VILLA GAMBERAIA
Settignano, in the hills of Florence
Villa sleeps 13 with partial air conditioning plus 4 separate residences sleep 2-8; gorgeous historical gardens, shared pool, panoramic views
Map | More Photos: The Villa | The Residences
Availability: Main Villa | Cappella | Nettuno | Limonaia | Serretta

Set on the hillside of Settignano, with extraordinary views of Florence and the surrounding Arno valley, Villa Gamberaia is renowned for its splendid gardens, celebrated throughout the world by leading landscape architects and garden historians. Mazes of hedges and topiary, colorful blossoms, and carefully placed pools and fountains inlaid with seashells create a magical setting from which to explore the wonders of Florence and the charming hill towns of Tuscany. Villa Gamberaia balances the convenience of being close to Florence with its quiet countryside setting. This is a classic 17th century villa, beautifully restored and elegantly furnished to comfortably accommodate 13 guests. In addition to the main villa, there are four apartment residences on the property. All are furnished with family antiques and equipped with modern conveniences.

THE MAIN VILLA (Sleeps 13):
Villa Gamberaia is elegant and graceful. On the ground floor, a large entrance hall leads to a formal salon which opens onto a grass terrace with a panoramic view of Florence and the Arno valley. Also on the ground floor are another elegantly appointed salon, an interior courtyard, and various meeting spaces that can be used for receptions, conferences and other gatherings. On the other side of the courtyard are two separate, private suites. One has twin beds and a private bathroom; the other has a billiard room, a king-sized bedroom and a private bathroom. The downstairs bedrooms are naturally cool in the summer, so they are not air-conditioned. Also on the ground floor is a small kitchen and an informal dining room.

On the second floor is a large living room with a loggia, an open outdoor room with chairs and tables that overlooks the garden, the countryside and Florence. Attached to the living room is a library that opens onto a large formal dining room, both with wonderful views. There is a picturesque large kitchen. The hallway, which overlooks the interior courtyard, is filled with natural sunlight. Also on this floor are two large suites Each suite has two bedrooms (each with king-sized bed) which are connected to a bathroom and dressing room. One bedroom in each suite has a special feature — an elevated walkway where guests may stroll and overlook the gardens and countryside. All of the second floor bedrooms are air-conditioned and have incredible views. There is also a single suite with a private bathroom and a unique view of the grotto garden and hillside beyond.

The villa has modern amenities including an elevator, a new large-screen TV with VCR, telephones in each bedroom, a stereo system and an electric alarm system. The villa and the residences share the swimming pool with the owners. From the pool, which is set in an olive orchard, there is a wonderful view of Florence.

A cook is available to prepare meals on request for an extra charge. Conveniences are found in Settignano, just a kilometer (0.6 mi.) from the house, in easy walking distance. Florence is easily reached by bus from Settignano, so one can explore without a car, but there is ample parking if you have one.

Four charming guest houses (three have air conditioning) — Cappella, Nettuno, Serretta and Limonaia — are furnished with antiques and possess true Tuscan style, with terracotta floors and chestnut wood beams. Natural light fills the residences and they have windows that open to views of the countryside and gardens. Two open onto the quiet and beautiful bowling green.

THE RESIDENCES:

CAPPELLA (Sleeps 6; 180 sq. meters)
This two-story residence is located on the "bowling green," with views of Settignano and Florence. A spacious living room and dining room are found on the ground floor, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, a ground-floor double bedroom and bathroom with shower. Upstairs on the mezzanine are two additional double bedrooms and two bathrooms with shower. The second floor bedrooms are air-conditioned.

NETTUNO (Sleeps 6; 150 sq meters)
Named for the statue of Neptune found nearby, this single-story residence is located on the green, with views of the gardens, Settignano and Florence. There are two entrances, one from the green and one from the cypress allée, and an adjoining private garden. A large antique fireplace warms the spacious living room.The eat-in kitchen is fully equipped, and there are three double bedrooms with air conditioning and three bathrooms with showers.

LIMONAIA (Sleeps 8; 180 sq. meters)
On the ground floor is a spacious living room with fireplace. A fully equipped kitchen/dining room with a large fireplace and a guest bath and laundry room are also on this floor. Upstairs there are four air-conditioned double bedrooms and three bathrooms (one isen suite). Windows overlook the lemon garden, with views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and there is a lovely pergola for al fresco dining. Limonaia is very private, with garden views and two entrances.

SERRETTA (Sleeps 2; 30 sq. meters)
This cozy apartment has a living room with kitchen corner, one double bedroom with twin beds, and one bathroom with shower. It is not air-conditioned.

Rent all or any part of Villa Gamberaia.

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