Get the lowest rate for your Hotel in Tuscany through Booking.com

Get the best deal direct from the owners on TuscanyAccommodation.com

Book your unique Tuscan Experience

Book your Tour

Book your Tickets ahead & Skip the line!

Buy Museum Tickets

Villas in Tuscany

Historic Villas to Visit for Vacation

Villas have their origins back in time, ever since the Romans built their summer residences outside of the city to escape from the summer heat. The tradition continued through the ages to today, where many families still possess a home in the city and one in the countryside.

Today, many villas in Tuscany are offered as holiday home rentals by their owners. Generally rented as a whole suitable for families or larger groups, there are many Tuscan villas that have been divided up into several apartments or flats that are perfect for a couple or small families. Many villas have permanently been converted into hotels or bed and breakfasts, offering guests the possibility to experience a holiday that seems to be at the country estate of a distant member or friend of the family.

Medici Villas and Unesco

There are 12 Medici villas in Tuscany which have been designated UNESCO Sites: Florentine Villas of Careggi, La Petraia, Castello and Poggio Imperiale, Belcanto Villa in Fiesole, Poggio a Caiano, Villa in Prato, Villa in Cerreto Guidi, Villa La Magia (near Pistoia), Villa di Artimino (Carmignano, near Prato), Cafaggiolo, Villa del Trebbio and Palazzo di Seravezza in Lucca.

Though these stately manors and villas are not open as independent holiday rentals, they are open to the public for concerts and touring both the grounds and the buildings. Yet there are several prestigious villas like those named above that have been restored and restructured as vacation homes and villas for rent. Close to Florence is the Villa Medicea di Lilliano, with is sunny gardens or close to Siena is Villa Vianci, with stupendous views of the Chianti countryside.

A little bit of history on villas...

During the Middle Ages when there were frequent clashes between factions and political upheavals in towns, prudent families had a country estate in which to take refuge. Villas were generally built outside of a village and had no military function; that is, the house itself needed no particular defense such as those a castle or fortress of older times. An itinerary in Tuscany, will take you by many beautiful villas.

So the old design of the fortress with towers, thick walls and slit windows was toned down and decorative details were added, blending well with smooth plastered walls, internal courtyards with a well and arches. The architecture of these "domestic castles" became an example to copy and improve on, the results of which we see in the classic and elegant forms Tuscan villas have taken across time across all of Tuscany, and Italy for that matter.

You'll love reading about...

Osservatorio di Montignoso Villa Apartments

The two apartments in this gorgeously decorated villa near Gambassi Terme are ideally located to enjoy exploring the best of Tuscany, while the spacious living areas and bedrooms, gardens and swimming pool will also make it easy to relax during your holiday in Tuscany.

Read More

Villa Piaggia - Live your Holiday Dreams

The elegant vacation villa rental and wedding destination in Chianti near San Gimignano is available as a holiday rental and hosts up to 17 people. Villa Piaggia includes a fully-equipped kitchen, billiards room, dining room with fireplace, swimming pool & a total of nine bedrooms.

Read More

Italian Villas are a State of Mind

An Italian villa evokes images of beautiful Tuscan stone built manors surrounded by vineyards and olive groves for the vacation tourist, however the locals view the Italian villa as a way of life and a symbol of their rich past.

Read More

Villa Ulignano - Prestigious in the Italian Film World

The stunning private Villa Ulignano in Tuscany can sleep up to 30 guests, and offers a chapel, swimming pool, game room and sauna among the various amenities it offers. Possessing a dominant position on the hillside just outside of Volterra is the perfect setting for a wedding or other special event.

Read More

10 Things to Ask Before you Rent a Tuscany Villa

Is it your first time renting a Tuscan vacation villa? We share our insider tips to help you avoid any beginner mistakes with our top 10 tips on what to know and look at when you're looking at and choosing your vacation rental villa in Tuscany.

Read More

Castello di Cabbiavoli - A Fairy Tale Setting for your Holidays

The magnificent Castello di Cabbiavoli and the neighboring vacation farmhouse is the perfect introduction to Tuscany and its lush landscapes. Choose an elegant decor, AC and private swimming pool.

Read More

Villa Fillinelle Deluxe Accommodations in Chianti

Prestigious Tuscan vacation villa rental for 12 - 15 persons in the Chianti countryside.  Villa Fillinelle combines the elegance and charm of a historic medieval home with the WiFi, AC, a beautiful garden with a large swimming pool.

Read More

Villa Vianci - Magnificent views of Chianti

Villla Vianci is set on the top of a prodominent hill near Castellina in Chianti. Perfect for up to 12 people, the villa is the perfect home away from home, the ideal setting for relaxing on your vacation in Tuscany.

Read More

Private Villa Le Tortore in Siena

Sitting atop a hill just outside Porta Romana in Siena, the villa offers a chance to enjoy the Tuscan countryside as well as the city of Siena. A 15 minute walk brings you to the center of Siena, a bus stop and supermarket just outside the villa make it possible to not need a car whatsoever. Perfect for up to 5 guests, the villa offers a private pool, tennis court and 3 hectares of olive trees in your backyard as well as modern conveniences such as WiFi and air conditioning.

Read More

Villa Corsanello - Siena Skyline in your Sights

Enjoy some of the most gorgeous views of Tuscany directly from your window and from the pool. The vacation rental Villa Corsanello sleeps up to 8 people and is found near Siena in the beautiful Crete Senesi. 

Read More

Villa il Poggiale B&B - Poolside with the Tuscan Sun

The beautiful Renaissance Villa il Poggiale in Tuscany welcomes guests into a simple, yet elegant and refined atmosphere of a Tuscan country home. With just over 20 rooms, the small B&B outside of San Casciano is surrounded by well-maintained grounds with stunning views over Chianti.

Read More

Villa I Leoni - Enchanting Landscape of Chianti

Perfect for a family reunion or a holiday with a group of friends, Villa I Leoni is a delightful villa immersed in the green of Chianti.  It can accommodate up to 37 people and has a large private pool. Nearby two independent vacation homes, which can be rented separately or together with the villa.

Read More

Montecastello - Holiday Villa in Tuscany's Northwest Mountains

This deluxe vacation villa built around a medieval tower is a perfect base for exploring the Lunigiana area, going to the beach in the summer or going skiing in the winter in the nearby Apennines. The villa hosts up to 8 guests in 4 rooms, all with a view of the gorgeous surrounding mountains, with a private pool, covered terrace, fireplace and many comfortable nooks and crannies to make it relaxing any time of the year whenever you stay put.

Read More

Tuscany Villas Showcase the Culture

The best way to appreciate Italy is by staying at a Tuscany Villa where you can experience a complete vacation exploring not only its culinary delights, amazing art and landscape but also a glimpse of the Tuscan culture and architecture.

Read More

Villa Arnilù - Starry Nights in San Gimignano

Villa Arnilù is an exclusive villa for rent near the medieval town of San Gimignano. It can accommodate up to 14 guests and has a beautiful panoramic swimming pool, surrounded by a large garden and extensive grounds. It's a perfect base for exploring all main sights in Tuscany.

Read More

La Dogana - Holiday in an Authentic Castle

Ideal for 18-20 guests, the Villa Dogana was once considered a castle reigning over the Mugello countryside outside of the historic city of Florence.  A holiday here will guarantee you and your family a unique Tuscan vacation. (Villa is rented as a whole, not by room.)

Read More

La Villa con gli Archi Near the Tuscany Coast

This lovely private villa is comprised of up to 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a private pool and well-maintained garden for picnics & leisurely afternoons in the shade. La Villa con gli Archi is a luxurious vacation rental located in Maremma near the stunning Tuscan beaches.

Read More

Fattoria Pogni: a Vacation in the hills & vineyards of Certaldo

The eco-sustainable vacation accommodations Wine Resort Fattoria Pogni combine the beauty of the Tuscan landscape near Certaldo with delicious wine, modern luxuries, comfortable holiday apartments & a vacation villa rental for up to 10 persons

Read More

Villa Podernovo Wedding Villa near San Galgano Abbey

The gorgeous stone Tuscan villa just outside Monticiano and just 7km from the enchanting Abbey of San Galgano is a perfect location for hosting wedding receptions in Tuscany, hosting up to 18 guests of the wedding party overnight.

Read More

Montefreddo Private Villas & Apartments

In southern Tuscany, near the border with Umbria & Lazio on the skirts of Monte Cetona, the Montefreddo estate offers elegant and exclusive lodgings in a private villa and villa apartments. With simple modern furnishings combined with traditional country decor, the villas with private pool, ample gardens and A/C offer the perfect setting for a relaxing stay in Tuscany amidst organically grown vineyards and olive groves.

Read More

Our Travel Guides

  • DiscoverTuscany.com
  • VisitFlorence.com
  • Chianti.com
  • Tuscany Accommodation.com
  • Florence Accommodation.com