Description
Villa Belle Vie truly does enable one to "live the good life". Located in the picturesque hills near Florence, the historical origins of this villa to rent near Florence date back to the 13th century. Originally the convent of the Church of San Biagio, the home has been lovingly and painstakingly renovated to its former splendor, with careful attention paid to every detail and modern comfort.
The Villa is furnished with beautiful, antique furniture dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the delightful bedrooms are decorated thematically according to their previous functions within the former farmhouse. The landscaped grounds create an idyllic setting for a relaxing holiday; fragrant gardens, meandering olive groves, a refreshing pool (with separate pool house, barbecue, lounge chairs and umbrellas), a covered eating terrace, two lovely gazebos, and panoramic views of the Tuscan hills are but a few of the features awaiting your arrival. Within a ten minute walk is the charming village of Bacchereto, offering shops and restaurants, and, in the summer/fall, numerous lively, crop-themed festivals.
The caretakers live on-site and look after the gardens, pool, and house cleaning. Elisabetta, the concierge, (also on-site), is available to assist with any arrangements needed to make your holiday a great one, including airport transfers, cooking class, chef services, wine and/or olive tastings. With all it\'s beauty and amenities, Villa Belle Vie certainly is the perfect place to enjoy an idyllic and relaxing vacation. Upon entering Villa Belle Vie , one is immediately struck by the thick wooden doors, the massive stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and geometrically tiled floors. But as your eyes adjust, you begin noticing the finer details, such as the Renaissance painting resting languidly over the antique bar, the coat of arms adorning the traditional Tuscan fireplace, the enticing figurine hiding in a wall niche, the ornate, 18th century chairs resting by two stone pillars, or the lavish silver candelabra in the reception area. The living areas are filled with comfortable furniture and interesting art pieces.
One of the living rooms features a large fireplace in which to gather for good conversation and cozy evenings. The dining room seats 16 and also offers a large fireplace for warmth and ambiance. Visit the music room and listen to the selection from the self-playing piano or attempt your own concerto. Arrange a tour of the impressive wine cellar and stay for a private tasting of the delicious estate wine or olive oil.
After dinner, try your luck in the billiard room, with it\'s beautifully restored 18th century billiard table. Or, procure another drink from the antique bar located in the former cattle shed and retire to the TV room for movie night on the 42" plasma screen TV with comfy viewing chairs and fantastic sound system.
Those in the group who love to cook (and, indirectly, those who don't) will be pleased with the well-equipped kitchen, featuring a fireplace, wood-fired pizza oven, fridge/freezer/ice maker, gas stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Cooking classes and dinners with the Chef can be arranged upon request.
Upstairs you will find the library with an antique, handcrafted, iron-framed table, a selection of books, information about local happenings, and a peaceful view of the Tuscan countryside with which to enjoy it all. Also upstairs are the seven exquisitely decorated bedrooms (four with queen beds, three with twin beds) replete with ensuite marble bathrooms with showers, Frigo mini bars (an additional cost), electronic safes, air conditioning, and satellite TV.
Thanks to its location, situated in the heart of the Tuscan hills, between Florence, Prato, and Pistoia, surrounded by splendid vineyards and olive groves, the villa offers the possibility to spend a relaxing vacation in an exclusive and comfortable environment, and to be in touch with the traditional nature of the area. The property is a great starting point for nature and cultural excursions.
The territory of Carmignano is famous for being concerned, in ancient times, by the Etruscans (Comeana excavations). The hills around Carmignano are famous for producing high quality wines. Between the fifteenth and sixteenth century Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent (of the famous Medici family) purchased different areas in the region, building the luxurious residence in Poggio a Caiano today known as Villa Medici, and later Villa of Artimino.
------
Bedroom 1 - Queen Size (plus extra bed) & Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 2 - Queen Size (plus extra bed) & Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 3 - Queen Size & Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 4 - Queen Size & Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 5 - Twin beds (can be made into a Queen) & Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 6 - Twin beds (can be made into a Queen) & Ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 7 - Twin beds (can be made into a Queen) & Ensuite bathroom
