La Villa dei Pozzi, Terranuova Bracciolini - Arezzo

If you like the idea of mixing olive groves and vineyards with white-cube interiors, vivid contemporary art, Swarovski chandeliers and Philippe Starck chairs, this is the place for you. A bright, spacious property originally built in the 1970s, La Villa dei Pozzi has been transformed by its owners’ recent restoration, which added a distinct air of luxury. Set in countryside on the eastern edge of Chianti, yet close to the main Florence-Arezzo road, the villa is very well placed for exploring the wine-growing region and easily accessing both these cities and Siena.

Its generous accommodation will comfortably soak up parties of eight or nine people: in warm weather, French doors from each of the three ground-floor rooms make moving from inside to out seamless. The shaded terrace adjacent to the kitchen and indoor dining room is perfect for shared al-fresco meals – although it might be difficult to pull some people away from the poolside. The large private pool, close to the house, sits in a sunny, secluded spot at the lower end of the villa’s olive grove.

Ground Floor

Lounge
Two sofas, two chairs, two pouffes, bookcase, armoire, French doors to terrace.

Dining Room
Dining table and chairs, chest of drawers, fireplace, French doors to terrace, main entrance.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, table and chairs, sideboard, dresser, settle, French doors to garden.

First Floor

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, chair, interconnecting double doors to Bedroom 2, double doors to balcony.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC, door to balcony.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), clothes rail and shelving, chair, interconnecting double doors to Bedroom 1.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), clothes rail and shelving, chair.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), clothes rail and shelving, chair.

Bathroom 2
Shower, sink, WC.

Lower Ground Floor

Lounge 2
Sofa, table and chairs, sideboard, fireplace, French doors to garden.

Cloakroom
WC, sink.

Utility Room
Laundry facilities, second fridge/freezer, shower.

Our Thoughts
Not surprisingly, this immaculately kept and well-appointed villa is winning fans and return visits. We love its restrained flamboyance and self-confidence. Its accommodation works equally for groups of friends or families. The only argument you might have could be over who gets the master bedroom, which has the en-suite bathroom and a lovely outlook from its balcony. But beautiful glimpses of Tuscan landscape are to be had wherever you are in these secluded grounds, punctuated by a variety of glorious mature trees. The villa’s elegant but comfortable interior also makes it a good bet for low-season visits.

Notes
Four bedrooms. Two bathrooms, one en-suite. A further shower is available in the laundry room in the lower ground floor. The villa’s wi-fi signal is suitable only for browsing and emails; 2GB of data is included in the rental price. In the garden, there is a slight hum from the nearby main road, although it cannot be seen from the property. Two futon mattresses are available to be used for the ninth person or should people not wish to share a double bed. Please note that these will be placed on the floor. Pets are welcome and the property is completely fenced. The final 600 metres of the approach road is bumpy and unpaved.
On-site parking, within fenced villa garden

Pool
The large pool is surrounded by a paved terrace, which is furnished with sunloungers and has an outdoor shower to one side. Nearby, a small pergola gives shade to a table and chairs. Entrance to the water is via metal ladder steps.  Pool size: 5m x 10m and 1m- 1.5m deep. Open May to mid-October, weather permitting.