Villa il Santo, Barberino Val d'Elsa - Florence and Chianti

High on a Chianti hilltop, this luxurious eight-bedroom villa has lashings of space for 16 people to relax in serious style. The property is made up of two historic buildings - an old tower and neighbouring barn, now linked by a glass corridor - and no expense has been spared in converting them into a stunning, serene holiday home. In the streamlined interiors, old and new work harmoniously together. Terracotta-tiled floors and whitewashed and beamed ceilings sit happily alongside sleek, high-spec bathroom and kitchen fittings. Everywhere is bright, white and calm, with large arched windows allowing light to flood in and framing stunning views across a valley of vineyards.

The sense of spaciousness continues outside, where a series of flower-edged lawns and terraces on different levels almost encircle the house, and this is where you'll find your private pool, complete with adjoining hot tub. Back indoors, seven of the bedrooms are divided between the two main buildings, while the eighth is in a studio cottage near the pool - perfect for guests who like a bit of private space, yet with the ability to come together with the rest of the party and be sociable.

Ground Floor

Lounge 1
Two armchairs, footstool, two side tables, doors to terrace.

Lounge 2
Three sofas, two side tables, coffee table.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, kitchen island, doors to garden.

Dining Room
Table and chairs, stairs to first floor, cupboard.

Bedroom 1
Twin beds (can be converted to double), wardrobe, armchair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Cloakroom
Sink, WC.

Laundry Room
Fully equipped.

First Floor

Lounge 2
Sofa, four armchairs, footstool, two side tables, fireplace.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, side table with chair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers, chair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, storage chest, chest of drawers, armchair, fireplace.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 5
Twin beds (can be converted to a double), wardrobe, armchair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 6
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, armchair, side table with stool.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Second Floor

Bedroom 7
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), walk-in wardrobe, footstool, armchair, chest of drawers.

En-suite Bathroom
Bathtub, shower, sink, WC.

Cottage

Studio room
Well-equipped kitchenette, sofa, double bed (cannot be converted to twins), storage chest, main entrance.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Our thoughts
The owners of Villa Il Santo clearly have a designer's eye - everything about this property is immaculate, from the beautifully styled interiors to the perfectly manicured gardens, with their fragrant lavender beds and profusion of pretty pink roses. Park yourself on one of the many sun loungers, soaking up the views over a glass of spumante, and it's highly unlikely you won't want to leave - but if you do decide to explore, Florence and Siena, with all their cultural attractions, are both about an hour's drive away.

Notes
Eight bedrooms. Eight bathrooms, all en-suite. The gardens and pool area are fenced. 2 hours, twice a week cleaning service included. This service is not available on Sundays or bank holidays.
Parking - available on site

Private Pool
The pool is located in the garden, surrounded by grass which is furnished with loungers. The water can be accessed by Roman steps. Pool Size: 5m x 10m, 1.4m deep, open from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.