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Long a favourite country retreat of wealthy Florentines, the Mugello just a 30 minute drive from Florence is Chianti’s quieter cousin and remains blissfully off the beaten tourist track in spite of its equally lovely landscapes and fine wines. Whether a result of the soil, the sun or the wine, the Mugello has bred more than its fair share of creative geniuses, for two of the Renaissance’s best-loved artists, Giotto and Fra’ Angelico, were born a stone’s throw from the village of Vicchio, site of the pretty Villa Atena. With elegant interiors that belie its rustic stone walls, the villa was recently saved from ruin and converted into a very comfortable summer home. The marble-floored living areas open onto a vast terrace with wonderful views, shaded areas for lounging and dining - and plenty of space to set up an easel. The scale of the house, its two self-sufficient guest cottages and the many living areas indoors and out make this an ideal property for a large group with a variety of different agendas.
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