Chianti Area Villas

This strikingly beautiful and secluded four-floor villa in the heart of Chianti, only 20 minutes from Siena and in the small town of Casole d'Elsa, is quite simply the finest private villa for rent in Tuscany. The villa, owned for centuries by an Italian aristocratic family, dates back to 1400 and was recently restored with extreme care. It is encircled by spectacular gardens, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Its luxury, sophistication and beauty is sure to please. This magnificent home features stunning interiors embellished with rich furnishings and fine works of art. The main living area boasts a spectacular arched brick ceiling, lavish decor and a beautiful fireplace. Guests in the main house will enjoy the versatility of the four suites (three with Jacuzzi), nine queen bedrooms, two twin bedrooms and one single bedroom; while those in the private annex will have the convenience of two beautiful queen bedrooms. All bedrooms at Villa Gaia have en suite bathrooms. The many outdoor dining/seating areas were thoughtfully designed to offer maximum privacy. Villa Gaia expertly blends tradition with modern comforts, providing an exclusive atmosphere where guests feel at home. An excellent selection of Tuscan and Umbrian wines are in stock, and the villa will purchase specific labels upon client request. The flat-screen satellite TV, DVD and PlayStation are great for families. The spectacular property offers every amenity for pleasure and recreation, such as swimming pool, barbecue, A/C, whirlpool, sauna, tennis court, mountain bikes and bocce court. Golf and horseback riding are both nearby. Exciting activities that can be arranged include: guided tours to the most important wine cellars in Tuscany, mountain bike tours, orchestral musical entertainment, and even an excursion to discover the beautiful coastline of Monte Argenario with one of the three motorboats available for daily rental. The professional and caring staff of eight includes a butler, six domestics, and a gardener. Villa Gaia's large size and luxurious accommodations make it the ideal hideaway for family reunions and special events.

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Bedroom / Bathroom DescriptionMain Villa

• 1 Single bedroom, en-suite bathrooms, telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe
• 2 single Twin bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe
• 7 Queen bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe
• 3 Queen suites, en-suite bathrooms (1 with Jacuzzi tub), telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe

Guest House (located in the main villa)

• 1 Queen bedroom, en-suite bathrooms, telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe
• 2 Queen suites, en-suite bathrooms with Jacuzzi tub, telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe

Annex

• 2 Queen bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms, telephone, Satellite TV, A/C and Safe

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Features & Amenities

• Telephone
• Satellite TV
• A/C
• Safe
• Flat-screen TV
• DVD Player
• VCR and PlayStation in TV Room
• Some Jacuzzis with light-therapy massage

Outdoor Features

• Multiple outdoor sitting and dining areas
• Gardens, patios and recreational facilities
• Tennis court
• Swimming Pool (16 x 8 m) and whirlpool
• Sauna
• Changing room and two bathrooms
• Outdoor (cold-water) shower
• BBQ

Staff & Services Included

• 1 Butler, 6 House staff and Gardener provided daily for pre-determined set of hours
• Staff service included for breakfast dinner
• Electricity included for up to 330 kW (extra charged on usage)
• Weekly change of bed, bathroom and pool linens

At Extra Cost

• Additional staff for groups over 25 guests
• Chef service (dinner served at 8:00/8:30 pm unless otherwise arranged)
• Final cleaning
• Personal laundry or dry cleaning extra
• Grocery service can be provided
• Continental breakfast buffet
• Lunch arrangements can be made locally
• Elegant 5-course dinner
• Staff service for lunch
• Cleaning soaps, food and beverages to be paid locally

Villa Policies

• No Pets Allowed
• Non-Smoking Villa
• Electricity, hot water, and gas for central heating not included
• Telephone and fax charges is billed to individual rooms
• Food allowance required in cash upon arrival
• Security deposit required to be held by Luxury Retreats on a valid credit card
• All services not included in rates are to be paid locally.
• Check-in: After 4pm
• Check-out: Before 10:30am

Getting There

• Transfers are available
• Rental car recommended
• Nearest Major Airport - Florence Peretola (FLR)

Location:

• San Gimignano - 9 miles
• Siena - 17 miles
• Florence - 35 miles
• Rome - 166 miles
• Riding and Golf facilities nearby

Additional InformationSPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Finest private villa for rent in Tuscany. Breathtaking views. Ideal for large groups. Convenient location between Florence and Siena. Full-time staff of eight including six domestics, gardener and butler. Staff works full time with a pre-determined set of working hours and alternates time off one day per week, per person. OPTIONAL SERVICES:
Guided tours to the most important wine-cellars in Tuscany - Golfing - Mountain bike tours - Orchestral musical entertainment. The villa stocks an excellent selection of Tuscan and Umbrian wines and will purchase specific labels at the client's request. What to do in the Siena region of Tuscany?
The medieval town of Siena was founded by the Etruscans and later became a Roman colony. During the 13th and 14th centuries it flourished as one of the major cities of Europe, growing rich from banking and the wool trade. The 14th century saw a great amount of construction: the Duomo, the Palazzo Publico and the Campo Square were all products of this time. Siena's glory took a tragic downturn by the end of the 14th century due to the Black Death and political upheaval. The city became little more than a rural market center. It was exactly this decline that accounts for the incredible state of medieval preservation that Siena exhibits today. Built across several hills and valleys, you will find a bit of up and down while walking through the historical center. However, the lack of traffic makes it a wonderful place to stroll—even when packed with tourists, there is a quiet and easygoing feel. A must-see is the shell-shaped square called Il Campo. This is the focal point of the city as well as being the venue for the internationally renowned horse race, the Palio. Casole d'Elsa hosts one of the most charming museums of the many recently opened/restyled in Siena. The art exhibited ranges from the Neolithic era to the XVII century. A visit to the attached Collegiata di Casole is also highly recommended. Colle Val d'Elsa's newer outskirts offer very few attractions, aside from the crystal manufacturing—but the old town/historical center, Colle Alta, deserves to be seen. Particularly interesting in Colle Alta is the Palazzo Campana, built in the XVI century by the architect Agnolo di Baccio d'Agnolo. This private building looks like a city gate, or a triumphal arch, and dominates the main street of Colle. The Cathedral shows a rich collection of paintings from the XVII century. Don't miss the dramatic and intense Nativity by Rutilio Manetti (fourth chapel on the right, looking to the main altar). INQUIRE