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"Softer than sleep -- all things in order stored, A haunt of ancient Peace" Tennyson
The Villa was constructed in the late 1790's - early 1800's by Barbieri Bassani and family. Maps of the city, dated 1812, held in the State Archives Department of the Palazzo Piccolomini clearly show the Villa and its gardens on the outskirts of Siena.
The Villa sits on top of the "Colle della Capriola" (colle : a little hill, capriola : a deer, roe deer) north of the medieval walls of Siena. In olden days, the rich and affluent used the many hills dotted around the city to escape from the oppressive heat and dust of the city during the hot, dry summer months. As the Villa is so private and secluded and the gentry were able to sit and relax in this peaceful oasis. The farm behind the Villa certainly dates back to the 15th century, it was refurbished in the late 1980's. Although no longer part of the estate, up until the early sixties it still served the Villa with live farm produce, fruit, wine and olive oil.
The very particular fresco in the corner of the hall, by Angelo Visconti (b. Siena 1829 - d. Tevere 1861), was probably commissioned by Barbieri Bassani. Visconti is also responsible for the interior of the small chapel that is just beside the main fireplace in the bar and reading area. In 1880 the Villa and farm estate passed from the Bassani family to Pasquale Franci (1829 - 1908). Franci had, up until the end of the century, indeed into the early 1900's, been a renowned craftsman in wrought iron. His works graced many churches, cathedrals and private villas, not only in Italy but throughout Europe.
The Villa remained in the Franci family until 1930, when it was bought by its present owners, the Nardi family. Riccardo Nardi (1878 - 1958) had successfully been running Siena's oldest hotel, the 'Aquila Nera' during the 1920's and four years after purchasing the Villa, Riccardo and his daughter Emma opened Scacciapensieri as a hotel in 1934. Sadly Emma died very peacefully in her sleep in December 2008. Michela, her daughter Martina and her daughter Maria are still involved with the day to day running of the Hotel, and are resident at the Villa and ensures that the original atmosphere of a family-run hotel is carried on.
The Villa escaped serious damage during World War II, although during a daylight bombing raid on the railroad station stray bombs did strike both of the outbuildings. The roof of the old lemon house in the garden, La Limonaia, which has been recently renovated and now houses three double rooms and a large suite with balcony, was slightly damaged. The other building, Il Villino, on the left hand side as one approaches from the front gate, suffered more severe structural damage. In former days the Villino housed the riding carriages. La Basilica l'Osservanza, quite close by, came off far worse than the Villa and was almost completely destroyed by Allied bombs. Another wing was added to the Villa just after the war, and with a keen eye one can just about see the join.
Many years ago, before there were any houses between the Villa and the railroad station, and before the approach road was sealed with tarmac, the Nardi's had a clever little dog that could hear the noise of the carriage of new guests arriving from Siena long before anyone working at the hotel could see even the dust kicked up by the wheels and horses.
Karl Gustav XVI of Sweden, Elisabeth of Bavaria, Queen of Belgium, Prince Rainier of Monaco and his wife Grace Kelly are amongst the long list of royalty that have stayed at the Villa. Heads of State include Sandro Pertini and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. The German Chancellor, Helmut Schmidt, and Giulio Andreotti also met one another here at the Villa in 1978. Senior diplomats, industrialists and entrepreneurs have visited us too, Barbara Hutton amongst them. Film directors and actors, Mario Soldati, Tyrone Power, Vittorio Gassman, Alida Valli. From the world of music too, Andrès Segovia, Zubin Mehta, Uto Ughi and Mischa Maiski. A special friend was Alfredo Casella (1883 - 1947) who in 1937 composed a special work, Sinfonia Arioso e Toccato during his stay here. Popular modern artist Fabio Concato with his wife and daughters have also discovered the distinct feeling of Scacciapensieri. One particular guest who came back time and time again was the mother of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Although towards the end of her life she was gradually losing her sight, she loved to return to the Villa simply to listen to the sounds and feel the scented air of Tuscany.
We sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay, too.
Best regards, Family Nardi |
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