VILLA SETTIGNANO Florence

Description

Offering unparalleled luxury in the Florentine hillside town of Settignano, the palatial eight-bedroom Villa Settignano is one of Italy's premier holiday rentals. Located just ten minutes from downtown Florence, the estate has been featured in architectural magazines since the early 1900s; in fact, in 1956 the Italian government named it as a place of artistic and historical interest.

Combining both the architectural features of an urban palace and suburban villa, this 17th-century mansion features a spectacular Renaissance garden and a magnificent view of the Duomo, downtown Florence and the rest of the Arno valley.

The property's outstanding gardens and their vast array of plant life are reminisicent of grand European palaces, such as Versailles. Fiorentina's long history is fascinating - the original property was first described in 1412, the main villa built in 1610. Restored in 1954 and then lovingly and painstakingly renovated again in 1994, Villa Fiorentina is the perfect setting for destination weddings, family reunions and corporate retreats.

Accommodation

MAIN VILLA: Sleeps 18 guests in nine bedrooms - five bathrooms

GROUND FLOOR - The ground floor is characterized by vaulted ceilings, an elegant ballroom, a billiard room, half bathroom, kitchen and formal dining room. All furnished beautifully with authentic period antiques and lovely original paintings. On still floor are located four bedrooms, each with king-sized beds. One of the bedrooms has its own en suite bathroom, with the other two sharing another spacious bathroom.

FIRST FLOOR - On the first floor is a well-equipped kitchen, laundry room, another splendid formal dining room, a large, covered terrace with a breathtaking view of the Duomo and five spacious bedrooms, each with a king or queen-sized bed. These bedrooms share three comfortable bathrooms.

Four additional smaller, air-conditioned houses are available on the property. Each has been carefully restored and comfortably furnished with family antiques and modern appliances.

Limonaia House - Sleeps 8
Limonaia is a charming, air-conditioned two floor house. It features two entrances: one provides direct access to the exterior. Ground floor is composed of living room, half bath and kitchen. Upstairs are four twin/double bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with shower and one with bathtub.

Cappella House - Sleeps 6
Cappella is an air-conditioned two floor house. Ground floor includes one large dining/living room, equipped kitchen, one double room and bathroom with shower. Upstairs is one twin bedroom, one double bedroom and one bathroom with shower.

Nettuno House - Sleeps 6
This air-conditioned house features two entrances (one external) and a private outdoor area. All of its three double bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with tub or shower.

Serretta House - Sleeps 2
This cozy house is air-conditioned, and includes one double or twin bedroom, bathroom and a living room equipped with a small kitchenette.
Please note: On the ground floor are two elegantly appointed salons and an interior colonnaded courtyard and other charming spaces; these areas are not included in the Villa Fiorentina basic rental, but are available for an additional fee.

Services included

Included in the weekly rental charge is a team of three housekeepers for daily cleaning service.

A chef is also available for either lunch or dinner each day (6 days per week).

A group of gardeners looks after the grounds and the swimming pool.

Services not included

BABYSITTING SERVICE: English-speaking babysitters can be arranged.

Distances

Lucca: 1 hour away
Chianti: 30 minutes away
Pisa: 1 hour and 20 minutes away
Florence: 10 minutes away
Siena: 1 hour away
San Gimignano: 50 minutes away