Tuscany, Villa Leila – Villa — CALL

Perched atop a hill on a large estate in the Chianti area, Villa Leila is a gorgeous Tuscan villa offering the best of both worlds: its rural surroundings ensure privacy and tranquility, yet it is also just a 20-minute drive from the restaurants, bars and historical sights of Florence. The villa’s hilltop location allows for spectacular views of rolling fields, olive groves, vineyards and forest — even the well-kept gardens are a sight to behold.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of the Mediterannean sun here, whether you’re after rest and recuperation, or seeking an action-packed stay. Lie back on a sun lounger with a holiday read, before slipping into the large heated pool which is long enough to practice your lengths or splash around with your fellow guests. There are plenty of sports opportunities too, with a tennis court, football field and bocce court to make use of, in addition to a lovely park. When lunch time approaches, head to the outdoor dining terrace and fire up the barbeque for a delicious al fresco meal - or make use of the state-of-the-art kitchen and warmly decorated dining area indoors.

Combining traditional Florentine features with all the modern essentials of modern life, the villa’s decor seamlessly blends period furniture, terracotta-tiled floors, exposed beams and frescoes with sleek bathrooms, TVs and modern kitchen amenities. There are two spacious living rooms to wind down in, not to mention a separate sitting area in the tower with sensational panoramic views over the landscape.

There are eight bedrooms at Villa Leila, spread across three floors. They all feature ensuite bathrooms with showers, and have been beautifully decorated in the same traditional style as the rest of the villa. The room structure is ideal for large families and groups of friends: four rooms feature king-sized beds, two have queen-sized beds and the last two have two twin beds.