Villa Volpe

Villa Volpe is a real gem. Essential Italy is delighted to present what we believe is a perfect villa for family and friends. Located just 3 kilometres from the charming village of Chianni the villa lies on extensive grounds and even has its own private waterfall, a 10-minute walk through woodlands.

From the village, the quiet country road winds down to the entrance of the villa. The cypress tree lined driveway sweeps down to the villa. The huge pool will be the first thing you see which is surrounded by well-kept lawns. The villa is built in classic Tuscan style and the owners have maintained the farmhouse feel whilst at the same time bringing it into the 21st century. Throughout the villa the original floors and ceilings have been maintained and modernised ensuring the villa has a genuine Tuscan feel.

The main entrance to the house is via the kitchen which has lovely arched windows and is light and airy. The kitchen has all mod cons. A long marble table lines one side of the room and there is plenty of workspaces for you to prepare a delicious meal for family and friends. At the far end of the kitchen there is a working pizza oven and barbecue area. From the kitchen, you move into the living room, the heart of the house and rather special. The previous owners worked in the film industry and hence this villa has a truly unique feature - a fully operational 16 seater cinema! Original cinema seats cover one side of the large room and the drop down screen and surround sound system will for sure prove to be a huge hit with everyone. To the other side of the living area, there is a comfortable seating area with two large settees offering views over the wooded valley.

Steps lead from the living area into the lower ground floor and here there is a fully stocked wine rack, full of local delights for your arrival and you are welcome to consume and pay upon departure for what you have had (prices displayed). On this floor there is also access to the outside and a huge bedroom with two double beds, this can be used as a family room, or for teenagers to have their own den. Opposite there is a large family bathroom with a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Further stairs lead to the first floor of the house. The first bedroom is the master bedroom with a lovely en-suite bathroom with shower. There is a central second living area which can be used as a study area (with a large TV), it also has a sofa bed. From here a corridor leads to a further two double bedrooms and a twin. These bedrooms share two bathrooms, one with a walk in shower and the other with bathtub with shower. All the bedrooms have been decorated in a simple, calm fashion. Comfortable but without too many frills to provide a harmonious feel throughout the house.

There is a delightful area for dining altogether al fresco beneath ancient cypress trees overlooking the valley. This area also overlooks a wide lawn, where croquet or other games can be played or where evening cocktails can be enjoyed. To one end of this lawn lies the huge swimming pool which has sun loungers and a covered seating area. There is also a table tennis table by the pool, perfectly placed for a game followed by a cooling swim. The pool will for sure be a holiday hub, especially with its own special bar - Jojo's bar where you can prepare cocktails, soft drinks or pour yourself a beer.

The property extends well beyond the house and pool, with 150 hectares of land to explore which back onto the Santa Luce Nature reserve. There are many places to explore throughout the gardens and olive groves with benches to sit and admire views and enjoy a book. Another first for Essential Italy is that Villa Volpe has it's very own waterfall. About a 10-minute walk through woods there is a 10-metre high waterfall with a delightful natural pool, not many properties can boast this! (please note that in the summer the waterfall can run dry).

Once arrived we are sure that leaving will be tricky, however, once you do venture beyond the gates there are a wealth of places to visit and explore. The nearby village of Chianni (3km) is charming and low key. There are two excellent restaurants and a local grocery shop for day-to-day necessities. Further afield the beaches are only about 40 minutes away and Volterra, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena and Florence are all easy to reach. The villa is also close to the 'Teatro del Silenzio' - the world-renowned cultural home of Andrea Bocelli, every July this open-air amphitheatre in Lajatico hosts one of the most important concerts on the Italian music calendar.

Our only advice regarding Villa Volpe is to book early and enjoy every second of this special place.