Villa Origo

La Foce was originally built at the end of the 15th century as a wayside tavern, but soon became the centre of a vast estate owned by the great Siennese Hospital and Monastery of Santa Maria della Scala.
Owing to wars and pestilence, the estate – and indeed all the valley of the Orcia (Val d'Orcia) – was extreme poverty and was mainly abandoned, until in 1924 it was bought by Antonio and Iris Origo, who turned it into their comfortable home. From here they farmed and developed the land, bringing prosperity and social progress to the farmers. The Villa is connected to the Fattoria, from where the agricultural estate is still run.
The house is built on three levels, following the lie of the hill, and is surrounded by the now famous gardens created by Iris Origo and the English architect Cecil Pinsent – a 'labour of love' lasting many years. Parts of the garden are open to the public on certain days (strictly guided tours – see below), though the garden by the house and the pool remain private. The airy, frescoed interior is filled with beautiful antique furniture, and reflects the unique Anglo-Tuscan taste of its owners.
Four gardeners look after the premises, including the swimming pool opposite the 'limonaia' (orangerie). Guests relax in the shade of roses and wisteria, lulled by the sound of water from the fountain nearby.

Layout

The villa sleeps 24 people in:

• 9 double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
• 3 twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms

There is a delightful library with fireplace and sofas, a central frescoed and balconied dining room for very special evenings, a second dining room closer to the kitchen, a double breakfast room with glass-fronted doors opening onto the private 'fountain' garden, and a study. On the ground floor a large music room and living room, with fireplace and many comfortable sofas and armchairs, offers great opportunities for entertaining friends and family gatherings.

The main kitchen is accessible only to La Foce staff. Guests can use the two kitchenettes (one on each floor) equipped with electric kettle, induction cooker, microwave oven and fridge. Tea, Nescafé and tisanes are provided.

There is a guest bathroom off the entrance hall.

All rooms and bedrooms have stunning views over the garden and valley.

SWIMMING POOL
12 x 4 m. 
Adjoining the pool, next to the Limonaia, there is a bathroom with shower and WC.

GARDEN
The gardens are completely at the disposal of La Foce guests. On Sundays, Thursdays, Italian public holidays and Wednesday afternoons, parts of the gardens are open to the public (this is a requisite for many Heritage houses and gardens in Italy), though visitors are not free to wander, but taken on strictly guided tours.
The fountain garden near the house, as well as the Limonaia and swimming pool, are private and not open to the public.