Vignone and the monasteries at Monte Oliveto Maggiore and Sant Antimo,... or hike in some of the most beautiful scenery on God's earth. If you are feeling industrious, take an Italian cooking or language class nearby in the monastery where they filmed The English Patient. There are 2 world renowned Italian Language Schools very close by where you can take classes at all levels and varying degrees of immersion.

Located on two lush acres surrounded by exquisite villas and vineyards, this very special home has been lovingly restored inside and outside to ensure your ultimate pleasure. And better yet it is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and hill towns in every direction.

Open the wrought iron front gates to be immediately transported to La Vita Bella - a pea gravel courtyard welcomes you to your first view of the private church of St Sebastian and the verdant and generous Tuscan landscape. Once inside, your choices abound. Enjoy a beautiful outdoor courtyard just outside the French doors from where you will sip limoncello on quiet Tuscan evenings. Or lounge in the formal living room.with coved ceilings and gorgeous period pieces and memorable works of art and pottery. Read, contemplate or write in the quiet comfort of the study with views of the church and Montalcino up on the hill.

Be tempted by the breathtaking dining room with coved ceilings from which you will enjoy your Tuscan feasts. Next you will find a huge modern eat-in kitchen with all the appliances and tools necessary to prepare delicious Italian cuisine. Next to the kitchen on the first floor is an enormous living room/great room with eight-foot by eight-foot fireplace, two full couches, numerous chairs, and a large screen 48' plasma television. Just off the enormous great room and kitchen is a set of French doors leading to two wonderful lanais/pergolas adding outdoor rooms to your living space and which overlook the yard, vineyards and valleys - and by night the lights of Siena. Further down the hill, the pool and pool area is a haven in itself, with expansive views of the valley and numerous wineries. The house, yard and pool are very private.

Downstairs, there is also a full bathroom and a study/office/bedroom with fold out couch for extra sleeping.

Upstairs you will find four beautifully and authentically appointed bedrooms. Two have queen-size beds and two have twin beds which can be joined to form queen-size beds, where desired. Each bedroom has beautiful linens with at least 400-thread count sheets and pillow cases. And better yet, each room has breathtaking views over the Montalcino Valley. There are also two additional bathrooms on this level, very tastefully decorated.

In case you did not already know (and we are sure you did), Montalcino is the location where Brunello (by far the best wine in Italy, if not the world) is produced. And from Villa Brunello at San Sebastiano, you are ten minutes by car and foot to the best wineries and wine tastings in Italy. We have counted over 50, and by no means is that complete. Banfi, Barbi, Fanti, Tornese, Biondi Santi, Campanna, you name it, they are here. From $30 to $700 per bottle.

There are also wonderful restaurants, enotecas, and gelaterias nearby in case you get the urge to indulge off premises. Many of them have al fresco dining with great views. You will soon find out, it is impossible to find a bad meal. But for those times when you are just too sated to leave, you will find the pool, yard, and the outdoor and indoor living, dining, and relaxation spaces to be enchanting. This is what Italy is all about. You may never want to leave.

Touring ideas from the villa:

* Caparzo Castle and Winery 1/2 mile

* Altesino Castle and winery 1 mile

* Montalcino 1.5 miles walking; 4 miles driving

* Buonconvento 5 miles

* Pienza 15 miles

* Montepulciano 22 miles

* Siena 27 miles

* Cortona 40 miles

* Mediterranean Sea 40 miles

* Florence 86 miles

* Assisi 75 miles

* San Gimignano 50 miles

* Lucca 111 miles

* Pisa 125 miles

* Orvieto 60 miles

* Rome 125 miles

* Todi 75 miles

* Venice 225 miles

* Milan 250 miles

* Bagno Vignone 10 miles

* Sant 'Antimo 10 miles

* Sant'Anna in Camprena 10 miles

* Monte Oliveto Maggiore 10 miles

Keywords: Villa