Offering panoramic vistas over Chianti's hills and woodlands.
Offering panoramic vistas over Chianti's hills and woodlands, Villa Gaiole is a serene escape in the Tuscan countryside which is also within easy reach of a range amazing towns and cities such as Siena and Florence. Sleeping 14 guests over 7 stunning bedrooms, this historic home is a wonderful choice for those travelling in a larger group but not wishing to compromise on style or comfort.
Villa Gaiole is over 400 years old and would have started out as a rustic farmhouse in the middle of the olive groves and vineyards which have been tended to for centuries here. The villa is made up of the main building and a smaller annexe and is packed with original features such as the local stone work, exposed beams and open fireplaces. These period details now work in harmony with the more modern touches which have been added over time.
The home sits over two floors and has been renovated extensively throughout, providing every corner of the home with sumptuously decorated rooms and the highest quality furnishings and facilities. From the vast floor to ceiling windows and doors on the garden, light floods in to the living spaces, creating a warm welcome for you and your party.
The ground floor of the home is the social heart of Villa Gaiole; you will find a large living room here with comfy sofas, a feature fireplace and a TV. The dining room is just next door and has incredible views over the valley below. You can also dine in the contemporary kitchen which is fitted with everything you could need for preparing meals and drinks, unless you would prefer to arrange a catering package with the private chef that is.
In addition to the usual living spaces, this spacious home has plenty more to offer; there is a fully equipped gym, a games room, a wine cellar and an additional sitting room. This means there will always be space for everyone even when travelling in a big group.
When it is time to turn in for the night, you will have 7 bedrooms to choose from! Each of these are tastefully decorated and boast an en-suite bathroom. One of the bedrooms is fitted with two twin beds which can be converted to a double, while the remaining rooms all have king-sized beds. Two of these bedrooms are set within a separate annexe which would suit a small family who wish for a little privacy from the main party.
Outside, the property just keeps getting better! As you step in to the garden you will enter an expanse of leafy grounds, vineyards and olive groves which span 2 hectares and offer the most enchanting rural views. The icing on the cake is the gorgeous heated infinity pool, but there are also a wealth of seating areas, covered al-fresco dining spaces and plenty of sun loungers where you can read a good book in the sun.
Through the concierge team at the house, you are able to arrange plenty of fun extras and activities both at the house and further afield. These include; pizza making classes, truffle hunting walks, guided tours and yoga classes!
Though the villa enjoys a peaceful, country location, you do not need to worry about being cut off here. The closest villages are just a few kms away, including Gaiole in Chianti which has been voted one of the best places to live in all of Europe. If you would like to visit one of Tuscany's medieval cities, Siena is a brilliant place to spend the day exploring the historic buildings and visiting some of the area's finest art galleries and museums, before tucking in to a delicious meal in the Piazza del Duomo. The city is only 28km away, so is well worth the drive.
Villa Interior (800m2 over two floors)
Ground Floor
Villa Gaiole looks out over the verdant green hills of Chianti in Tuscany. On your doorstep here you have access to some of Italy's most beautiful countryside, scenic walks, medieval villages and family-run vineyards, this is the most amazing place to stay for a holiday, where you can get to know the heart of Italy at your own pace.
This historic villa is a delightful choice for those who love getting out in nature. Just paces from the house, you will find yourself in centuries-old vineyards, olive groves and tranquil walking trails. Without travelling far, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting farms for olive oil sampling or wineries for tours and wine tastings. When you wish to dine out or pick up some groceries, you will have countless idyllic villages and towns to choose from nearby.
One of the closest villages to the house is Gaiole in Chianti which is 5km away. This lovely village has been named as one of the best places to live in Europe, so you should definitely pay it a visit. The area around the village is beautiful and is filled with historic buildings including a staggering five castles! Some of these are now used as wineries, while others are open to the public for tours. The village is also known for its fantastic cycling routes and its ancient ceramics industry. You can also reach Lecchi in Chianti which is 6km away and is a quaint village with a few shops, cafes and traditional Italian eateries.
A bigger town with a wider array of restaurants, shops and cafes is Radda in Chianti which is 12km away. The town has a long, rich history and was once the headquarters for a group called the Chianti League which was a military group which protected the area from neighbouring Siena in the 15th century. The labyrinth of medieval streets are a lovely place to stroll around for the afternoon and you can stop off at attractions such as the Palazzo dei Podesta and the Church of San Niccolo.
If you are interested in art and history, then make sure to spend a day visiting the enchanting city of Siena which is just 28km away from the house. The city is small in size but absolutely packed with incredible galleries, museums and atmospheric town squares. Some of the key sights include the Duomo di Siena and the Palazzo Pubblico which is the town hall. You could easily spend your time here just doing some shopping and enjoying a bit of the local cafe culture.