Overview The hills surrounding Florence are almost as famous, and architecturally significant, as the city itself. The plagues and political reversals that bedevilled Florence before and during the Renaissance drove many noble families to resettle here, and made rich men of the farmers who held on to their land and livestock. Villa Il Vento dates from this period, a 15th century stone farmhouse built carefully and on a grand scale in the lush countryside that is now only a short drive from Florence’s historic centre – and within walking distance of an 18-hole golf course with tennis, exercise and riding facilities. A recent top-to-bottom restoration preserved the building’s old beamed ceilings while enlarging its interior spaces and adding enormous windows to flood them with light and summer breezes. The decor is elegantly rustic, a tasteful, uncluttered blend of local antiques and comfortable modern furnishings highlighted by crisp whitewashed walls and a scattering of colourful woven rugs. The kitchen and bathrooms, while thoroughly modern, are finished with the same warmth and flair. Living and dining areas on the ground floor open to a large garden shaded by olives and cypresses; these give way to open lawns around the property’s private swimming pool, which is positioned on a west-facing slope to capture long hours of sunshine and marvellous sunset views.
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