Villa Tavernaccia

A deeply romantic 18th-century villa in sun-dappled grounds just outside Florence.

This historic villa with its sun-baked ochre walls and panoramic views of the olive, vine and chestnut-clad Tuscan hills works as both a secluded retreat for family and friends and a peaceful base for exploring the Chianti wine region and nearby Florence. Restored and furnished by interior designer Ilaria Miani, it has eight elegantly colourful en-suite bedrooms and refined reception rooms including a converted dovecote with views to the Apennines and countryside; outside, sunlight slants through cypress trees and umbrella pines onto a heated outdoor pool in 14 hectares of lawns and wooded grounds. The nearest village, Chiesanuova, is 2km away.

The villa

This 18th-century villa is owned by an Italian sports agent who fell in love with the place long ago when he holidayed here with his grandparents. Now it has been renovated by his sister, Rome-based Ilaria Miani, mixing family antiques with swathes and stripes of colour that reflect the local landscape: the silvery-greens of olive trees, the rich reds of ripe tomatoes, the cool blue of a cloudless sky. Comfortable sofas, black-and-white engravings, freshly cut flowers and open fireplaces in the dining and living/TV rooms enhance the effortlessly elegant feel. The bedrooms are more theatrical and come with queen- or king-size beds, en-suite shower rooms and air-conditioning; the ground-floor double has a four-poster bed and another double is squirrelled away on a mezzanine beneath the tower. The six first-floor bedrooms include two twins, one double with a four-poster and two doubles with bathtubs separate to the showers. All look onto the poetic grounds where white canvas chairs and loungers frame a 100-year-old swimming pool lined in pietra serena, mossy statues gaze over an antique amphitheatre, and a kitchen garden produces vegetables for cooking classes in the all-white kitchen with its marble worktops and antique cabinets.

THE A&K GUEST EXPERIENCE: WHAT’S INCLUDED?

When you book one of the Private Estates in Chianti, your stay comes with a host of additional experiences, services and treats, including:

• A case of Tuscan wine and a welcome hamper of specialty foods from local producers, from artisan cheesemakers to homemade breads and homegrown olives. 
• Welcome and farewell dinners at the villa, prepared by a highly esteemed local chef.
• Wine-tasting at the villa or in the winery on your estate, with an expert from one of Chianti’s leading vineyards.
• Cookery class with a local Italian chef, who will tailor the class to suit your party’s taste and ability.
• A session with a professional photographer, who will come to the villa to capture some special moments, for the best set of holiday photos you’ve ever had.
• Exclusive goodie bags of gifts for children and adults. 
• A dedicated local host and concierge who will take care of every detail of your stay, with daily visits and round-the-clock availability on WhatsApp, should you need them.
• Pre-arrival grocery shopping service.
• An airport meet-and-greet host to whisk you through the airport to your waiting private car.
• Private return airport transfers.
• A beautifully presented breakfast every day, at a time to suit you. 
• Daily housekeeping.