La FoceEST. 2005
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Space only
This venue has been favorited 496 times
Discover sprawling green wonder at this Tuscan Estate.
Sensational gardens, breathtaking views, and a sprawling romantic countryside to explore—what more could you want in a luxury Italian stay?
The Lowdown
Venue use
Space onlyBest for these Occasions
anniversary
birthday party
corporate event
dinner partyengagement party
Family Reunion
group getaway
rehearsal dinner / Welcome Reception
wedding ceremony
wedding reception
Workshops: Creative, Photo, etc.Venue type
Views
Style
Venue Settings
Owing to wars and pestilence, the estate – and indeed all the valley of the Orcia (Val d'Orcia) – ran into 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), though the garden by the house and the pool remain private. The interior is full of old-world charm, not showy, but with beautiful antique furniture, comfortable beds, and lots of lovely rooms which offer both both privacy and opportunities for family gatherings. There is free wi-fi throughout the house.
Capacity
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
- Venue price range
- Does this include catering fees?
- No
- Additional charges
- Villa La Foce can only be rented as a whole thing for a minimum stay of 3 nights; it can accomodate 19 guests in 11 bedrooms (6 doubles, 2 twins, 3 singles) and 8 bathrooms. Daily breakfast and cleaning is included in the rental; additional meals can be organized upon request with our staff. If needed, the Garden can be rented just for the day of the event without renting the Villa. All the costs involved in the organization of the event (caterer, lighting, decoration, photographer, music, etc.) must be added on top of the rental fee.
- Insurance
Additional insurance may be required depending on the event
Connect with this Venue
Explore availability, walk the space, and get tailored pricing.
Amenities
Event Logistics
Essential logistics and amenities for a seamless, memorable event.
- Celebrations hosted here since
- 2005
- Curfew
- 2 AM
- Venue spaces
- Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
- Catering
- Client can select the caterer of their choice
- Alcohol
- Licensed Server is Required
- Music
- Indoors Only
- Smoking
- Non-smoking venue
- Accommodations
- 7 double bedrooms in the B&B Palazzolo (1 km. from Villa La Foce) and 6 bedrtooms in the farmhouse Montauto (2 km. from the Villa) can be rented for a minimum stay of 3 nights. We can accomodate another 21 people in apartments and farmhouses throughout the La Foce estate, but only on a weekly basis (Sat. to Sat.).
Onsite amenities
WifiAmple Parking OnsiteOnsite RestroomsVenue Features
The scene
The countryside abounds in lovely walks among woods and the characteristic crete senesi (clay hills); the food is among the best in Tuscany and famous wines such as the Vino Nobile and Brunello can be tasted in the local cellars. The Val d’Orcia has recently been included among the World Heritage sites of UNESCO.
Known as an important settlement from Etruscan times (a burial-place dating from the 7th century BC to the 2nd AD has been recently excavated on the property), La Foce has been continuously inhabited for many centuries. Later, its strategic position on the historical Via Francigena leading to Rome greatly increased its significance.
The Villa itself (available for weddings, celebrations, events, family reunions etc) was built in the late 15th century as a hostel for pilgrims and merchants travelling on this busy road. In 1924 it was lived in by Antonio and Iris Origo and the Villa became full of life and a prosperous faming center.
The renowned gardens, designed for Iris by the English architect Cecil Pinsent, are considered today to represent the ideal combination between the natural landscape and XXth-century architecture, blending Italian and English traditions and taste.
Standout venue features
When Antonio and Iris Origo bought the estate of La Foce, they engaged the English architect Cecil Pinsent, who had previously done extensive work on Bernard Berenson's Villa I Tatti in Florence, to restructure the main buildings and create a large garden. The latter was conceived to enhance the Renaissance house and expand the spectacular view over the valley of the Orcia and the Amiata mountain. The harmony between buildings, garden and nature makes La Foce an ideal example of Tuscany's architectural and cultural evolution in the XXth century.
The garden grew gradually, between 1925 and 1939. The house is surrounded by a formal Italian garden, which is divided into geometrical ‘rooms’ by box hedges with lemon trees in terracotta pots. Travertine stairs lead to the rose garden and a winding wisteria-covered pergola bordered by lavender hedge. Gentle informal terraces climb up the hill, where cherry trees, pines and cypresses grow among wild broom, thyme and rosemary, and a long cypress avenue leads to a 17th-century stone statue. Through the wood, a path joins the garden and the family cemetery, considered one of Pinsent's best creations.
Awards, Notables & Events
Getting there
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
Space onlyThis venue has been favorited 496 times
