Monastero was once the residence of the powerful Cardinal de Ricci and thereafter a monastery. The current owner restored Il Monastero, which totals 800 square meters in size, with meticulous detail, and an eclectic style. The size of the villa is countered by the intimate atmosphere created by the combination of the personal taste of the owner, and the original antique features of the villa. 

The villa in its entirety can sleep 18 people, but part of the villa is available for smaller groups. As does the villa, the bedrooms incorporate different styles, some having four poster beds and some retaining the original frescoes. There is a comfortable living/music room, 2 reception rooms with satellite TV, DVD, VCR, the “dungeon bar”, 2 dining rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and an 18x8 meter marble saltwater swimming pool, and a hot tub. The villa is a short walk from a charming restaurant, and 35 minutes from Florence.

Fine Points

Monastero’s location in central position makes it perfect for touring Chianti and convenient for trips to Florence.  Besides being located a short walk from a family run restaurant, it is only 10 minute drive from Panzano, home to great places for food and wine. However, the villa and the caretakers create such a wonderful atmosphere you may want to pass several days by the pool with drinks and lunch on the veranda.  The caretakers are dedicated to creating an experience for the guests of Il Monastero.

As noted, the exterior of the villa has historical significance dating back to 11^th century, and is typical of the Tuscan aristocratic villa style. However, the interior design is an eclectic mix, much of it with a Moroccan influence, making it a unique villa, unlike the typical Tuscan villa environment.   The villa is situated upon a hilltop with sweeping views of rolling hills of olive groves, vineyards, and woodland.

The large marble pool is located upon an elevated perch above the villa, providing spectacular views, while remaining only steps down to the house.  A Moroccan tent complete with fridge, rugs, and large pillows for lounging offers a relaxing respite from the sun.  Surrounding the pool, and the hot tub are several teak chaise lounge chairs.  There is an outdoor shower, and an underground bathroom/changing room.

The villa has a main house, and a guest house that is rented for groups in excess of 12 people, otherwise just the main house is occupied.  The entrance to the guest house is directly across from the main entrance of Monastero, on the eastern side of the villa.  There is a lovely outdoor loggia with a glass table that sits 18 for large lunches or dinners al fresco.   There is open grass and views from the villa, as well as several places to sit and enjoy the scenery, and hopefully a glass of wine. There are also Bocce courts, a Ping Pong table, and horseback riding can be arranged by the caretakers.

Piano Terra

The guest is first introduced to the house through a lovely stone courtyard adorned with several large flower pots, and a wicker seating area, perfect for morning coffee.  Even at this early introduction to the house, the guest can see the juxtaposition in styles, from the original stone walls to the rich wood window dressing on the second floor.  The mix of modern and ancient styles is repeated throughout the house, the owner, a designer, meticulously handled every detail, including radiant neat in the floors, as not to disturb the overall aesthetic.

From the terrace, leads to the dining room that has a large fireplace, a long antique wood table, and access to both the kitchen and “dungeon bar.”  The bar includes a 32" TV with satellite capability, a multiple CD disc system with speakers throughout much of the villa, antique couches adorned with leopard prints, a Long wood bar with ostrich covered stools.  Both the dining room and Bar are adorned with hunting trophies, an ambiance that is specific to this part of the house. 

The kitchen is comfortable for cooking, has a six burner stove and also opens onto the courtyard, convenient for getting snacks when lounging in the courtyard.  There is also a half bath easily accessed by the above rooms.

Bedrooms

The Bedrooms and bathrooms are interesting and quirky, the bathroom design are especially interesting many with antique marble wash basins, all with individual character and unique quality.

There is a large bedroom with two separate twin beds, perfect for young adults.  This room has two doors leading outside, Ivy themed fresco wall, as well as access to the courtyard across from the room.

A double bedroom with en-suite bath and queen canopy bed, the design reminiscent of an African safari. Doors open onto a south facing terrace, and the en-suite bathroom has a large custom stone tub, large rainfall shower head, and two antique marble sinks, and vanity.

A double bedroom with canopy queen bed, rich colors, and ensuite bath with glass and wrought iron stall with rainfall shower head, and marble sink, a truly unique design.

An elegant double bedroom with two doors leading to the south terrace, en-suite bath with enclosed shower.

Primo Piano

The main living room, or music room as the owners like to refer to it is the main social area of this floor. There is a baby grand Piano, comfortable couches, and photos, and books abound.  This warmth of this room is a reminder that is truly a personal home.

From the living room a “winter dining room’ can be accessed with has leather chairs, and long table for seating 8-10.  This room will most likely be the least used since there are so many great places to dine, inside and outside of the villa.  Abutting this room is the staff kitchen.

Bedrooms

Double Bedroom with hues of red and gold, south facing window, and ensuite bath with enclosed shower.

Large double bedroom with a queen bed with antique headboard and ensuite bath with warm red hues, and marble vanity.

Large double bedroom, with king sized bed and access to outside deck.  Large grey and white striped ensuite circular bath (step-in built tub in corner, and rainfall shower head.

Guest House

A double bedroom with queen bed with antique headboard, bright wall colors, and deep blue colored drapes.  The ensuite bath with enclosed shower mimics the colors of the bedroom.

A large bright double bedroom with queen canopy bed, and ensuite bath with enclosed shower stall, white and grey striped walls, and a granite vanity.

Notes:

• There is a laundry room to be used by staff only.

• The attentive caretakers live in separate apartment in the villa that has its own entrance.

• The caretaker's friendly dog is a fixture of the property.