Vacation Like a Medici in Tuscany at Villa Poggio Bartoli

Situated in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, the Villa, which was renovated in 2012, is a unique bed and breakfast or weekly rental hideaway where guests can experience what it's like to live and vacation like Italian nobility.

Built in the 15th century, Villa Poggio Bartoli was originally used as a country home and hunting lodge by the Medicis, the famous ruling nobility of Tuscany during the Renaissance.

From the moment of arrival, guests are welcomed into the Villa by all personnel and treated like family. In the grand tradition of gracious Italian culture, extra special care is taken to ensure that guests are as comfortable and content as possible. Luxury accommodations, culinary excellence and a wide variety of activities await, all highlighted by impressive views of the surrounding rolling Tuscan hills.

THE VILLA THEN & NOW

Villa Poggio Bartoli is set on 1,000 hectares. Throughout the property are touches that shed light onto the glorious history – from the use of special stone, coats of arms from various noble Tuscan families who owned the Villa over time, splendid fireplaces and impressive columns. Antique pieces are honored in the Villa and still a part of the daily furniture, including an imposing seventeenth century wardrobe in the main halls and an altar piece, which now serves as the headboard in a suite.

Signs of the past are also evident in finds such as the working water well in the basement, the discovery of an old kiln where the bricks were baked for construction of the Villa in the 15th century, and the olive oil mill in the cellar that is scheduled for restoration to working order.

While the décor is reminiscent of the time in which it was built, the property is equipped with all modern conveniences including complimentary high speed internet, satellite television, washers and dryers and more.

The Villa features a ballroom, dining room, billiards room, communal kitchen for gourmet meals, and a swimming pool open seasonally.

THE ACCOMODATIONS

The three floor property features luxurious suites and deluxe rooms, including the multi-level Tower Suite highlighted by a lookout tower with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It also includes a private sitting room, along with an antique stone fireplace. Each deluxe room and suite includes both a shower and bathtub, many with whirlpool capabilities. In-room amenities for all rooms include satellite television, telephone, hairdryer, air conditioning, safe, toiletries and slippers.

THE CUISINE

While at the Villa, guests will enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine prepared by Chef Jonathan Dreoni using local ingredients. Breakfast is included in the daily room rate, along with afternoon tea, and arrangements can be made to enjoy all meals on the property or to sample some of the local restaurants of Vicchio or elsewhere in the surrounding villages.

The property also offers culinary and wine classes that can be fully customized to suit any traveler's desires. Cooking classes range from instruction on how to make fresh pasta, classic Tuscan soups and chowders and appetizers typical of Tuscan cuisine.

For oenophiles, Antonio Lippi, the Villa's general manager, a certified sommelier and CEO of the Tenuta dei Sette Cieli vineyard in Bolgheri will guide a wine tasting with selections from the cellar. Private excursions to visit wineries in Chainti, or Bolgheri such as Ornellaia can also be arranged.

ACTIVITIES

The Villa offers the ideal balance of relaxation combined with unique activities for all ages. A highlight of Villa Poggio Bartoli is the extensive falconry program led by Alessio Galli, one of Italy's foremost falcon experts, which allows visitors to learn about the unique birds that reside on the property. Guests will witness flight demonstrations and can even learn how to hunt with these stunning birds of prey. The opportunity to interact with golden eagles, peregrine falcons and owls make this experience truly memorable.

Truffle hunting provides the culinary explorer the opportunity to search for these delicacies on the property using specially trained dogs, while serious huntsman can arrange for expeditions to seek out local game including wild boar in season.

Those looking to discover the local area can do so via a horse and carriage ride into town or journey to a hillside picnic. A handsomely attired driver will navigate one of the fifteen types of carriages on outings of the guest's choosing. Breeds of horses such as Lusitano, Tolfetano, Bardigiano and Lipizziano are also available for horseback riding.

Golf Club Poggio dei Medici, one of Italy most prestigious courses is just 15 kilometers from the property and tee times can be arranged by the Villa.

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS

Undeniably one of the most romantic locations in the world, Tuscany provides an unforgettable backdrop for destination weddings and honeymoons, with Villa Poggio Bartoli as central locale. The Villa, which features an onsite chapel original to the property, can accommodate celebrations of all sizes. An English speaking event planner is available to assist in the arrangements. From rehearsal dinners to the ceremony and reception to the moment the happy couple is whisked away via horse and carriage, weddings at the Villa thrill the bride and groom and guests alike.

EVOLUTION OF THE VILLA

From its 15th century origins, Villa Poggio Bartoli continues a never ending evolution. Having passed through the hands of many noble Tuscan families such as the Baldoccis, Papianis and Spinellis, the estate is now under the direction and careful care of new owners, who renovated the Villa in 2012 and bring their passions to the life and activities of the property. In early 2013 the Villa will introduce a small spa and the property will expand on its eco-luxury offerings with the development of biodynamic and organic vegetable gardens, cultivated through animal driven farm tools. Looking to the future, additional plans for Villa Poggio Bartoli include a full renovation of the cellar to yield a private wine room for dining, meeting spaces and a full service spa.

Villa Poggio Bartoli is located at Via Di Molezzano 45 - 50039 Vicchio, Italy. To book a room or learn more about the property, visit www.villapoggiobartoli.it