Archive for 'Localities'

Fashion-lovers often find themselves interested in a vacation in Tuscany as Italy is a well-known fashion hot spot with lots of stylish locals to admire, and Tuscany, in particular, boasts endless fashion museums to visit, incredible flagship stores and other wonderful boutiques in which to shop, and a long tradition in making astounding leather goods and jewellery, in particular. The region is also home to lots of little local sartorial gems from smaller fashion museums in various towns, to shopping outlets carrying brands like Prada, to artisans who have been working out of traditional workshops for generations, to more niche fashion specialities that can all be uncovered while staying in one of our Tuscany villas. One of these specialities is Chianti Cashmere.

While, of course, Chianti is best known for its wines and culinary heritage, as well as its lush and beautiful landscape, it is also home to one of the finest cashmere producers in the entire world. Chianti Cashmere is a sustainable, small producer making incredible objects that is a true must for the most discerning shoppers and fashion-lovers who are interested in a luxury villa in Chianti and a holiday enjoying the finer things in life from exquisite garments to unbelievable wines. 

A visit to a garden is always a great way to refresh while on vacation, particularly on holiday in Tuscany or some other destination where there can be lots of cultural attractions that have a whirlwind of stimuli. All of the sights, sounds, textures, and details that one can take in in places like museums, galleries, historic buildings, and old towns can overstimulate the senses and leave one especially tired. Of course, those who find one of our Tuscany villas and spend time in the region should definitely seek out as many of this part of the world’s famous sights and spots as their heart desires but you may also need a bit of a palate cleanser. This is where gardens and parks come in and, luckily, there are also plenty of these to discover in Tuscany as well. Wandering in these spaces, breathing in clean air, surrounding yourself with nature, it not only pleasant and enjoyable but it is also good for the mind, body, and soul. It is a perfect way to recover from intense touristing and the ideal sort of activity to slot into your itinerary as a cushion to more hectic outings and days.

If you have found a villa in San Gimignano, for example, the lovely Giardino Sottovico is exactly this sort of attraction and garden. A wonderful addition to any vacation in San Gimignano, this gem of a botanic garden is home to a charming collection of over 3,000 succulents in a lovely setting that is housed on the former site of an illegal landfill. Built by passionate locals who wanted to reclaim this space in Vico d'Elsa, in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle, not far from San Gimignano, the garden was a way of not only transforming an eyesore and polluted part of the countryside but a way of making it into a space that would actually be of service to the physical and psychological well-being of visitors.

The charming Villa Toppani Del Sodo is a beautiful historic stone villa in Sodo, just 3km (2 miles) from the picturesque medieval town of Cortona. Sleeping up to 21 guests in 11 bedrooms with 12 bathrooms, boasting a private pool, air-conditioning, elegant and characteristic interiors, and lovely views, this gem has all that you could possibly ask for from a Tuscan getaway! Read on to learn more about this wonderful vacation rental in Tuscany or click through to browse more of our incredible Tuscany villas and find the right one for you.

Picture this, if you will: a pretty villa in a small town with the lush greenery of trees and views over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside all around, a front entrance opening into a little court with flowers and trees, climbing blooms and vines winding up the sunny yellow facade of the villa, green shuttered windows, a romantic balcony on the first floor above the entrance, and a terracotta roof to top it off. This is the dreamy first encounter that guests have when they reach Villa Toppani Del Sodo and this very much sets the appropriate tone for your vacation here. 

Those who find a villa in Lucca will quickly discover that this part of the region is one with a long list of wineries that boast both incredible wines and wonderful tastings/tours to choose from all throughout the stunning surrounding landscape. Wine-lovers considering booking one of our Tuscany villas, therefore, will have lots of options when it comes to finding places to learn about, sample, savour, and buy some truly remarkable vintages during their vacation in Lucca.

While there are, indeed, lots of brilliant wineries to choose from, one of the top-rated examples has to Fattoria Al Dotto, which has been run by the Del Dotto family for many, many generations. Made of three ancient farms that have since been combined into one rather extraordinary wine estate, Fattoria Al Dotto extends over 62 acres of fertile farmland where you can find vineyards, olive groves, corn fields, and fields of cannellini beans. The vineyards are positioned on the gentle hills surrounding the centre of the farm, where there is a spectacular south-southwest exposure, and in close proximity to the Serchio river. Through this area, the Scirocco winds coming in from Livorno to the south and the summer Maestrale winds coming in from the north-west blow and result in a particular micro climate that is ideal for good maturation of the grapes. All in all, the vineyards here boast perfect conditions to produce some truly remarkable wines.