Italy Holiday Villa 4781

This villa has recently been restored and luxuriously redecorated with an eclectic collection of antiques and objet d'art. It is situated just 20 minutes from Florence, nestled in the legendary winemaking "Chianti Classico" region. The estate reigns over 750 acres of vineyard, olive grove and Tuscan forest and reaches back over 500 years into Italian history. Central to the estate is the magnificent 16th century main villa, bearing the unmistakable hand of Renaissance master, Michelangelo and later Vasari. Once the home of the Machiavelli family and centuries later, the Mazzei family, this villa boasts a rare heritage. The villa and its frescoes have been restored to their original magnificence, and combined with opulent, extravagant new interior décor, with art pieces ranging from 15th century antiques to contemporary South African sculpture.

On the ground floor, there is a magnificent master royal suite with mosaic covered marble jacuzzi tub and his and her bathrooms. Two deluxe bedrooms each with en suite marble bathrooms are also located on this level. On the first floor five additional royal suites are found, all with en suite bathrooms and access to a vast frescoed terrace overlooking the breathtaking Tuscan countryside and Florence, with views of the Dome of the Cathedral and Giotto's Bell Tower. One of these suites has a mezzanine area with an additional bedroom and bathroom.

The house offers many amenities including grand salons and dining areas, traditional wine cellars, frescoed terraces, a gymnasium with top-level machines, a spa and indoor pool, Helipad, elevator and library. Rooms are fully air-conditioned and there is high-speed internet connection (Wi-Fi) around the villa.

The house is fully staffed and a private executive chef can be arranged to prepare meals ranging from traditional Tuscan cuisine to Tuscan fusion. The estate produces its own olive oil and select wine.

The historic uniqueness and beauty of this estate, along with five-star service guarantees your stay will be a truly memorable and unforgettable experience. This magnificent villa has been featured in many magazines, including Vanity Fair and Food & Wine. It offers incredible spaces fit for entertaining of the grandest nature, and perfect for weddings or other special events. During your stay here you will experience a legacy like no other, living in the ultimate modern luxury while residing in the same villa where ruling aristocrats of Florence once stayed.

The completely independent, newly renovated noble "Vineyard Villa" features 18 spectacular suites and is available for larger groups to rent along with the main villa. This villa is adjacent to the entrance gates of Villa 4781 and has shared use of the gym, spa and indoor pool. Please contact us for further details.

Surrounded by hills, Florence rises on the banks of the Arno River. One of the greatest art centers of Italy, Florence is home to the Accademia, where you can view Michelangelo's "David", as well as the Uffizi gallery, arguably the most important art gallery in the world. Tour the cathedral with its pink, white and green marble façade and marvel at its remarkable Duomo by Brunelleschi and the gold Paradise door of the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence since the 1300s, then stroll the charming shops of Ponte Vecchio. Florence offers some of Italy's best shopping—textiles, leather goods, fashion, jewelry and ceramics are all specialties. There is nothing like enjoying a morning coffee and truffle panini at the celebrated Procacci bar before setting out for a serious morning of shopping in Via Tournabuoni. Scour the Gucci, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent outlets on the outskirts of the city. For those wishing to explore some of Tuscany's other treasures, Florence is an ideal base of operations. Tuscany stretches along the western coast of Italy from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea—one of the best ways to see the region is by automobile. The small fortress cities are within easy driving distance of one another, and each offers its own special appeal, from San Gimignano to Pienza.

Other cities to include in your excursion are Arezzo, with its grand plaza and Roman amphitheater, Lucca, with its olive groves and impressive Renaissance walls, and seaside resorts like Viareggio, Elba, and Forte de Marmi. Siena and Pisa, both also important art cities, are also not to be missed. Siena is a beautifully preserved medieval city, constructed of checkerboard brick, and crowned by its Duomo. It was the seat of the Ghibellines who often crossed swords with the Florentine Guelfs during the 13th century. Other highlights of Siena include the beautiful Piazza del Campo, and the tower rising from the Palazzo Pubblico. A day trip to the lovely ancient city of Pisa is also a must, where you can see the famous leaning tower, and much more.

Distances: Santa Maria Novella Train Station 11 miles, Florence 15 miles, Chianti 26 miles, Siena 36 miles, Arezzo 51 miles, Lucca 54 miles, Pisa 59 miles.