Villa Vasari

In a beautiful setting not far from Florence, this characterful villa is surrounded by woodland of chestnut and oak trees with nature walks through the Tuscan landscapes on its doorstep. What’s more, within a 10-minute drive you could be shopping for high-end brands such as D&G, Armani and Burberry at The Mall Firenze luxury outlet. Driving past cypress trees you approach Villa Vasari and enter its private courtyard before walking up the stairs to a pretty porch, a fine spot for relaxing with a glass of Chianti wine. Step into the home and soak up its rich history as you admire the wood-beamed ceiling, ornate detailing and the grand fireplace in the living room, then wander through to the inviting TV lounge and dining area. The kitchen is charming and ideally equipped for preparing Tuscan meals at home.   This part of the house sleeps 10 guests across five air-conditioned bedrooms. On the main floor there are two bedrooms that share a shower room, whilst upstairs there is an en suite double as well as a twin and double that share a good-sized bathroom. Décor is typically Tuscan in style with traditional furnishings alongside a sense of warmth and charm. For larger groups, four guests can sleep in an annexe apartment near the swimming pool with two bedrooms and a simple living-dining area with kitchen. This annexe is only included in the 14-person rate. Back in the courtyard, there is a separate living and dining space with a kitchen featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, another rustic spot for feasts with family and friends. Alternatively, head up to the pool area for al-fresco dining by the grill. The swimming pool is gorgeous and a great size for swimming lengths or just relaxing by the jets. Poolside sun loungers allow you to soak up the Tuscan sun and the gazebo is a lovely spot for chatting as children splash around in the water. Head off for long walks through the estate or explore by mountain bike to appreciate the incredible surroundings. If you yearn to discover more, start off in Florence with its wonderful galleries and museums, just 36km by car (or take the train from a nearby village). A little further afield, visit the vineyards and villages of the Chianti region with Greve and Radda just over half an hour away or venture to the incredible cities of Siena and Arezzo, passing iconic scenery as you drive through the undulating landscapes of Tuscany. Features: 1) 8-person price - main villa only2) 12-person price - main villa and annexe  Main Villa Interiors Main Floor (accessed via outdoor stairs or step-free access at back)-    Upper porch with table and chairs -    Living room with large fireplace and air-conditioning -    Open-plan TV lounge and dining area -    Small kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, stove, kettle, toaster coffee machine and fridge-freezer-    Guest WC-    Bedroom with double bed and air-conditioning -    Bedroom with double bed and air-conditioning-    Bathroom with shower Upper Floor-    Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning and private bathroom-    Family room with double bed and sofa bed -    BathroomTaverna Space (reached via private courtyard)-    Living and dining room with fireplace-    Kitchen with oven and grill, oven, stove and slicer-    Laundry room -    Guest WC Poolside Annexe Interiors (accessed from the garden or tavern/laundry room)-    Living area with dining table and small kitchen -    Bedroom with double bed-    Bedroom with twin beds-    Air-conditioning unit between the two bedrooms -    Bathroom Outside Grounds (700m2)-    Salt-water swimming pool (14x6m, depth: 1.4m) and jacuzzi area with jets. Can be heated on request -    Poolside sun beds and umbrellas-    Gazebo with outdoor lounge-    Al-fresco dining table and barbecue -    Dressing area, sauna and bathroom with shower -    Private courtyard-    Porch with outdoor seating (above courtyard)-    Parking     Other Facilities-    Air-conditioning (see above)-    Mosquito nets (bedrooms)-    Alarm -    External plant for insects (FreeZanz system) Location: Surrounded by forests of oak and chestnut trees, Villa Vasari is located within a vast estate in Tuscany only half an hour from Florence and close to The Mall, a famous shopping centre with designer brands. Just along the road from nearby Casa Marlena, enjoy long walks on your doorstep passing woodland, hills, fields, streams and roaming wild animals (the estate is a licensed hunting area). Despite this rural setting, a small supermarket is less than a 10-minute drive away alongside a handful of local restaurants and several shopping outlets (D&G, Burberry, Gucci and other luxury brands within a 4km drive). Meanwhile, Rignano sull’Arno (8km) sits by the banks of the Arno and is home to restaurants and other useful amenities including a train station with half hourly departures to Florence (30 minutes by train).   Florence (36km) is of course a superb day out with its splendid architecture, museums, galleries, churches, magnificent squares and restaurants - try aperitivi amongst the locals for an authentic way to dine. In the other direction, venture towards Arezzo (55km) and its beautiful historic square and explore the charming villages and scenery of the Casentino valley including Poppi (47km) and its incredible castle. Spend time visiting the villages and vineyards of the Chianti region such as Greve (30km), Radda (37km) and Castellina in Chianti (49km) or head further south-west to try Vernaccia in enchanting San Gimignano (80km). Meanwhile, Siena with its magnificent squares and historic sites is just over an hour away by car. Closer to home, play golf in spectacular surroundings at Circolo Golf dell’Ugolino (34km), ride horses through the Tuscan landscapes and look out for a wealth of cycling, mountain biking and hiking opportunities across the region. Terms & Conditions: ? €800 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details. By 10.00 a.m. Included up to 250KWh (after this there is a charge, payable locally). Usage exceeding 250kWh will be paid locally. Yes. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Small weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. The 12-person rate includes both the main house and poolside annexe. The 10-person rate includes the main house only (5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms) in which case the annexe will be closed off. The main house features air-conditioning in all bedrooms and the living area. The poolside annexe only features an air-conditioning unit between the two bedrooms. Please note that charges for the use of air-conditioning may apply (see ’Energy costs’ above). Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information. Flexible. Mandatory extra €300 (main house only) / €400 (Main house and annex) payable in cash locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. No. A cot and a highchair can be requested at the time of booking. 7 days. Shorter stays are on request only. No. Extra cost based on consumption, payable locally. Yes, extra charge, payable locally based on consumption, and pool heating must be requested in advance. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). Wi-Fi internet access included. Yes. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Licence number: CIR: 040835CAV0035 CIN: IT048035B4GDKFKOIU