Behind the Scenes: Visiting Our Villas in Tuscany

Each autumn and spring, our team visits the villas we represent across Tuscany, seeing properties first-hand so we can describe them with accuracy and honesty. From layout and setting to atmosphere and suitability for families, groups or couples, these visits allow our Villa Specialists to offer informed guidance and reassurance when helping guests choose their perfect villa.

In October and November, our visits took the team through Arezzo, Chianti, Valdarno and the wider Tuscan countryside, giving them the chance to experience a diverse range of scenic locations. We couldn’t have asked for better weather with clear skies, stunning vineyard views, and golden sunsets reminding us just why we will always love coming back to Tuscany.

One the best things about these trips for our team is the chance to meet the owners of the villas we represent. So, each day the team packs up the To Tuscany van and sets off across Tuscany's winding roads, determined to see as many as possible.

Our villa owners welcome the team like family, proud to share their homes and stories. This makes our visits an excellent opportunity for catching up with owners, some of whom have been with us for 25 years. For our Villa Specialists, spending time in the villas first-hand allows them to understand the details that matter to our guests, from layout and facilities to atmosphere and setting. At the same time, our Owner Representatives can discuss future plans directly with owners, helping to ensure each property continues to meet expectations.

Over the course of the two trips, our team can see as many as 35 villas, yet some stand out above the rest. Here are a few words from our Villa Specialists about their favourite villas from the trip and why they love them so much.

‘Tenuta Seriole 10 has it all – luxury interiors, private pool with perfect views, lots of space outside to enjoy meals or relax on sun loungers. Plus, there’s Cantina Fregnan just around the corner, a winery famous for sparkling wines made using the Metodo Classico in Casentino, where guests can enjoy a wine tasting or an aperitivo.’

‘Le Granchiaie 8, one of our new additions, is a beautiful villa where Tuscan meets modern interior. The biggest impression that was left on my mind for days, more than these lovely features, was from the owners.  They were just the nicest couple and have worked so hard to make sure all the finishing touches were in place to create the perfect space for guests.’

‘The spacious old stone villa Lo Scarpellino is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and woodland. When we arrived, the olive harvest was still in full swing. It’s the kind of place where you can switch off from everyday life, unwinding completely, and find true tranquillity. For me, it’s the perfect setting to share a wonderful time with family and friends.’

We can’t visit Tuscany without mentioning the food, and our owners spoiled us, as always. At Tenuta Seriole 10, the team enjoyed local cheeses, ham, fresh bread, fruit, and sparkling wine from a nearby vineyard as well as savouring wines from Casanova di Bricciano and Casale San Vincenti, two very special villas. 

Not to mention some of the fantastic restaurants, as no trip would be complete without a bowl of fresh ragu with tagliatelle, Bistecca alla Fiorentine or, of course, pizza! Here are a few of the team’s favourites:

‘La Buca di Ipo in Montevarchi is a small restaurant that offers a good mix of both fish-based dishes and typical Tuscan dishes. I'd strongly recommend the Tagliata di Manzo which is slice strips of steak, served on a bed of rocket and with shavings of parmesan cheese. If you want to push the boat out, try the Tagliata with truffle!’

‘Pizza Che Delizia is a lovely spot for lunch in Bucine. You can sit outside and enjoy the sun or grab your pizza to go while exploring the town. The pizzas are delicious, making it the perfect casual stop during a day of sightseeing.’

Our base for both trips was Montevarchi, ideally located for our team to reach as many villas as possible across the region. The town is also the perfect spot for guests to catch the train to Florence in just under an hour, or to Arezzo in 30 to 40 minutes.

Insider Tip: Don't forget to validate your train ticket at one of the green validation machines near the platforms.

In between visiting villas, our team also stops off in popular and sometimes hidden towns along the way. The team enjoyed a sunny wander through one of our favourite Chianti towns, Gaiole. Plus, a chance to visit the small village of Poppi, with its cobbled streets and 13th-century castle, a reminder that every time we visit, there's something new to discover. And, for some of the team, this was their tenth visit!

Here’s what one of our Villa Specialist had to say about why they love Poppi.

‘Poppi is a charming hilltop town in the Casentino valley, surrounded by lush forests and rolling Tuscan countryside. Its landmark, the impressive Castello dei Conti Guidi, overlooks the medieval centre and offers stunning views. The town combines a peaceful atmosphere with an ideal location for exploring the natural beauty of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park.’

Our trips to Tuscany are at the heart of what we do and play an essential role in how we support our guests. Drawing on personal experience, our team of Villa Specialists offers thoughtful, tailored recommendations to help each guest find a villa that truly suits them. From your initial enquiry through to arrival, we are committed to providing a seamless and rewarding experience, ensuring all our guests have the perfect villa stay.

If you are beginning to plan your next holiday, you can speak with one of our Villa Specialists or explore our full collection of villas in Tuscany for inspiration.

Until next time, arrivederci. We are already looking forward to returning to Tuscany, discovering more of its extraordinary villas, enjoying its food and continuing to deepen our knowledge of the region that captures our hearts every time.