Description
This impressing villa is a classic, ancient Tuscan ‘borgo’ / medieval hamlet. The house boasts a typical Chianti tower constructed over 1000 years ago, and all rooms in the house are grouped around a paved central courtyard graced with typical Tuscan arches and stone walls. In an architectural history commissioned by the owners, it was discovered that at the height of the Renaissance, the property belonged to the storied Gherardini family of Florence. The family’s most famous descendant was none other than Lisa Gherardini, or Monna Lisa, the subject of possibly the most famous painting in the world.
It is entirely possible that guests will sleep in a room which Lisa also occupied! There are stunning views over the Conca d’Oro valley from almost every window, and during extensive renovations the owners have taken the greatest of care to preserve as many original details as possible.
All systems within these ancient walls have now been updated and modernized, and now the house offers eleven double bedrooms, 7 with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning throughout.
Please note that while the house can accommodate up to 20 guests, the lay-out of the rooms also works extremely well for smaller groups of up to 10. For groups such as these, we simply close off some bedrooms on the higher floors of the tower – access to all common rooms (kitchen, living room, wine-cellar, courtyard) remains the same.
Entry from front garden leads through to inner courtyard. Stairs to upper levels and access to living room, dining room, kitchen.
Courtyard with covered loggia and large wood table for 18-20.
Adjacent original pizza oven (for staff use only)
Cinema with tiered on cushioned stadium-style seating for 20
Owners' private cantina can be set for dinners for 14 adults only (staff must be present)
Double size living room with three arched double doors opening to the front garden accomodate up to 20 guests.
Dining room for 10-20 with comfortable sitting area for 4 to 6 before large arched windows leading to dining pergola. Partially open to kitchen.
Open plan semi-professional kitchen with prep/cooking station (6 burner gas stove, large oven, microwave, 2-burner warmer, food processor) and cleaning/storage station (two additional ovens, double refrigerator/freezer, double sinks, dishwasher)
Adjacent breakfast corner for 6 to 8 opening to dining pergola.
Guest bath.
Hallway
reading area for children.
Double bedroom (full) - best for children.
Double bedroom (full) - best for children.
Double bedroom (full) - best for children. On first floor mezzanine, reached via short flight of stairs.
Shared bath (open shower with curtain) generally used by the 3 double bedrooms above.
Children's Room with wall-mounted flat-screen plasma TV, with satellite, DVD and VCR. Casual seating for 6 on child-size chairs, couches and pillows.
Library with working fireplace and bar. For relaxed conversation or use as an office.
Stairs down to courtyard and to second floor.
Double bedroom (queen) with fireplace. AC. Private bath (shower stall, curtain) across corridor.
Double bedroom (king) with AC. Ensuite bath (open shower stall). Open kitchen (4-burner gas stove, oven, fridge) with sitting/dining area and single daybed
Balcony overlooking courtyard and view to the east.
Guest bath and small laundry room (washing machine) for guests' use.
bedroom (king) with round dining table (seats 4). Shared bath (open shower).
Adjacent bedroom; Double bedroom (queen). Private bath .
Suite with double bedroom (king/twins, low beds). Private bath (open shower stall), open kitchen/dining room with table for four.
Stairs (open) to third floor sitting room. Stairs (open) to fourth floor Torre;
Double bedroom (king) with spectacular views and open beamed ceiling of the tower. Small ensuite bath (open shower stall).
