Tuscany - Podere Le Sensaie
The local area
Italy occupies a romantic place in the world's imagination. With its landscape of rolling green hills, hazy sunshine and whiling away long afternoons over good food and wine, it's Tuscany that encapsulates la dolce vita.
Set near the village of Lajatico, the 19th-century farmhouse, Pondere Le Sensaie, is one of our stunning luxury villas in Tuscany. Surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees, this rural gem will allow you to truly embrace the magic of the Italian countryside and culture.
The History of the Italian Village, Lajatico
The clearest historical influence in Lajatico is its Lombard heritage, but it's thought that the history of the village goes back far further than that. Archaeological discoveries such as urns and terracotta vases place the origins of Lajatico in the Etruscan Empire, before it became a Roman settlement. First mentioned in a written document in 891, Lajatico was owned by the powerful Pannocchieschi family before it was given to the Bishop of Volterra in 1161.
Having changed hands between the republic of Pisa, the Bishop of Volterra and eventually settling into the republic of Florence, Lajatico has had a busy history. The most notable event of recent times however is that the village is the birthplace of tenor Andrea Bocelli.
What to See and Do Around Lajatico in Tuscany
Being set in such beautiful and secluded surroundings, enjoying the quiet and tranquillity of our Italian luxury villa is one way to fill your days here in Tuscany. Leisurely wandering around the olive groves, taking a dip in the pool or heading out to Lajatico for lunch are all relaxing ways to fill your time in this Italian hideaway - but that's far from all there is to do.
If you like the idea of bringing home your own dinner, you can arrange a hunting permit through your concierge and try your hand at catching some of the local game. You could also head to the beach at Cecina, or for more lively days out, both Florence and Pisa are in easy reach. In these cities you can see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the 13th century palace Pallazo Vecchio, and Siena Cathedral. San Gimignano and walled town of Volterra are also well worth a visit for both their fascinating history and stunning beauty.
Food and Drink in Tuscany
Tuscany has a well deserved reputation as a foodie's paradise, and as Italy's most ancient wine region, there's also plenty to please the most avid wine lover. Try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a Florentine T-bone steak, delicious olives oils that are grown, picked and pressed locally, and the Lardo di Colonnata, pork lard cured in marble and served as a starter.
The Experience
Ristorante Riserva Caccia La Vallata
La Vallata is a friendly, family-run restaurant in Lajatico, specialising in traditional...
La Locanda del Gallo
Advance Booking Required
A charming restaurant with a traditional menu accompanied by fine local wines. Beautiful views...
Da Carlo
A family friendly restaurant and pizzeria. The fish is especially recommended on Fridays when...
Ristorante La Locanda Delle Streghe
A family friendly restaurant with a very casual atmosphere and places to eat both indoors and...
Osteria del Ultimo Carbonaio
A family run restaurant situated in the tiny, picturesque village of Montegemoli. It...
Del Duca
Advance Booking Required
A fine dining restaurant in the heart of Volterra offering a selection of the finest wines in...
Guarnacci Museum: Volterra's Heritage Preserved
Etruscan Treasures Await
Founded in 1761, this is one of the earliest public museums...
Volterra Cathedral: An Architectural and Artistic Marvel
Home to Masterpieces by Signorelli and Cioli
Consecrated in 1120 by Callistus II,...
Amphitheatre Volterra: Volterra's Roman Heritage
Explore Ancient Ruins and Amphitheatre
With over 3000 years of history to its name,...
Palazzo Viti, Volterra: A Historic Home
Opulent Interiors and Alabaster Artifacts
Throughout its history, the Palazzo Viti...
Teatro del Silenzio: Bocelli Masterpiece in Tuscany’s Heart
Advance Booking Required
Experience the Magic
As the villa is so incredibly close, it would be a shame to...
Zoological Museum: Global Wildlife in a Historic Setting
Discover the World's Wildlife
Housed in the former Palazzo Baiocchi, just a 15 minute...
Pinocchio Museum: Collodi’s Themed Park
Step into Pinocchio's World
Famous as a home to Pinocchio, Collodi has an extensive...
Acqua Village
Driving to the coast, a day of adventure at the Acqua Village in Cecina Mare is a good option...
San Ranieri/Luminaria Festival, Pisa
Pisa Aglow with 70,000 Candles
For a truly magical and illuminating night, head over...
Cecina Beach: Sun, Fun, and Comfort
Enjoy Local Cuisine and Relax by the Sea
The nearest beach is Cecina, around 37km...
Pisa: Beyond the Leaning Tower
Explore Campo dei Miracoli and Historic Sites
There's much more to this fascinating...
Volterra: Tuscany’s Walled Gem
Discover Castles and Etruscan Heritage
The walled town of Volterra sits on a hill...
Lucca: Italy’s Charming Walled City
Timeless Tuscan Treasure
This is Italy's most charming ancient walled city. Of...
San Gimignano: Tuscany’s Iconic Tower Town
Explore Historic Towers
In the 11th and 12th-centuries, affluent Italian families...
Lajatico: Tuscany’s Hidden Village
Home of Andrea Bocelli
Situated within the province of Pisa, this Tuscan village sits...
Florence: A Timeless Masterpiece of Art and History
Where Art, History, and Charm Unite
Slightly further afield, but well worth a visit,...
Siena: Tuscany’s Timeless Hilltop Jewel
Discover the Heart of Siena
Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti,...
Peccioli: A Charming Tuscan Village
A Quaint Tuscan Town Full of Character
Peccioli is a small town so tourists can...
Bolgheri: A Taste of Tuscany’s Heritage
Tuscany's Village of Art and Wine
Bolgheri is a little village situated on the Tuscan...
Golf Club Castelfalfi
Advance Booking Required
Golf in Harmony with Nature
Tuscany has always been the ideal destination for golf...
Hiking and walking in Tuscany
Advance Booking Required
Tuscany's gentle landscape offers some great hikes across beautiful rolling countryside. Or...
Cycling in Tuscany
You can explore the Tuscany countryside and villages on a bicycle. You can rent a bike and...
Horseriding in Tuscany
Advance Booking Required
Enter the Natural Reserve "Foresta di Berignone", crossing deep forests, wide valleys and...
Grotta Giusti
Advance Booking Required
One of the most unique spas in Italy can be found in Monsummano Terme, close to the famous spa...
La Spa Il Castelfalfi
Advance Booking Required
A charming spa with a relaxing, uncluttered atmosphere. The decor is minimal and tasteful, in...
Discover Peccioli: Walking Tour with Local Food and Wine Tasting
Explore Peccioli's Charm
Immerse yourself in the charm of Peccioli with a guided...
Tenuta Torciano Wine Tasting
Advance Booking Required
An amazing experience for the wine lovers. The owner Luigi will take you on a tour of his...
Visit Tenuta di Ghizzano
Advance Booking Required
Historic Estate with World-Class Wine and Olive Oil
Tenuta di Ghizzano is a beautiful...
A Day on a Tuscan Farm: Organic Cheese and Olive Oil Experience
Advance Booking Required
Taste the Best of Tuscany
Spend a day visiting a local farm specialized in the...
Pasta Factory Tour & Medieval Castle Visit in Lari
Advance Booking Required
Tour a Family-Run Pasta Factory
A visit to a family run pasta factory that exports...
Pontedera: A Shopping Stop Near Lajatico
Fashion Meets Charm in Pontedera
Located just a short distance from Lajatico,...
Bottegone Della Calzatura: Classic Italian Footwear and Accessories
Step into Italian Style
Just 5km from Podere Le Sensaie, Bottegone Della Calzatura is...
Prada ‘SPACE’ Outlet: Designer Discounts
Shop Luxury with Discounts
Prada retail outlet has a great selection of clothing,...
Florence Shopping: From High Fashion to Antiques
Advance Booking Required
Designer Goods, Souvenirs, Antiques
Florence's answer to New York's Fifth Avenue is...
The Mall: Luxury Fashion at Unbeatable Prices in the Heart of Tuscany
Designer Brands and Exclusive Discounts
The Florence Mall outlet offers many luxury...
Osteria del Sole
Advance Booking Required
Best for: Pizza. A family run pizzeria/restaurant. The interior is art deco and the food very...
La Rocca di Castlefalfi
Advance Booking Required
Offers a traditional cuisine, based on meat and fish of the Mediterranean
Ristorante L'antico Molino
Advance Booking Required
Excellent rustic food with great service in a beautiful location and a real family feel gives...
Tour Antinori nel Chianti Classico
Advance Booking Required
Innovative Winery in the Tuscan Hills
Discover the architecturally innovative...
Rafting near Lucca
Advance Booking Required
If you love rafting you can't leave Tuscany without having experienced rafting in the green...
Tandem Paragliding near Lucca
Advance Booking Required
Experience the thrill of paragliding by flying tandem with pilots from the World Cup circuit...
Adventurous Quad Experience
Advance Booking Required
Meet the fantastic guide Antonio and follow him up and down the Tuscan hills, to off-road
Wine, Cheese & Olive Oil Full Day Tour
Advance Booking Required
This tour caters to those with limited time, providing a condensed yet enriching experience...
Livorno: Behind-the-Scenes Culinary Experience
Advance Booking Required
Uncover Italy's Culinary Secrets
This tour is for those of you who want to go behind...
Florentine Craftsmanship Tour
Advance Booking Required
Explore Artisan Workshops
One of the things that makes Florence so unique are the...
Relax and Create in Tuscany with Peccioli Paint and Palate
Advance Booking Required
Art, Wine, and Local Delights
Peccioli paint and palate offer you a tranquil spot for...
Create Your Own Jewellery in Lajatico
Advance Booking Required
Goldsmith Workshop in Tuscany
The most fascinating practical art you can experience...
Pisa by Night
Advance Booking Required
Discover the City's Hidden Charm
Visited by countless travel groups during the day,...
Magic of Tuscany from a Hot Air Balloon
Advance Booking Required
Get a bird's-eye view of the Tuscan countryside on this hot air balloon flight. Departing...
Festival Puccini / Opera Torre del Lago 2024
Advance Booking Required
Embrace the Magic of Tuscany
Escape to the heart of Tuscany and experience the magic...
Chianti Classico Wine Expo '24
Advance Booking Required
Enjoy World-Class Wines
Escape to your villa in the heart of Tuscany this September...
Mugello MotoGP 2025
Advance Booking Required
Adrenaline, Speed, Tuscany's Finest
Enrich your stay at Podere Le Sensaie with an...
Palio di Siena 2025: A Tuscan Spectacle
Advance Booking Required
A Tuscan Tradition Like No Other
Enhance your stay at Podere Le Sensaie with an...
Andrea Bocelli at the Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico
Advance Booking Required
Bocelli Under the Tuscan Stars
Experience the magic of Andrea Bocelli live in Tuscany...