Today we visited La Foce, a beautiful estate near the famous wine town of Montepulciano.  Located halfway between Florence and Rome, this property was originally a settlement and then burial place in the Etruscan times.  The villa was built in the late 15th century with it’s primary purpose to house pilgrims and traveling merchants.  The most famous owners (1924) were Antonio and Iris Origo.  The gardens were designed for Iris by an English architect named Cecil Pinsent. If you are interested in learning more about the Origo’s, Iris has an autobiography called “Images and Shadows” which discusses not only her childhood in America and Europe, but also her time at La Face with her husband Antonio. Information on her other books can be found here.  I would highly recommend visiting this impressive home if you are in the area, especially since the drive there is beautiful everywhere you look.  The location of the house is also very close to other medieval gems of the Tuscan countryside like Pienza and Montalcino. Enjoy the pictures I’ve taken during my visit there!

DOPOLAVORO LA FOCE- RESTAURANT

But first, lunch! This restaurant is part of the property and is a minute down the road from the main house.

THE MAIN VILLA