Casale di Pastore lies just south of Siena near the Renaissance hilltown of Pienza, the medieval hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, and the wine capitals of Montalcino and Montepulciano.

Casale di Pastore is a recently restored farmhouse and stone cottage sitting within the Lucciolabella Nature Reserve. It has sweeping views of the Val D'Orcia (a UNESCO Heritage Park) and the hilltop towns of Montalcino, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico D'Orcia and Radicofani. Scenes in "The English Patient" and 'Under the Tuscan Sun" were filmed in this area.

The Val D'Orcia is the quintessential Tuscany of postcards and calendars, and has been rigorously protected from modern development. The result is a breathtaking and unblemished landscape. The area is also rich culturally and historically, with small, walled villages still beautifully preserved, frescoed monasteries, and imposing medieval fortresses guarding the hilltops. Less than 20 minutes away, Tuscany's twin wine capitals of Montepulciano and Montalcino produce Vino Nobile and Brunello, some of Italy's top wines. Visiting small producers nearby offers the chance to sample spectacular and difficult to find wines in beautiful settings.

But what makes Casale di Pastore truly unique is how the London and Florence designers collaborated to set aside the rustic aesthetic (dark woods, heavy fabrics, small windows etc.) of most Tuscan houses to create a luxury retreat with a fresh contemporary design. Although all the materials are traditional and local, and the original external features of the old farmhouse have been maintained, the open common spaces and spacious, light-filled guest rooms are totally modern.

Inside, you will find cream-colored stone floors, brand new queen size mattresses with luxury white linens from Bussati, massive showers with Santa Maria Novella and Hotel Sirenuse skin care products, and in several rooms stand-alone bathtubs with views over the valley.

The totally new kitchen is outfitted with professional appliances and is designed as the center of the loft-like main common area downstairs. There is a long wood table for dining, a record player with the owner's personal collection of classic LPs and a flat screen television in front of an oversized designer sofa. Upstairs, there is a second common area in front of a large open fireplace. High-speed wireless internet is available throughout the villa.

The property itself sits on four acres surrounded by rolling sheep pasture and grain fields. There is a 36 square meter infinity swimming pool with infinity edge facing west across the wide valley, a hot tub with Jacuzzi jets, and a covered dining pergola for outdoor dining and relaxing.