Overview

A protected national monument, Villa Bracciano was built over 500 years ago by the Ricasoli family, wine producers for generations. Located in Panzano, the very heart of the Chianti region, this very beautifully restored old house exudes Tuscan charm and history and offers spectacular views across hills and valleys blanketed with vineyards. Inside, vaulted stone ceilings, terracotta floors and enormous open fireplaces are matched with lovely antique furnishings and comfortable couches and armchairs. A large loggia to the front of the house offers a shaded area for al fresco dining with uninterrupted views of Radda-in-Chianti. This is an outstanding location for those interested in Tuscan wines with several world-renowned vineyards - and a number of excellent restaurants - within easy reach.

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Description

Rental options

 Villa Bracciano is available at a lower rate for smaller parties. For details see Villa Bracciano (x 8 people).

Location

 Hilltop Panzano, 3km/2 miles, overlooks a circular, vineyard-bedecked valley known as the Conca d'Oro, 'Golden Shell', for its ability to trap sunshine. This is most prosperous area of the Chianti, and one of the loveliest. Greve-in-Chianti, 15 minutes to the south, is a magnet for wine-lovers with its many wine bars and shops. Florence and Siena are both about 50 minutes' drive.

Accommodations

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Main house/Ground floor

 Entrance hall with vaulted ceilings. Spacious dining room. Well-equipped kitchen. Large study leading to dining loggia. Second hall. Living room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace.

First floor

 Large library with a fireplace and TV area. Master double bedroom and twin bedroom sharing a bathroom with bath and shower. Twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom with bath and shower. Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with bath and shower.

Dependence

 Double bedroom and twin bedroom sharing a bathroom with shower. Living room with fireplace.

Grounds

 A beautiful garden of sweeping lawns and clipped hedges within 4 ha/10 acres of vineyards and olive groves. The drive is lined with a long row of tall cypresses visible for many miles. The swimming pool, 6 x 12m/20 x 39 feet, is set just outside the house on a flagstone terrace.

Assistance

 Assistance is provided locally by a very helpful couple who speak a little English and live nearby. Cooking lessons and wines from the property's cellar are available onsite. Services included in the rental fee, and optional services available, are noted under Price and Availability.

Facilities

 Dishwasher. Barbeque. Washing machine. Washer Dryer. Satellite TV [Sky channels] with DVD in the main house; non-satellite TV with DVD in the Dependence. CD player. Mosquito screens on all bedroom windows. Portable fans in each bedroom. Central heating. Two working fireplaces. Wireless ADSL internet connection [computer not provided]. Fixed telephone line. Burglar alarm.

Access

 Airports: Florence, under 1 hour; Pisa, 1 hour 40 minutes. Motorway exit at San Casciano, 12km/7.5 miles from the property along paved roads as far as Panzano, followed by 6km/4 miles of good white road to the property’s gates. Parking for eight cars.

Activities

 Tennis courts about 10 minutes' drive from the house. Riding stables, 20 minutes. 18-hole golf at the Cercolo Golf dell'Ugolino in Grassina, 30 minutes, and at the Castelfalfi club, 1 hour. Bike rental in Greve in chianti. Chianti is a wonderful area for walking and biking. . A selection of biking itineraries in the area is available online at www.terresienainbici.it/index_eng.asp (in English)

Small appliances

 Filter coffee maker. Four hairdryers.

Pool details

 The swimming pool, 6 x 12m/20 x 39 feet, with a ladder for entry/exit