About this property
Perfect for a large gathering of family or friends, this restored Tuscan farmhouse has superb grounds, facilities and service. Situated in sought-after Chianti wine country, within easy reach of iconic Florence, Villa Marte is not only a fantastic base for exploring this fascinating Italian region but an unusually well-equipped venue for luxuriating in style, with a welcoming team on hand to make your stay truly special.
Lush vineyards and olive groves carpet the surrounding slopes as you wind through the timeless landscapes of Chianti to the villa. Enveloped in an extensive landscaped garden, flanked by a wide terrace, the 200-year-old stone villa sets a striking silhouette, topped with its distinctive dovecote tower and terracotta tiled roof.
Attractive sitting and dining areas are carefully laid out in the best parts of the garden for panoramic views and cooling shade, so you can either gather together or find a private spot. Start the day with a tranquil coffee on the terrace gazing across vineyards, sip a glass of velvety Chianti Classico to accompany a delicious lunch before a siesta by the pool or sit back with a book in hand under the shade of a cypress. The choice is yours. A wander through the garden takes you past tall vines, poplar trees and sweet smelling aromatic herbs down to the inviting pool where you can cool off in the heat of the day.
Despite its impressive scale, the interiors feel welcoming, and the homely style perfectly complements the rural setting. Country furnishings incorporate pretty floral fabrics and solid wooden furniture with traditional brick arches and wooden beamed ceilings. A spacious open living space incorporates two kitchens, a long dining table and plenty of sitting areas for everyone, with Wi-Fi and a television room for those who prefer to stay connected.
Equally comfortable and spacious, the eight bedrooms of the main house each have an en-suite bathroom and can be air-conditioned in the hot summer, although the unique tower bedroom does have the edge over the others with its rooftop views on all three sides. Across the garden is a well-furnished cottage for four guests, perfect for a family or those who appreciate their own space.
The piece de resistance has to be the spa with its sauna, jacuzzi and massage bed where wellness treatments can be arranged, perhaps after a morning sightseeing in Florence, a trip to a beach or a tour of the wineries. Villa Marte truly sets the scene for a wonderful break with just the right mix of fascinating sights and relaxation.
Villa Marte is located just a half hour drive south of Florence in Chianti, a region which many consider is the heart of Tuscany. Famous for its delicious Chianti wine and fertile hills, the region is a magnet for wine buffs and foodies alike.
For art history lovers, a visit to Tuscany is to experience at first hand some of the most important settings and artworks from the Italian Renaissance, such as Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia and Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence.
The nearest town to the villa for groceries and a choice of restaurants is the charming town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, just 3 minutes drive from the villa. A traditional stop off point between Florence and Siena since the Middle Ages and Renaissance, you can sense its historic routes as you explore the surroundings. Incredible works of art can be found in the monasteries and churches which punctuate the landscape in the area.
There is so much to see in this part of Tuscany. Be sure to visit the tall towers and learn about the fascinating history of San Gimignano, just 20 km away. Try the nearby winery of Castello di Verrazzano for wine tasting in the magnificent setting of an 18th-century castle.
Within a short drive from the villa, you can join the main road which will sweep you into Siena or Florence, or for a smooth ride in, just leave the car in nearby Poggibonsi station and take a train.
Florence is nearer and the larger of the two cities, with its amazing collection of Renaissance art and architecture, a fantastic range of boutiques and a wide selection of restaurants.
Siena is about an hour away and a must-see for its an array of fabulous churches, galleries, restaurants, Renaissance and Gothic architecture and a stunning central piazza, the venue for its famous Palio horse race.
Food plays a central role in Tuscan life so enter into the spirit, find a scenic spot, sip on a glass of Chianti Classico and be sure to try the region’s best seasonal produce in one of the many farmers' markets or restaurants. From light tomato Panzanella or Fagioli bean dishes to wild boar stews and fresh pasta, all finished off with mouth-watering cantucci biscuits and Vin santo dessert wine, Tuscan cuisine cannot fail to disappoint.
Accommodation
The Villa
Villa Marte is a 10 bedrooms farmhouse near Florence recently renovated, with accommodations in both the main house and a separate cottage.
Main House
- Fully equipped kitchen with dining and living area
- Dining room with leaving area
- Living room with sofas, armchairs and piano
- Seven double bedrooms with en-suite shower room
- Master bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
- Twin bedroom (can be a double) with en-suite shower room
- Internal Heated Jacuzzi
- Sauna
- Gym room
Cottage
- Double bedroom
- Bathroom with shower/tub
- Twin bedroom (can be a double)
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool, open approximately mid-March to mid-October (2024)
- Jacuzzi
- Alfresco dining