Tuscan Farmhouse, Lucca, Italy
This 14th century Tuscany farmhouse has been authentically restored and decorated by an Italian doctor, who grew up in Milan but vacationed in the area as a child. After spending a career in international health, he has returned here with his wife to restore this farm house and started organic vine growing and olive oil production. The setting of this beautiful 33 acres property in the Lucchesi hills, surrounded by it’s own olive trees and vineyard, has stunning views of the Lucca plain, neighboring medieval villages and churches, and the Apuan Alps.
The villa and pool area are covered in sun all day, with never-ending vistas of rolling countryside covered in olive groves and vineyards. The gardens surrounding the property are filled with colorful and aromatic flowers, jasmine, lavender, sage, rosemary, orange and lemon trees. The quiet, elegantly rural atmosphere is incredibly comfortable and relaxing — yet, when you are ready to go, there are many fabulous and famous sites close by to visit.
What is unique about Tuscany: Art, leisure and health are the hallmarks of this area — in addition to the great physical beauty of the region. If you want to take in the art, you have Florence less than 1 hour away, Lucca just 15 minsutes away, Pistoia just 20 minutes away, and Pisa about 30 minutes away. In just these 4 towns there is so much art and architecture to see you could not do it all in a month. As a plus, the historic vacation villas that overlook this beautiful Lucchese plain contain spectacular collections of art, not to mention stunning architecture.
As you drive around the area, you are driving among one of the most prized areas in Italy for olive oil and wine production. You can’t drive 5 km in any direction and not come across wineries or olive oil fattorias. Taking a leisurely stroll after lunch in one of Lucca’s many great restaurants, on top of the medieval city walls, which have now been made into a wonderful park, offers one the opportunity to take in the magnificence of this great town.
More on what make this area unique: If you enjoy more physical activity, taking a hike in the Apuan Alps is stunning. From here you can see magnificent views of these mountains, where Michaelangelo personally came to select his marble — known for it’s pure and luminescent white coloring. In the summer, when there is no snow and the weather is hot, you will be amazed by the whiteness of the exposed cliffs, where they still quarry marble today.
Or head to the beaches, just a short drive away, where local families as well as the jet-set has been vacationing for years. Or head to Cinque Terre, just a short drive away, and take a walk across the 5 villages — a spectacular footpath going from village to village, clinging to cliff sides filled with olive trees and vineyards still tended by the villagers, all of this along the waters edge. It is surely one of the most beautiful walks in the world. Want to take a break? Then stop along the way in one of the villages for a great Tuscan lunch.
And there are more unique things to do in the area. There are two spa towns within 15 minutes of the farm. One specializes in thermal springs, the other in drinking waters. Both offer a variety of spa services that can be booked (recommended to book a couple of days in advance). If you are interested in boats, visiting the town of Viareggio, where some of the grandest boats of Italian shipyards are built, is a real treat. They make huge, elegant sailing and motor yachts in this town — a must for yachting enthusiasts. Not far from the walk in Cinque Terre is also the famous village of Portofino — which is so picture-postcard beautiful that it’s hard to believe it isn’t a movie set. You can drive or take a boat from Cinque Terre or La Spezia. And just walking distance from the farm is one of the famous villas of the area, still inhabited by the same family all these centuries — Villa Torrigiani.
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Charming Trullo, Puglia, Italy
Welcome to our Charming Trullo. An authentic 200 years old trullo, situated in the heart of Puglia’s Valle d’ Itria. The original trullo construction, without any artificial building additions, is surrounded by an unspoiled countryside, extensive gardens, shady al fresco dining and lounge areas, right by a beautiful pool. The pool was designed to delight all senses simply by enhancing the sober beauty of nature. Whether you are sipping an ice-tea under the gatzebo or enjoying a drink at sunset, laying on confortable cushions, you will always be amazed by its enchanting mood.
The perfect blend of a traditional Puglian country house with top-quality fittings and furnishing makes this the ideal choice for anyone looking for something trulli special. Since it is home to the owners most of the year it comes with all comforts and is fully equipped, from soft bathing towels (extra large for the pool!) to original hand-made crockery. Upon arrival, greeted with a chilled glass of wine and some Puglian specialties, you may relax before setting out to explore this marvellous land or rather, if you want to slow down, snooze in the freshness of its alcoves.
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Casal del Cervo, Umbria, Italy
Casal del Cervo is a beautiful villa with breathtaking views of the Tiber River Valley in the southern part of Umbria. Only 40 miles from Rome and close to the medieval village of Otricoli, the property is an ancient country estate that dates back to the beggining of the 19th century. It was fully restored into a luxury villa in 2007 while also keeping the original features and atmosphere.
The main house consists of 2 floors and a tower with a large terrace. The first floor has two large living rooms with old fireplaces and an outdoor terrace with panoramic valley views, three double suites (one with fireplace), two bathrooms, and a dressing room. An elegant marble staircase leads to the tower and its terrace. The second floor includes a large dining room with marble fireplace, a large and fully equipped kitchen, a laundry room, bathroom, and studio/office space.
The main house and guest house are separated by a large courtyard with a bower outside the kitchen and a large porch outside the dining room. The guest house has two double suite bedrooms with two large bathrooms and a small living area. A staircase from the courtyard leads to the marble finished swimming pool as well as a gazebo.
The entire property features marble and wood finishes, and old brick flooring. All bathrooms have large marble shower rooms.
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Casa Marrucina, Abruzzo, Italy
Casa Marrucina is a newly refurbished farmhouse on the edge of the Maiella National Park that offers luxurious accommodation over two floors. Large eat-in kitchen, spacious, wood-beamed drawing room with open fire, book-lined study with wood burning stove, entrance hall, utility room and five well appointed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Featured in ‘Italia’ magazine and designed to the highest standards. Wi-fi access and comprehensive film library. Set in landscaped gardens with pool, barbecue, views over olive groves, mountains and sea. Can be rented in conjunction with Il Fienile, an adjoining restored barn, to sleep a total of 16 – 18 guests.
The house is ideally situated for hiking in the National Park of the Maiella (only 5 minutes away), sunbathing and seaside swimming in the summer (the Adriatic coast is only half an hour away) and skiing in the winter. We can recommend activities and cultural excursions and we are able to organise Italian language courses (we have close connections to the internationally acclaimed Athena school in nearby Lanciano).
We are more than happy to accommodate specific requests guests may have in mind. We have sourced many producers of local food products of the highest quality, as well as textile and porcelain manufacturers, all traditional to the region. Our olive oil is of the highest quality (hand-picked, cold-pressed, extra- virgin, and single- estate) and is in great demand in London – there is always enough, however, for our guests!
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La Stalla, Todi, Italy
If you can’t decide between the chic of an industrial loft space or the timelessness of a traditional stone country house, this villa is for you. Like the nearby town of Todi – famous for its architectural history as well as its contemporary livability – this villa in Umbria combines elements of old and new simply and elegantly.
La Stalla (from the Italian word for Stable) has 5-bedrooms and accomodates up to 11 guests. The interiors are furnished with a mix of modern and traditional design. Generous exterior spaces included covered terraces with a table for outdoor dining.
When you’re not exploring the nearby villages of Umbria, you can swim in the private pool, or have an al fresco meal while enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside.
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Villa Oliva, Umbria, Italy
Set in the stunning landscape of Umbria, Villa Oliva is an elegantly appointed rental where guests can drink in the beauty of Umbria (and maybe some Italian wine, as well!) The propertyis made up of a large 18th century manor house and smaller farm house, all sequestered within a 40 acre olive grove and adjoining a wild nature preserve, the tranquil locale is ideal for hosting an event or retreat for large groups.
The 3 story manor house has 5 bedrooms and accommodates up to 10 guests. It has been carefully restored to be both eco-friendly and sophisticated, with warm accents such as terracotta floors and exposed wood throughout the interior. A large commercial kitchen can be used to partake in Italian cooking classes before sampling the results in a chic dining room with seating for 16.
The farm house has been transformed into a 2-story guest cottage for 4 guests. Outside there is an organic vegetable and herb garden and generous terrace with outdoor seating. There is also a large infinity pool lined with fragrant lavender.
Extra amenities include an 65 square meter fully equipped yoga studio located next to the swimming pool that’s perfect for a yoga retreat. The property owners have extensive experience organizing group events and can assist guests in setting up any number of activities in the area from wine tours and cooking classes to hiking and tennis or even just giving tips for the best places to shop, dine, and explore.
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Villa Navalia, Lake Como, Italy
Villa Navalia, is a large apartment with impressive panoramic terrace, spa/whirpool and sitting corners, ultra modern italian design furniture, luxury living and sleeping quarters.
MARINA APARTMENT : 430 MQ + 180 MQ Terrace
- Large panoramic lake front terrace with alfresco dining facilities
- Six double bedrooms each with en suite bathroom and safe
- Two ample sofa suites with fireplace, flat screen satellite Tv and Dvd and Cd
- Dining area with open space fully equipped designer kitchen
- Air conditioning / Central heating
- Jacuzzi for six persons on the terrace
- Bikes
- Internet
- Private secure parking
Underneath the villa, we have a large marina where sailing and speed boats are moored. It might be an idea to bring your own boat and explore the lake on your own as this is a special experience. Sailing lessons, speedboat rentals, small motorboat rentals, and taxi boat rentals can be provided.
With such a large terrace, the apartment on the ground floor is suitable for wedding parties, family gatherings, or other events. if you wish to organize this during your stay, inquire with the owner for rates.
The Villa Navalia is located in the center of Menaggio, a lovely little town with a lively boulevard, nice shopping center, busy weekly market for your “Italian bargain”, pleasure harbour, boat stop to cross over to Bellagio and Varenna, and large public beach facilities with outdoor swimming pools.
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Villa Navalia Penthouse, Lake Como, Italy
Villa Navalia Penthouse is a large villa directly on the shores of Lake Como, overlooking the bay of Nobiallo and its marina. “Penthouse” is the upper floor apartment, which sleeps 6 in 3 double-bedrooms, each with private balcony and amazing views of Lake Como. The spacious living area has a fireplace, satellite TV, and DVD player. A fully equipped kitchen is offered for self-catering and secured parking for 2 cars is also available.
Underneath the villa is a large marina where sailing and speed boats are moored.You might consider bringing your own boat to explore the lake as this is a special experience; however speedboat, small motorboat and taxi boat rentals can be provided. We offer two speedboats for hire on a daily/weekly basis. 6 bicycles are also available for shared use.
The villa is located in the center of Menaggio, a lovely little town with a lively boulevard, nice shopping center, busy weekly market for your “Italian bargain”, pleasure harbour, boat stop to cross over to Bellagio and Varenna, and large public beach facilities with outdoor swimming pools.
Rates for Villa Navalia Penthouse are based on rental for the upper floor apartment only, but larger groups should inquire about renting the entire property. Please visit the listing for Villa Navalia for rates and more information by clicking here.
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Campania Seaview Villa, Villammare, Italy
Campania Seaview Villa is a modern, three-storey villa built in a traditional style, set 124 feet above sea level with stunning views stretching for miles along the Cilento coast. According with the Southern Italy traditional architectural style, the villa was designed by renowned Design Engineer Alfonso De Nardo and is comfortably furnished in a contemporary style. Each level is self-contained making it ideal for larger groups. Outside there is ample space for everyone to come together and enjoy the stunning sea views from one of the many terraces, lounge in the shade of a huge Mediterranean oak tree, soak up the sun around the pool, or enjoy a meal on the rustic ‘taverna’ dining terrace.
The beach at Villammare is only 600 metres away and in the summer has lively beach cafes and facilities. The village centre offers a small selection of bars and restaurants. Sapri is a larger town with good train links to Salerno and Naples. Inland, the charming hilltop village of Vibonati is lit in ever-changing colours during the balmy summer evenings. Villammare sits at the foot of the Cilento National Park – the second largest in Italy stretching across a huge mountain range and an important ecological area with abundant wildlife. There are many historical sites to visit from the monastery at Padula to the temples of Paestum and the abandoned village of San Severino di Centola. Natural sites include the Hair of Venus waterfalls and Grotte di Castelcivita caves among many others.
This stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast is rugged and unspoilt – a glimpse of the Amalfi of the past, before it was ‘discovered’. Take a boat trip from the delightful port at Scario to Porto Infreschi, passing caves and hidden coves en route and order a fresh seafood lunch from the boat-cum-restaurant which is moored in this tiny natural bay. Or drive south to see the impressive statue of Jesus high on a clifftop above Maratea. You can reach the Amalfi coast and the island of Capri by hydrofoil from Sapri harbour within 3 hours during the summer months – the perfect way to enjoy the Amalfi coast while avoiding the tourist hustle and bustle!
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Villa Pizzorusso, Italy
Villa Pizzorusso is a historic masseria (fortified farm estate) located directly on the ancient Appian Way and set amidst a sea of olive groves in the southern Italian region of Puglia. The villa is situated on 15 acres of cultivated farmland, and five minutes from the towns of Mesagne (population 30,000) and Latiano, 20 minutes from Brindisi airport, and 25 mintues to beautiful beaches. Villa Pizzorusso, with a 500 year history, had been abandoned for over 50 years, when its restoration began 3 years ago. Just completed, its historical integrity has been preserved and integrated with modern design elements and amenities. 6 br/6ba/3 fireplaces/25 meter pool/great room/citrus grove/grand terrace.
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