High on a hill close to Florence, with views across the Arno valley, Villa Colle di Sotto offers the chance to be master of all you survey. Stay here and you'll be tempted out into that landscape, not only to Florence, but Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra. At nearby Empoli, admire the green glass they’ve been making here for centuries and try the local artichoke named after the town. At Vinci, discover the story of the original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci. And there is fantastic birdwatching, too, on the Fucecchio Marsh.
But it will be hard to drag yourself away from your comfy perch, a peaceful spot where you can revel in the truly spectacular views from two outdoor terraces and the lovely private pool set amid the olive trees. You can enjoy the scene through the windows of the villa, too, whichever of the house’s two apartments you’re staying in.
This six-bedroom house has been thoughtfully split in two, with private entrances yet the convenience of an interconnecting door. So it’s a good choice for a large group of up to 11 guests, a place to spend time together yet enjoy some independence.
On the ground floor, there is a spacious lounge, dining room and kitchen, and, tucked away, a single and two double bedrooms, which share a couple of bathrooms. This is a cheery space, boldly decorated in vivid pinks, blues and yellows, yet still retaining original features, such as exposed stone walls and the terracotta tiles on the ceilings and floors, a pleasing visual reminder that you’re in Tuscany.
The first-floor apartment, styled in pastel shades, is just as spacious and comfortable with a similar mix of antique and modern furniture. A flight of stairs leads a large double sitting room, both with large relaxing sofas and one also set with a dining table. Off here, a quiet area provides the sleeping quarters, with a master en-suite bedroom, as well as double and twin bedrooms, which share their own bathroom. The well-equipped kitchen on this floor has the advantage of a furnished balcony. It’s a sunny place for a morning coffee – and yet another chance to be enchanted by those mesmerising views.
There is another rental property next door which is separated off by its own gates and a hedge to give maximum privacy.
First Apartment
Ground Floor
Lounge
TV with TV stand, extra-large sofa, armchair, bookshelves, side table, fireplace (decoration only), coffee table, table with soft chairs, two antique sewing machine side tables, rocking chair, desk, chair, bookshelf, side table, door to the car park, French doors to terrace, terrace with pergola, large table and 12 chairs.
Kitchen
Fully equipped kitchen, fridge/ freezer, oven with 4 gas hobs, TV, glass cabinet, side table, shelf, table, and 6 chairs. mosquito screens.
Cloakroom
Sink, bidet, WC.
Utility room
Sink washing machine, large chest freezer.
Bedroom 1
Double bed (can’t be converted into twin beds), two bedside tables,chest of drawers, large wardrobe, ceiling paddle fan, air-conditioning.
Bedroom 2
Single bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, (access to the entrance hall for the internal staircase to the 1st floor).
Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC bidet.
Bedroom 3
Double bed (can’t be converted into twin beds), two bedside tables, floor standing mirror, armchair, walking through wardrobe, ceiling paddle fan, air-conditioning.
En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC, bidet.
First Floor
Second Apartment
Cloakroom
Sink, bidet, WC.
Lounge
Two sofas with a coffee table, fireplace, glass cabinet, chest of drawers, round table with 2 chairs, two interconnecting doors to Dining Room/ Lounge 3.
Dining Room/ Lounge
Two-three-seater sofas, TV with TV stand, table and 6 chairs, side table.
Kitchen
Fully equipped kitchen, fridge/ freezer, oven with 4 gas hobs, old stove (decorative only) , table with chairs, desk of drawers, French doors to balcony, balcony with table, chairs, ceiling paddle fan.
Utility Room
Washing machine, sink, storage shelf
Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), side table, large wardrobe, wooden chest, wooden baby cot, ceiling paddle fan, air-conditioning.
En-suite Bathroom
Shower, double sink, WC, bidet, small cupboard.
Bedroom 5
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), two bedside shelves, wardrobe, chest of drawers, ceiling paddle fan, air-conditioning.
Bedroom 6
Two twin beds (cannot be converted into a double bed), dressing table, chair, wardrobe with chest of drawers, ceiling paddle fan, air-conditioning.
Bathroom
Shower, double sink, WC, bidet.
Private Pool
Length: 8 meters
Width: 3 meters
Depth: 1.4 meters
Entrance: Roman steps
Opening times: May to September
Fenced: No
Furnished: 3 Jacuzzi jets, sun loungers and chairs, table, chairs, double hammock and 2 rocking armchairs with table
Cleansed: Salt
Distance from villa: 10 meters
Travelling with a large group? 
