Our Top 5 Tuscan Villa Stays
Tuscany is renowned worldwide for its art, history, romantic landscapes, and more importantly, its villas. The verdant hills around Florence are dotted with farmhouses and luxury Tuscan villas – the perfect setting in which to lose yourself. It is here that dreams are made.
1. Villa Lenka, Lucca
As a Tuscan villa the Villa Lenka is the very the epitome of luxury. This charming 17th century mansion is located just a few minutes from the walled city of Lucca. Originally the country estate of Count Cosimo Bernardini, now this perfectly restored villa is an exclusive retreat for those seeking ultimate luxury.
Entering Villa Lenka you cannot help but be struck by the sheer opulence of the interior. The rooms are large and many walls are adorned with stunning frescoes. On the ground floor there is a large dining room, a breakfast room, a sumptuous living room with hi-fi, satellite television, and DVD, a central kitchen with a wood burning oven, a library, card room and billiard room. On the upper floors are the eight large double bedrooms, each with its own en suite. Each bedroom has individually controlled air conditioning and heating systems and a phone line. For the ultimate in luxury, Villa Lenka also comes with a chef and two maids.
2. Villa Gamberaia, Settignano
Offering unparalleled luxury in the Florentine town of Settignano, the palatial eight bedroom Villa Gamberaia has been designated a place of historical interest by the Italian government. This seventeenth century mansion features a Renaissance garden and stunning views of the Duomo. Gamberaia’s long history is fascinating – the main villa was built in 1610. It has been owned by royalty, was taken over by the German Army during World War II, and then lovingly renovated in 1994.
On the ground floor there is an entrance with vaulted ceilings, a ballroom, a billiard room, kitchen and formal dining room – all furnished with priceless antiques. There are three large bedrooms each with king sized beds. The first floor contains a kitchen, laundry, dining room, a terrace, and five spacious bedrooms.
Villa Gamberaia discloses its charms small by small to those who allow themselves the time to look, reckon and explore.
3. Cabbiavoli Castle, Via del Vallone
The magnificent Cabbiavoli Castle is located near the town of Castelfiorentino in the Chianti Valley. Traces of the original 13th century fort are still discernible in Cabbiavoli Castle’s brick tower and walls. The castle’s history dates back to 1210. The opulence of Cabbiavoli Castle strikes you from the moment you enter. The ground floor contains two lavishly decorated living rooms and a study – each equipped with a fireplace.
There is also a sumptuous dining room with fireplace and French windows opening on to the courtyard. The ground floor contains a fully-equipped kitchen and an en suite bathroom. The first floor features a double bedroom with en suite bathroom and Jacuzzi, two twin bedrooms, one double bedroom with fireplace, bathroom, and balcony overlooking the courtyard. This property even features a 13th Century chapel.
4. Talamonaccio Tower, Grosseto
The magnificent four bedroom castle, Talamonaccio Tower is perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Originally built by the Spanish to protect against Saracen invasions the property has recently been renovated and is now the ideal location for those wishing to indulge in an extraordinary seaside holiday. The tower is surrounded by two terraces, one of which has been transformed into a splendid panoramic lookout with Jacuzzi.
The property features a dining room with fireplace and two lavish double bedrooms. The living room is furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and an antique wooden table. It also opens onto a terrace – perfect for outdoor dining. From the ground floor lies a staircase leading to the tower, which contains a double bedroom with walk-in wardrobe.
5. Villa Michaela, Lucca
Offering elegance and charm, the eleven bedrooms Villa Michaela is a superb luxury villa located just outside of Lucca in the town of Vorno. This perfectly restored 15th century mansion was designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini and features stylish rooms, gorgeous frescoes, a gorgeous 13th century chapel, a tennis court, swimming pool, gardens and staff. Villa Michaela even has a resident chef who serves a sumptuous repertoire of gourmet cuisine.
The ground floor features a magnificent Puccini bedroom with en suite bathroom and a dining room with a fireplace. This floor also contains another large formal dining room leading out to the gardens. The piece de resistance is on the lower ground floor – where the traditional Tuscan kitchen has been transformed into a surround sound Dolby stereo cinema.