Villa Montalbano 12, Cerreto Guidi - Florence

High on a hill near Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, this villa can easily host parties of 12-14 friends or family who wish to holiday together. There’s plenty of space for everyone here, with the added bonus of a separate, self-contained studio in the garden. There is much to explore nearby, and not just for art lovers – outdoorsy types will enjoy the excellent walks thorough the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. The connection to the outdoors is also emphasised in the design, with most of the downstairs rooms opening onto a wraparound veranda.

All rooms are bright and spacious, with whitewashed walls and glass doors opening onto the garden. The main house features two large lounges and dining areas, a kitchen with ample room for preparing meals and a rustic wood-burning oven. All bedrooms have their individual styles, with intricate iron beds, chandeliers and patterned curtains. Across the lawn, the annexe is a nice little hideaway. And you’ll all love the private pool, which overlooks the valley and has a lovely sun terrace with loungers and tables – the perfect spot for a relaxing sundowner.

Main House

Ground Floor

Lounge
Two sofas, three armchairs, two footstools, coffee table, two cupboards, table and chairs, side table, fireplace, doors to veranda.

Kitchen-Diner
Fully equipped, table with chairs, sideboard, bench, doors to veranda.

Study
Desk and chairs, armchair, sideboard.

Guest Toilet
Sink, WC.

First Floor

Sitting Room
Sofa bed, chest of drawers, TV, doors to Juliet balcony.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk with chairs, two-seater chair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
Twin beds (cannot be converted to double), wardrobe, coffee table.

Bedroom 3
Single twin, built-in cupboard.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, desk and chairs.

Bedroom 5
Twin beds (can be converted to double), wardrobe, two chairs, doors to Juliet balcony.

Bedroom 6
Double bed (can be converted to twins), wardrobe, two chairs.

Bathroom
Shower, sink.

Bathroom
Bath with overhead shower, sink, WC.

Annexe

Lounge
Sofa, sideboard, coffee table, doors to Juliet balcony.

Bedroom 7
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wooden doors to Juliet balcony.

Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Our Thoughts
With both a main house and annexe, this villa offers guests a wide range of accommodation options. And it’s a great a place from which to explore the birthplace of one of the world’s greatest artists, or to just relax in the comfort of your own garden. Those keen to discover the culture of Florence are within easy reach of the city, just 46km away. After a day of exploring, watch the setting sun turn the hills from green to gold as you lounge by the pool, or enjoy a barbecue together on the veranda.

Notes
Seven bedrooms. Five bathrooms, one en-suite. Gardens are fenced but the pool is unfenced. One of the bathrooms on the first floor is for washing only - it has no toilet.

Pool
The pool is located in the garden, surrounded by paving and furnished with loungers, chairs and garden furniture. The water can be accessed by an internal ladder. Pool size: 4m x 8.5m, 1.55m deep, open May to September, weather permitting.