Description

The wishing well located on the expansive terrace of Villa Medici is probably a bit redundant because, if you find yourself a guest at Villa Medici, your wishes have already been granted. The Tuscan villa rental not only offers a relaxed and refined experience but one steeped in history as well. The Medici coat of arms situated atop the main door attests to the villa's former life as a 15th century residence and farmhouse of the prolific Italian family. Today, after a careful restoration, the villa retains its medieval charm but is enhanced by all the modern conveniences. The interior rooms feature comfortable furniture, antique art pieces, Persian rugs, and resplendent color. Gazing outside, one is overwhelmed with a postcard-perfect view of the Tuscan countryside. Closer a field is the expansive, private garden with swimming pool (open May - September) and pool house, replete with toilets, kitchen, dressing room, tables, armchairs and lounge chairs. And for the horse lovers, follow the path to the horse training facility and venture out on horseback to explore the forest or countryside. Villa Medici is located in the small and beautiful village of Stibbio. Five miles down the road is the equally lovely town of San Miniato, offering restaurants, cafe/bars, grocery and other shops. Included in the price are heat, air conditioning, utilities, phone service, final cleaning, a twice-weekly change of linens, and WiFi Internet service. The following are available at additional cost: Chef and extra maid services, laundry, bike rental, babysitting, cooking classes, wine and olive oil tastings, and car or limousine rentals.

Villa Medici's former life as a farmhouse lends itself to rooms that are spacious and light-filled. On the ground floor you will find the great hall with a large, stone fireplace, original wood doors, and a grand dining table with seating for 12. Your traditional Tuscan meals can be prepared in the gourmet kitchen either by group effort, or (on request) by an expert chef. The spacious kitchen is well-equipped and includes a fridge/freezer, stove, oven, dishwasher, fireplace and wood-burning oven. Also on the ground floor are the sitting room, the TV room, the library, three guest toilets, and access out onto a small terrace. From this terrace you can reach a larger, second terrace, with outdoor dining facilities, umbrella and panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan hills. The first floor opens up into the great room, which used to be the farmhouse granary and now is furnished with a large, comfortable sofa and armchairs. On the first floor you will also find the five distinctive, yet sumptuously decorated, bedrooms. Imbued with vibrant colors and elegant fabrics, every bedroom is a double except one, which is linked to a sweet room with a single bed. Upon request, the owners can add a single bed to any bedroom, bringing the guest capacity up to 16 persons. All have ensuite bathrooms, four with showers and one with bathtub. In addition, every bedroom is equipped with a telephone, Internet access, a small safety box, and air conditioning. Please note: For an additional cost, six guests can be accommodated in a small guest house located near the villa (approx. 20 meters). This dependance offers two bedrooms with double beds, a large kitchen (nicely equipped), a living area with sofa bed, and a large bathroom with shower. Prices range from $800 - $1170/week, depending on season, please inquire at time of booking.

The Medici family was a powerful and influential Italian family from the 13 to 17th century. By some estimates, it was thought that the Medici family was for a period of time the wealthiest family in all of Europe. Patron of the arts, the family is credited for leading the birth of the Italian Renaissance through its support of artists such as Donatello, Fra Angelico and Michelangelo. Medici political aspirations produced numerous rulers of Florence, three Popes, and a scattering of royalty throughout Europe. From humble beginnings, the Medici family was able to create a powerful dynasty, much to the benefit of the European art, banking, scientific, and religious worlds.