Stunning Tuscan villa with all the graces of a manor house
"Stunning Tuscan villa with all the graces of a manor house." - Reviewed by Deborah
WIXXY PICK
DEBORAH PERFECT PICK “One of my personal favourites. I was totally blown away by the 360º views of Tuscany from the medieval watchtower.”
A grand 8-bedroom villa set within a prestigious estate that has adorned 720 hectares of rolling hills to the south-east of Florence for centuries. It is the perfect balance of rural Tuscan bliss and easy access to the cultural treats for which Florence is renowned. Less than 30 minutes from Florence’s museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and shops, you can enjoy a secluded bucolic setting with a private pool, tennis court, bocce ball green and stunning parkland for as far as the eye can see.
It is not surprising that Prince Charles and Diana Spencer were guests here in the 1980’s on their first tour of Italy. There is an understated regality about this 600sqm villa that makes you feel like you are making history.
The wonderful appeal is not limited to its grand exterior. Inside, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and frescoes, an impressive formal dining room and stately lounge with large open fireplace and soft sofas set the tone for an aristocratic sojourn where comfort is top of the menu.
Furnished in upscale Florentine décor and period furniture under the artistic guidance of celebrated Italian interior-designer, Liaría Miani, you can note the quality and style choices most vividly in the upholstery, curtains and bedding. Indeed, the bedclothes in this home were an absolute treat, certainly above and beyond what you might expect in a 5-star hotel.
Last, but not least, prepare yourself to be wowed as you climb the ancient tower to the sound of automated blinds rising to reveal stunning views of the Tuscan hills that surround. The tower room is furnished with cosy sofas decked in fine linen, a perfect location to write your diary as the sun rises through the east window or for an intimate wine tasting as the sun sets to the west overlooking the treetops.
Special Features
- Watchtower with 360º views
- Large private swimming pool (heating optional $)
- Extensive gardens and parklands
- Top quality furnishings and bed linens
- Antique furniture and paintings
- AC, Heating and Wi-Fi throughout
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The en-suite bedrooms have all been gracefully decorated, and it is clear to see the art of designer, Liaría Miani, in full blossom. No expense has been spared on your comfort and a great night’s sleep is guaranteed here. If you love to sleep with natural fibers and soft linen weave next to your skin, you will be in heaven in these suites while down pillows take the weight from your sleepy head. The quality of the bedding and linens in this stunning stately home make bedtime a divine pleasure.
All the bedrooms are of a similar high standard and could be considered Master Suites. Only one Twin bedroom cannot be arranged comfortably into a King-size bed. There is a lovely King-size room on the ground floor that is ideal for guests with limited mobility. All bedrooms come with en-suite bathrooms complete with the owner’s signature line of toiletries made from myrtle plants growing on the estate.
BEDROOM 1
Sleeps 2 – King-size bed. Writing desk. En-suite bathroom with bathtub and separate rain shower.
BEDROOM 2
Sleeps 2 – King-size bed or 2 Twins. En-suite bathroom with rain shower.
BEDROOM 3
Sleeps 2 – Queen-size 4-poster bed. En-suite bathroom with rain shower.
BEDROOM 4
Sleeps 2 – Queen-size or 2 Twins. En-suite bathroom with bathtub and rain shower.
BEDROOM 5
Sleeps 2 – King-size or 2 Twins. En-suite bathroom with rain shower.
BEDROOM 6
Sleeps 2 – Two 4-poster Twin beds. En-suite bathroom with rain shower.
BEDROOM 7
Sleeps 2 – King-size or 2 Twins. En-suite bathroom with rain shower.
BEDROOM 8
Sleeps 2 – King-size bed. Ground floor. Writing desk. En-suite bathroom with separate rain shower.
ALL BEDROOMS INCLUDE HOTEL-QUALITY SHEETS, BEDDING, TOWELS, BATHROBES, SIGNATURE TOILETRIES, BIDET/WC COMBOS, HAIR DRYER, MAKE-UP MIRRORS, HEATED TOWEL RAILS, CLOSETS, TVS, INDIVIDUAL AC AND HEATING, AND WI-FI.
Living Areas
You are sure to spend most of your time socialising in the fresh air and enjoying the many areas for lounging, play and al fresco dining this impressive home offers. The interiors are primed for delicious relaxation and glitzy formal dinners. The grand dining room has an air of bygone sophistication while the living room transforms from a classy sitting room into a cosy lounge once the wood-burning fireplace gets going on a cool autumn night.
The highlight of the home is the medieval tower with its plush sofas and automated blinds. From here, you can survey the whole area from a comfortable air-conditioned vantage point.
The large kitchen – fit for a chef – makes the perfect venue to host traditional cooking classes that will see you rolling out pasta like a pro or preparing the best pomodoro sauce you’ve ever tasted.
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Large formal dining room and living room for entertaining
- Stunning watchtower
- TV with satellite
- A/C, heating and WiFi throughout
GORGEOUS GARDENS
Quintessentially Italian, the aromatic gardens of this property provide an experience of the Tuscan countryside like no other. From its driveway cloaked with trees, a flat area for large dinner parties outside the main house or the pergola for intimate breakfasts or snacks, you will find many areas for al fresco dining, sipping or socializing. Not to mention the stunning pool area with sunbeds for all and a tennis court that doubles as a five-aside soccer pitch.
As you wander the grounds, you will catch the scent of blossom and herbs and simply must look out for the myrtle shrubs which the owner uses to make the complimentary hygiene products for guests to use during their stay. The herb and vegetable gardens are also available for guests to enjoy and use in their cooking.
For those who like to take long walks, the home is located on a 720-hectare estate peppered with olive trees and vines.
- Private swimming pool (heated $)
- Tennis court
- Bocce ball green
- Swings
- 720 hectares of olive groves and vineyards
- Herb and vegetable gardens
Rental Price Includes
- Daily cleaning
- Linen and towel changes once a week
- Wi-Fi connection
Know Before You Go
- No access to washing machines but full laundry service available
- Pool is available from May-October, heated on request ($)
- No safe but alarm system throughout.
- Overnight stays in Italy’s popular tourist destinations are subject to a daily tourist tax payable to the host upon arrival or check out. Between 1-5 Euros per night per person depending on the location.
Staff and Services
- Daily cleaning
- Sheets changed once a week
Kids Services & Activities
- Kid-friendly property
- High chairs and cribs available upon request
Pet Policy
- Sorry, no pets allowed.
Activities Available On-Site or Nearby
- Shopping, art galleries, restaurants, antiquing, churches, monuments, sightseeing, walking, wineries, museums.
Additional Services ($€£)
- Itinerary planning – pre and post-arrival
- Round-trip airport transportation
- Grocery shopping service
- Concierge services
- Babysitting services
- Organizing car rentals
- Booking tours, excursions and restaurant reservations.
- Other services may be available – just ask!
