Molino di St Antimo

Tucked in a tiny hollow of the hills around Montalcino, the Molino di S. Antimo is so close
to the Abbey that it seems like a sister structure.

In fact, the two share an important history
as the most important historical landmarks
of the area. One knows he has reached destination when the spectacular Abbazia di S. Antimo comes into view, for the mill lies just a few hundred meters away hidden among the trees.

Closer to the Molino, with the church bells sounding in the distance, the sounds of a brook and the rustling of oak trees announce the magical atmosphere of the centuries old stone water-mill.


Descending from the parking area, the house and the old stone bridge come into view.
Flowering jasmine, roses, and lavender add the finishing touches to this timeless setting that dates back to the 13 th century.
Outside, two porches and a pool already welcome the visitor to sit down, relax and enjoy the tranquility.

A three-story stone structure of about 300 sq.m., the mill was completely refurbished in 1998.
Fully functioning until 1945, it had already undergone a previous restructuring in 1606 by the Arrighi Family and is probably originally from the same era as the Abbey (XII century).

 

Leaning up against outside walls of the property, one can see various millstones, and furry cattails fill the ancient water conduit in front of the house, which passes under the building.

Just a hundred meters from the main porch, one cat sit on a stone ledge of the small bridge over the brook, listen to its gurgling, and look back at the house, crowded only by encroaching ivy and blackberry vines and disturbed only by the movement of butterflies and frogs.

A hop-and-a-skip upstream from the mill lies a miniature waterfall; striped porcupine quills dot the marked pathway leading to it. Not far from here is the parking area, where the ancient Abbey of St. Antimo comes once again into view, cutting a noble figure against the limpid blue sky with rows of vineyards at her feet and olive groves all around her.

The house is currently property of Maestro Sandro Chia and Carlo Vittori. Prints of the world-wide renowned artist decorate the interior which is characterized by large living areas on two floors with an abundance of couches, armchairs and art volumes.

 

Accommodations

Molino di St Antimo Sleeps : 8 From the larger outdoor covered stone patio, in the summertime fragrant with the smell of jasmine which winds upward around four wooden posts, one enters the kitchen on the ground floor. Next to it is a communicating and separate oversized pantry, preparation or eating area with a small wooden table for four. An impressive table for twelve is found in the ground-floor salon graced with a large fireplace nearby. A single stone and brick pillar sets off a sitting area with dark leather couches. Here in the floor we find the curious feature of a glass porthole peering down on the waters of the old mill. This end of the room has large French doors that open onto another stone porch. On the same level, closer to the kitchen area, is a guest bathroom, opposite, is the laundry room with washing machine and dryer. A stairway from the salon leads to another large sitting room with fireplace. Terracotta tiling, oriental rugs, beamed ceiling and bronze table top sculptures characterize this elegant but comfortable room where we find more Chia prints hanging on the walls together with a family portrait of the current owners. The second floor has one master bedroom with shower bath, another detached shower bath, and a room with double sofa-bed. Climbing a second flight of stairs to the dove-cote, one finds two double bedrooms.

Rental Conditions

Map

From this page, through the use of GPS in conjunction with Google Maps, you can see the geographic location .

Location

How to reach us:

AT MONTALCINO: At the top of the hill as you approach Montalcino there is a traffic circle. Take the exit that is furthest around to the left. A sign will indicate: "Castelnuovo dell'Abate" and "S. Antimo". Go for about 9 kms. until reaching the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Turn right and then in about 100 metres, right again to take the road to the Abbey di Sant'Antimo.
When you get to the parking lot for the Abbey, drive through the parking lot past the Abbey.
Keep going to the end of the parking lot and then straight down the hill on a narrow gravel road.
When you come to a fork in the road, take the left fork. Continue to follow the road down until you come to another fork. Take the right fork and cross a small bridge. 

Testimonials

Wonderful, it was exactly as we pictured a classic Tuscan Villa. The property was beautiful, peaceful and completely private in a wonderful countryside setting. If you are looking for the picture perfect Tuscan villa, this is it! Bruce M. Vancouver Canada

What a wonderful Tuscan oasis, tucked here in the most stunning valley with rolling hills to the left, right, and all around. We spent 3 night here enjoying the fresh air, the pool, and the quiet, and made fires and read ‘til the wee hours. Who could ask for anything more? Chip C. Brooklyn USA

The Mulino is our dream of Tuscany as a reality, but with perfect taste and style. Your gracious thoughtfulness was very much appreciated. When we close our eyes back home we can transport ourselves in our minds to the perfect bliss of life in an ancient Tuscan mill. Our firs night’s dinner was both welcoming and delicious. St. Antimo was such an unexpected treat, services in the morning… right outside our front door. It felt like our own private sanctuary Michelle H. Oakland USA

Photogallery