Location: Lastra A Signa, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Florence 8 km, Airport 8 km, Lastra a Signa center 1 km) View Map
Accommodations: Villa, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
STAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WHITOUT A CAR !!!! THE TRAIN STATION IS LOCATED 1,100 METERS DOWN THE HILL FROM THE VILLA. 35 TRAINS DAILY. 17 MINUTES TO FLORENCE, 46 MINUTES TO PISA, 90 MINUTES TO SIENA/CINQUE TERRE AND MORE DESTINATIONS. FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM/TO THE VILLA FOR ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE.
Villa Lysis is located on the border of a charming hamlet perched on a hill top just a few miles west of Florence.
The villa was built in the twelfth century as a fortified Lombard farm to guard the fertile Arno Valley.
In 1989 the property passed into the hands of the present owner who embarked on an immense renovation, which respected the authenticity of the space whitout neglecting any of the modern comforts. In the process of the renovation the original Tuscan style framework, frescoes, wooden beamed ceilings, stone walls, brick vault, and cotto floors were all preserved.
The villa has been furnished, equipped and decorated to the highest standards respecting authentic aesthetic and functional considerations. The furnishings and decorations are a combination of fine antiques and updated, high quality sofas, chairs and beds. The warm, cozy and quaint interior of the villa gives life to the feel of Tuscany, while maintaining a unique pleasing atmosphere - a rare combination of traits to find among the rental options of this countryside.
INTERIOR DESCRIPTION:
The main entrance gives way to a large and elegant living room with an open fireplace, original cotto floor, lovely beamed ceiling, library of art, cuisine, and travel books, not to mention all the comforts and conveniences of modern life (satellite television, CD player, radio). In addition, the living room has access to a garden.
Off the living room is a neoclassical style double bedroom with an oversized bed (140 x 190 cm ). Adjacent to the bedroom is a large full bathroom appointed with a private shower area.
The kitchen has a spacious cooking plane with 5 gas range and electric oven, microwawe, American coffee maker and an abundance of cooking utensils. This finely appointed kitchen is equipped for the preparation of a light snack or an entire gourmet dinner.
The formal dining room is enchanting with its large Tuscan style fireplace, wood-beamed ceilings, cotto floor and view to the garden via a large window and glass paned door. Impress your guests, or treat yourself, by serving meals in the style that one would expect in Tuscany - with stemware and china provided.
On the first Italian floor (second level) there are two double bedrooms and a full bathroom. The master bedroom is graced with an iron framed king size bed, beamed ceilings and a view of the Tuscan hillside with Florence visible in the distance. The second bedroom has a double bed (matrimonial or twins), and a floral detailed ceiling from the 20th century. Both bedrooms on the second level are air-conditioned. The bathroom is equipped with a tub and is decorated with lovely Italian tile and cabinetry (modern convenience and comfort was not spared).
A Medieval Cellar with stone walls and a curved vaulted ceiling serve as an enchanting dining space for six. As a note of interest, during the most recent renovation, a hidden vault was discovered filled with period pieces which now adorn the villa.
EXTERIOR DESCRIPTION/LOCATION:
The outside of the house provides breathaking views from every vantage point. From the garden there is a gorgeous panoramic view of the Arno Valley with Florence visible on the horizon. From another side of the Villa you will be mesmorized by the tranquility of an enormous 18th Century baroque monastery residing on a nearby hilltop. The surrounding grounds are covered with quaint pathways, olive tree groves, vineyards and again, SPECTACULAR VIEWS!
The yard and gardens are adorned with wrought iron furnishings and comfortable lounge chairs from which you may enjoy the scenery. In addition, an outdoor Jacuzzi is available for your pleasure (enjoy a champagne toast under the Tuscan stars ! )
EXTRAS:
Higly recommended are the services of an in-house Tuscan chef, Signora Carla. Signora Carla has been working in Tuscany preparing regional favourites for the past 30 years. An extensive selection of appetizers and main courses are available, and requests are particularly favored by the chef ( average meals may range in price from 25-30 € per person ). On request is available traditional folk music and song performed by Alessandro Scavetta ( voice, guitar, violin, accordeon ).
Baby sitter and housekeeper are available with advanced notice. The villa is also equipped with phone ( local calls are free and long distance calls can be placed using a calling card ). Internet access is also available for your lap top hook up or using the owner lap top with extra cost.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Gas Fireplace
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Hot Tub
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer
- Broadband Internet
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In Euros)
June, July, August, Easter, Christmas & New Years ........€ 1,000/wk.
May, September.......... .................................€ 900/wk.
April, October............................................€ 800/wk
November, December, January, February, March............. € 700/wk
CENTRAL HEATING EXTRA.
LARGE DISCOUNT FOR LONG TERM STAY IN WINTER TIME !!!!
SHEETS AND TOWELS,ELECTRICITY,WARM WATER,GAS FOR COOKING ARE INCLUDS
PAYPAL PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Villa Lysis on a Hill Around Florence, with a Superb View....
Year Purchased: 1989
Why the Owner Chose Lastra A Signa
I decided to buy this house because when I saw it the first time I immediately fall in love with ! The location was wonderful; on the top of the hill, with an amazing view overlooking the valley and Florence, the small hamlet was typical tuscan style, whitout any modern intrusion. The villa was owned in the past by a bourgeois family and still maintain some taste of elegance from the older time, with decorations and appliances. It was like jumping back into the XIX° cent. !
The Unique Benefits at this Villa
The location is perfect; the villa is located into a very green and typical tuscan style countryside, with olives trees, wineyards and ancient buildings around. The view is spectacular. The area is quiet and peaceful, but shops, restaurants, wineryes, train station, etc are in a very short distance. Because I fix the villa like I have to lives there it doesn't look like vacation home but it is a REAL home !
Owner's Map of Lastra A Signa
I was born and raised in a small village west of Florence but unfortunately located in the industrial area. My dream was always to lives up the beautiful hillside, with wineyards and olives trees around. I accomplish my dream in 1989 when I buy a very fascinating old mansion, but in a very poor condition ! I worked hard for 3 years to fix the house and then I start to rent it in summer to recover some cash. All my clients was very happy with my hospitality and the business increased each year, so, after time I decided to move elsewhere in the same area and left the villa only for my guests.
Property Photos
- Sitting Room - Lastra A Signa, Tuscany, Italy Villa Rental
- Double Bedroom - Lastra A Signa, Tuscany, Italy Villa Rental
- Pensile Garden - Lastra A Signa, Tuscany, Italy Villa Rental
- Villa Lysis front side
- sitting room
- dining room
- master bedroom
- bedroom downstairs
- bathroom upstairs
- bathroom downstairs
- table on the garden
- view from the master bedroom
- Kitchen
- Taverna
- Bedroom upstair
Guest Comments (20)
First (10) of (20). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #52592
There have been 4064 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - October 31, 2009
Positive Rating
Hello Andrea, we arrived home safe and sound last night. I'm happy we were able to call Villa Lysis "home" during our stay, it really is a wonderful place and we enjoyed it very much. It was a great place to return at the end of the day, very comfortable and welcoming. Thank you again for your kind hospitality, it was a pleasure to meet you and spend some time with you. You're great company. Hope to see you again sooner rather than later. Please say hello to Carla and again tell her how much we enjoyed her cuisine and company. All the best to you Andrea. Ciao James & Babetta
Positive Rating
Andrea, thank you for being such a big part in our having a wonderful time in Tuscany. We simply couldn't have done it whitout you and all of your assistance. All four of us enjoyed Villa Lysis so much. It was a joy to come "home" each day after visiting all over the beautiful countryside that you call Toscana. Your party on friday night was a perfect ending to our trip, and an unforgettable memory to last a lifetime. Thank you again for all you did for us and for being such a wonderful host. If we should venture that way again, rest assured we will be back in touch to make our arrangements. Jimmy Dickens
Positive Rating
Andrea, I have been meaning to write and thank you for such a wonderful week in your amazing villa. My friends and I have decided that this was our favorite vacation that any of us have ever had. Tuscany and all of Italy will always be one of my favorite places on earth. I will be moving back to Hawaii this summer. I will be sad to leave Europe, especially Italy. I hope you and your family are healthy and happy. Best Wishes - Carole Minter
Positive Rating
Mr Bertini, we had a wonderful time at your villa ! Thank you so much for all you did for us to make our stay memorable. We will always remember the beautiful villa you lovingly restored and made available for us to stay in. All was comfortable and welcoming. Thank you again for arranging deliveryof my suitcase after 3 days and putting it in the villa. Also thank you for arranging the car service to and from the villa. One of the highlights of the trip was having Mrs Carla prepare the wonderful food. By the way, we ate also at Edy Piu' Restaurant and it was soooooo good ! Hope you have a blessed Easter ! Sincerely, Phyllis Allen
Positive Rating
Dear Andrea, we are just leaving you this note to thank you for the wonderful stay in your house. It has really felt like home to us and we have been very happy and settled here. The location has been a real advantage and has encouraged us to rest and relax, indeed at the same time we have benefited from the excercise up the hill !. We also particularly enjoyed the decor and the artwork in the building, it is a truly fascinating place to stay. Many thanks for your kind assistance with arranging a taxi, and for the brochures and ......around, which we tourned to be full of useful information. We hope you get well soon ! With Love, Jen, Kerry, Sarah + Chris
Positive Rating
Andrea, thank you very much for everything ! We ......? enjoyed our stay at Villa Lysis ! We also greatly appreciate your hospitality in helping us with our luggage, driving us to the airport multiple times, and telling us of wonderful villages to visit, the list goes on and on. Thank you !P.S. Pinocchio Park ( Collodi ) and Viareggio was fantastic ! JG + Emily
Positive Rating
Dear Signor Bertini, many thanks for your hospitality this week. We have had a wonderful time staying in Villa Lysis. It is a truly enchanting home, and has all the normal comfort of accomodation, in a unique and historical atmosphere. We will recommend it to our friends as a superb base for exploring Florence and the surrounding countryside. Thank you again, Paul + Julie Dignam
Positive Rating
Andrea, both Lucia and me join with others who have told you that your hospitality and attention to detail made our visit to Firenze very special indeed ! We would like to return next year ! I will contact you by e-mail to establish the dates. We need to check Lucia's schedule first. Should you need anything from us do not esitate to call. We left you a small taken of our gratitude ( from Slitti ). Also some items from Lufthansa which you may find useful. Once again thank you and see you next year ! Robert & Lucia
Positive Rating
Andrea, we had a fabulous time in Tuscany and throughly enjoyed your fantastic house. With Warmest Regards and Best Wishes
Positive Rating
Dear Andrea, thank you for your hospitality and friendship. Today Sherrie and Arl have giving the photographs to Larry and Judy. They are meeting each other to visit and exchange news of Italy. We hope you get to the Imperial Palace and the Great Wall. What a wonderful opportunity and great music !!! Hope to hear from you about the trip to China. When next you are in America we expect to entertain you. We will do our best to keep your beautiful house filled with guests !. Addio ! Bernie & Robert