Castello La Leccia, Chianti

Pros

• The estate's scenic hilltop location is just off the famous Chiantigiana wine route between Florence and Siena.
• Choose between just 17 rooms, all beautifully renovated to highlight the castello's original features; some include private terraces, beamed ceilings, and canopy beds.
• The outdoor pool offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, and you can book a massage in the private spa area.
• Dine on locally sourced, organic Tuscan cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and taste wines and olive oils produced on the property.

Cons

• The rural setting means you'll want a car to get around easily.
• Reception is only staffed from 8 am to 8 pm.

Authenticity

Castello la Leccia looks straight off a Tuscan postcard, with its collection of rustic stone buildings perched on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Historical records of the site date back to 1077, and you can still see fortified walls built into the slopes surrounding the main villa. The castello's storied past has seen raids during the medieval conflicts between Siena and Florence and bombings during World War II, but today the family-owned estate has been beautifully renovated and restored, with guest rooms spread across the villa and a newer annex. The surrounding acreage operates as an organic winery and olive farm, and you'll get to taste the harvest from both at the on-site farm-to-table restaurant.

Location

Nestled in the picturesque Tuscan countryside of Chianti, the estate sits just west of the Chiantigiana (SR 222), a scenic wine route that connects Florence and Siena. You'll find yourself surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, with panoramic views extending to the medieval towers of San Gimignano and Siena. It's a 10-minute drive to the charming town of Castellina in Chianti, known for its 14th-century fortress and Etruscan ruins, and you're a stone's throw from dozens of notable wine estates. Florence is an hour's drive north, while Siena is 40 minutes south. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 17 air-conditioned rooms are all decorated in an understated, elegant style that lets the castello's original details shine. Those in the main building have the most character—think honey-toned wood floors, rustic beamed ceilings, raw stone walls, and locally handcrafted furniture. Superior options add extra space, while the even larger Deluxe rooms add separate seating areas and the best Tuscan vistas (some also include private terraces). The spacious bathrooms have artisan tiles and large, glass-encased rain-style showers; a few rooms include bathtubs. 

Amenities

Stroll a few steps down the terraced hillside to reach the large outdoor pool, where you can grab a sun lounger with panoramic views over the Chianti countryside. There's a small private spa area with a sauna and steam room, and you can book massages and yoga sessions around the pool by appointment. The estate's "zero-kilometer" restaurant prides itself on sourcing hyper-local ingredients for its traditional Tuscan fare; dine al fresco under the ancient oak trees during warmer months. Breakfast is included and served in the garden or the glass conservatory, with made-to-order coffee, homemade cakes, fresh fruit, and plenty of local honeys, jams, eggs, and Tuscan breads. You can get a more behind-the-scenes look at the estate by joining a guided winery tour, or book a tasting of the organic wines and olive oils.

Family-Friendliness

Castello la Leccia is geared toward adults, and they don't accommodate children under the age of 14. Families with older teens can book adjoining rooms, and there's a new separate five-bedroom apartment available nearby that's ideal for large groups.