Paradise. Perfect. You must stay here.
For context – I stayed at this villa for a week with my wife, 3 kids (25, 22 and 19), future daughter-in-law, sister and 2 cousins. During our 3 weeks in Italy, we also stayed in Rome, Elba Island, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como. We are from California (USA). I hate to say it, but we tend to be very picky about hotels, resorts and VRBO houses – we are "fixers" and tend to see what is wrong and needs fixing.
Now to the review…
The owners of this villa have meticulously restored this former church and house from the 1300's into a beautiful home with modern day comforts. Every detail was considered – take time to wonder the property and appreciate the details. If you appreciate luxury, relaxation, history, architecture, religion and wine, you will find a stay at this villa fascinating and thoroughly enjoying. It was truly fabulous.
And the owners are amazing. They helped us plan our week in Tuscany and took care of us like we were family. We felt so welcomed and taken care of before and during our stay.
A few tips to make your stay extra special:
• Hire Chef Mattisse to cook at least one meal for you. He cooked us lunch and dinner one day. We custom designed the menus with him, and then he shops, prepares, serves and cleanups. It is heavenly. The villa owners can connect you.
• If you like yoga, invite Mara Rinaldi at Yoga Chianti to come to the villa and lead you in yoga. We did yoga on the grass near the front gate. It was a great start to our lounging day around the pool. You can find her on the internet, or the villa owners can connect you.
• We also had massages at the villa one day. Chef Mattise has a recommendation. You can also contact Spa Vignavecchia in nearby Radda in Chianti. They sent two massage therapists to the villa for us.
• From the pool you will see a ridge on the other side of a small valley. Walk to the main road, take a right, walk on the road for about a quarter mile to a dirt road on the left (be careful of cars on the main road), walk up the dirt road (stay left), along that ridge and through the vineyards. Stop at one of the wineries you see and wine taste. Views and the walk are wonderful.
Enjoy your stay!