Italy, Tuscany. Florence Countryside. Villa Montecatini, a lovely large 7 bedroom villa, sleeps up to 16, about 25 miles from Florence center. Interior: 900 m2 in size, on 3 levels. On the ground floor: entrance hall. Dining room, exit to the patio. Living room with separate WC and satellite-TV. 1 bedroom with 2 beds. Kitchen-/living room (5 hotplates, oven, dishwasher, deep freezer) with dining table. Upper floor: lounge with open fireplace. 1 double bedroom. Lounge. Dining room with open fireplace. Open living room. Open lounge, exit to the garden. Open living room. Sep. WC. 2nd upper floor: living room. Lounge with 1 double sofa bed. 1 double bedroom with shower/bidet/WC. Small lounge with shower/bidet/WC. 1 double bedroom. 1 bedroom with 2 beds and shower, bidet, WC. 1 double bedroom with shower/bidet/WC. 1 double bedroom with shower/bidet/WC. Facilities: washing machine. Located at 10 km from Montecatini Terme. The 19th century villa has been restored, and is in a quiet position, in the middle of a large park with old trees. From the house you can see the observation tower to the Montalbano hills with olive groves and vineyards and to the stronghold towers of Serravalle. The swimming pool is 600 m away, open from 10.00-19.00 hours. Area: The villa is 6 km from the centre of Pistoia, 39 km from the centre of Lucca, 40 km from the centre of Firenze, on a side street. Private: garden (fenced), swimming pool (12 x 6 m, 12.05.-22.09.), outside shower, garden furniture, barbecue. Motor access to the house (100 m via unmade road). Parking. Shop 8 km, grocers 1 km, railway station 500 m. Sandy beach 60 km, golf course 15 km.  5 star rating, our best. Area Information: Montecatini Terme is a chic, well-known spa resort. The countryside around Florence stretches north to the Apennines. A flourishing region, with broad valleys that reach to the slopes of the mountains. To the south, following the flow of the river Arno, the region extends as far as the borders of the Arezzo district. To the west towards the sea, it reaches important historical centres, such as Pistoia and Montelupo Fiorentino, The area is rich with magnificent Renaissance architecture and Medici villas, surrounded by Italian-style gardens, monasteries, villages, ancient churches, artworks.

Chianti Classico Moderna
8 bedroom, 7 bathroom Chianti property,  villa and guest house, private pool and panoramic Chianti countryside views, sleeps 18
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Tuscany, Chianti Region. This lovely villa in the idyllic Chianti region combines the very best of old and new -- classic Tuscan setting and style combined with a fine, contemporary recent renovation. The villa is set in the green rolling Chianti hillside between  Gaiole and Castelnuovo Berardenga. The main villa dates back to the 17th century and has been immaculately restored with careful consideration and respect to the original Tuscan architecture. The property has all the modern conveniences including air-conditioning, fully wi-fi throughout, large flat screen Satellite TV and a well-equipped modern professional kitchen. The bedrooms are comfortable and very stylishly furnished in contemporary fashion and just across from the main villa is a stone guest house that can accommodate up to 6 guests, making this a great place for large families or groups.  INTERIOR:  In the main villa on the ground floor you will find the entrance hall, dining room and fully-equipped professional standard modern kitchen that opens onto outdoor patio eating area and a powder room. There is also a twin bedroom and bathroom with its own separate entrance. On first floor is a study, sitting room, TV room and double bedroom w/ ensuite bathroom and on the upper floor is the large master bedroom w/ ensuite bathroom, and two more double bedrooms also w/ ensuite bathrooms. In the separate guest house there is a ground floor twin bedroom, a smaller bedroom w/ bunk beds, bathroom, laundry room and private covered veranda and upstairs is the open-plan living/dining room w/ kitchen corner opening onto a terrace w/ beautiful views and a double bedroom w/ bathroom.  EXTERIOR: Large covered furnished veranda ideal for eating al fresco and savoring the scenery and setting with panoramic Chianti countryside views, as well as lush, well-tended grounds, large private pool all overlooking the countryside from the villa's panoramic position. There is an English speaker caretaker living on the grounds in apartment w/ separate entrance and maid service of 3 hours per day, 5 days a week is included. LOCATION:  Ambra in Chianti region of Tuscany, (Nearest village with shops);14, Gaiole in Chianti;16, Montevarchi (nearest motorway exit);24, Siena;34, Arezzo;47.

Villa Traversa   near Florence   
Lovely 8 bedroom  beautiful castle, private pool, sleeps 16
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Italy, Tuscany. Traversa. Lovely 5 star castle, 8 bedrooms, on a large estate, beautifully decorated with very luxurious and stylish furnishings. Only 28 miles from Florence. Interior: 480 m2 on 4 levels. On the ground floor: kitchen (oven, dishwasher, deep freezer) with open fireplace. Sep. WC. Upper floor: large lounge with open fireplace, satellite TV, video and CD player. Dining room. Living room. 1 bedroom with 2 beds and shower/bidet/WC. Shower/bidet/WC. 2nd upper floor: 1 double bedroom with shower/bidet/WC. 1 double bedroom with hip bath/bidet/WC. 1 bedroom with 2 beds. 1 double bedroom with shower/bidet/WC. Bath/bidet/WC. 3nd upper floor: 1 double bedroom. 1 bedroom with 2 beds and shower/bidet/WC. Shower/bidet/WC. Top floor: 1 bedroom with 2 beds. Washing machine. Situated in the most charming area of the Mugello. In the large park estate, there is also a manor house for rent, a caretakers house, and a chapel that can be used for weddings. Extra services available on request: party catering, hourly household help, baby sitter. Florence airport is 45 km away. Extra charges: Final cleaning fee, security deposit, gas, heating and water are extra payable locally according to use. Luxurious castle, 4 storey, 500 m from the centre of Traversa, 18 km from the centre of Barberino di Mugello, 45 km from the centre of Firenze, in a quiet, elevated position, in the green. Private: garden, swimming pool (6 x 12 m, 01.04.-30.10.), terrace, garden furniture. Grocers 500 m. Tennis 10 km, golf course 20 km, riding stables 1 km. Florence 45 km. When available both villas can be rented together. *5 star VIP rating. Wonderful setting for weddings.

Italy, Tuscany. Chianti Classico. 11 bedrooms, sleeps 22, 5 kms from Montevarchi. Lovely, large stone house, and 2 annexes, 410 m2 total, great for large groups. Interior: on the ground floor, antique and tasteful furnishings: entrance hall. Upper floor: lounge with open fireplace and satellite-TV. 1 double bedroom. 1 double bedroom with open fireplace. 2 double bedrooms, each room with shower/bidet/WC. 1 room with 2 beds. Kitchen (4 hotplates, oven, dishwasher, micro wave, deep freezer) with dining table. 2 showers/bidet/WC. Panoramic view of the countryside. Facilities: washing machine, modem connection. On the ground floor there is access to a large room (32 m2) whre an arch separates the billiard room from the living room. From one of the bedroom there is access (1.2 m in height) to a loft room with rattan lounge. The first annex, 100 m2, on 2 floors consists of a double bedroom and a dining/kitchen on the ground floor with access to a covered patio (50 m2 with outdoor furniture). Shower/bidet/WC. 1st floor: 1 double bedroom. 1 twin bedroom. Shower/bidet/WC. the second annex, 100 m2, consists of large, sunny living room, kitchen, 1 double bedroom and 1 shower/bidet/WC on the ground floor. 1 double and 1 twin bedroom, shower/bidet/WC on the 1st floor. Both kitchens are adequate for self-catering. Gazebo with furniture next to the swimming pool. Lovely stone house from end of 18th century, situated in a wonderful setting, 350 m above sea level, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and forests, nice panoramic position. It is ideally positioned to visit the most important towns like Cortona, Pienza, Montalcino, San Gimignano and the Chianti area. The main house (sleeps 10) and the 2 annexes opposite it (each sleeps 6) are rented together (sleeps 22), in total 410 m2. Wood burning oven, organic fruits and vegetables. It is possible to buy local olive oil and wine on site. 45 km from the centre of Siena, 50 km from the centre of Firenze, 30 km from the centre of Arezzo. Private: grounds 5000 m2 (fenced), garden 2000 m2 (fenced), swimming pool (6 x 12 m, 07.05.-01.10.), table tennis, garden furniture, barbecue, fireplace. In the house: billiards table, washing machine. Parking by the house. Shop 5 km, grocers 3 km, bus stop 800 m. Tennis 5 km, golf course 50 km, riding stables 3 km. Area; in the eastern part of Chianti, on the slopes leading down to the Arno valley, surrounded by olive groves, woods and vineyards. Historical village, in the eastern part of the region, on top of a hill, on a slope, 40 km from Arezzo, Siena, 50 km south-east from Firenze. All shops, restaurants etc. in Cavriglia 4 km. Gaiole in Chianti 13 km. For arrivals by plane: airport Florence 70 km.

Lucca Country Estate 30,  Tuscany
Luxury Tuscan Estate,  pool and tennis court, Sleeps 22 to 30.
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Italy, Tuscany. Beautiful historical estate with staff and private chef set on 50 acres of pine forests and olive groves ideal for made up of a luxurious frescoed main villa restored to a very high level with modern amenities has 11 bedrooms and bathrooms and 5 reception rooms with extensive entertaining areas, a casina with 1 bedroom and bathroom, and a coach house with 3 bedrooms and bathrooms. The villa accommodates 22 people in style and comfort, with chef and staff and for parties of 24 the casina can be rented and for 28 to 30 the coach house is also available . Ideal for family gatherings or weddings. Nestled in 50 acres of olive groves and pine forests the villa lies in the picturesque village of Vorno approximately 8 kilometres south of Lucca and has extensive gardens, a floodlit tennis court, a large swimming pool and several different al fresco dining areas. Hence the surroundings are completely rural and tranquil yet guests have the convenience of the village bar, shop and restaurant all being only five minutes walk away. There are wonderful views of the surrounding hills, forests, olive groves and the Alpe Apuane, sometimes snowcapped in the winter. The chef is a master of the culinary art.  View of olive groves and hills. LOCATION: Situated 25 minutes drive from Pisa airport, 35 minutes from Forte dei Marmi and the Versilian coast, and 50 minutes from Florence airport, the villa offers a unique combination of easy international access, country atmosphere and proximity to the historical and cultural delights of Tuscany. The lovely historical town of Lucca is only 10 minutes drive north of the estate on the old Pisa road. Lucca is the nearest railway stations, giving easy access to La Spezia and the delights of the Cinque Terre. HISTORY: The original building dates back to the 15th century, but through the years there have been many changes and the actual aspect of the villa is that of the early 1800’s when it was purchased by the Nottolini family. The main façade is the one facing north, which has a large door with architrave and stone frames. There is also a similar entrance on the south side of the building where there is the flower garden, a pond, flowerbeds, rose gardens, paths and pergolas. The estate also includes other buildings such as the Limonaia, the building where the lemon trees were traditional stored each winter, now a beautifully decorated full service kitchen often utilized for cooking school demonstrations, the Stables where wine cellar and wine tasting room is located, and the Chapel, now consecrated for Anglican wedding ceremonies. Luxury Category: Very Expensive.

Sognare Estate, Tuscany
16 to 18 bedroom Luxury estate, private pool, tennis court, full staff with Butler
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Italy, Tuscany. Sognare Estate, owned for centuries by an Italian aristocratic family, is a true gem in the heart of Tuscany. An expansive, luxury, fully-staffed estate dating from the 15th century, one of the finest estates available for rent in Tuscany. The Estate is made up of a main villa, 16,700 sq.ft. in size and a guest house, 4,850 sq.ft. in size, located 15 meters from the main villa. The entire property was painstakingly restored and renovated during the 1990`s with detailed attention given to every room and feature. The owners themselves have decorated the property with an elegant and refined style. The results are truly magnificent, the entire villa and guest house are exquisitely furnished and fully air-conditioned. Beautiful floor tapestries are found throughout the rooms covering the terra-cotta and wood floors, an extensive collection of oil, prints and engravings adorn the walls, stylishly rich fabrics, upholstery, and drapery have been chosen to compliment original features of each room, and refurbished antiques abound. The villa is encircled by spectacular gardens, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside with its rolling verdant hills, olive groves, and vineyards from every vantage point. There is a beautiful swimming pool (16 x 8 meters in size) with an adjacent large covered outdoor seating area with couches and tables, an annex with changing rooms, bathrooms, and sauna, a Jacuzzi for 6 people, and a pergola which provides shade by the pool. The tennis court is located below the pool. Next to the villa there is a large patio with a retractable awning where al fresco meals can be served for up to 36 people. Guests can relax in these luxurious surroundings and savor `la dolce far niente` or take advantage of the many excursions possible from the estate.  INTERIOR: MAIN VILLA: Grd floor: Large living room with several sitting areas with CD player and floor windows overlooking the cantina below. Three separate yet adjoining dining rooms, accommodating 31 people at round tables set under the vaulted stone ceilings, fill the adjacent rooms with each room opening through arched glass double doors to the south patio. Main fully-equipped professional kitchen. LOCATION: Sognare Estate is located in the Chianti region of Tuscany, 20 minutes from San Gimignano and Siena, 40 minutes from Florence,  and under 3 hours from Rome. STAFF. Luxury Category: Very Expensive.

ITALY  UMBRIA:

Villa Sambuco   On request, conference room, commercial kitchen, chapel for weddings 
11 bedroom, 11 bathroom villa, private pool, sleeps 22 (can sleep 26 with extra apartment in annex),  Valfabricca
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Italy, Umbria, Valfabbrica. Affordable rental for large groups. This dramatic 3 level (11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms) farmhouse villa from the 17th century, 500 m2 in size, sleeps 22, (or with rental of an apartment in an annex that sleeps 4, can sleep 26,  and is secluded in the rolling hills of Valfabricca (4 miles) nestled among trees, atop a hill. It has sweeping views of the beautiful countryside and overlooks an artificial lake. This property is in a vast park like setting. Ideally located in the hills between Perugia, Assisi and Gubbio, 6 km from Valfabbrica. Fully renovated and tastefully furnished retaining traditional flavor and character while adding modern requirements for comfort, and equipped with washing machine, dishwasher, TV, and telephone. Outside there are private garden areas, a covered veranda, a private swimming pool (5x12 meters). Perugia (18 miles), Assisi (15 miles). Bowls court, Private pool, Dishwasher, SAT TV, telephone, washing machine. Private: park 3 ha, garden, swimming pool; secured (5 x 12 m, open 5/8 to 9/25), outside shower, terrace, garden furniture, barbecue. Sun terrace, central heating, burglar alarm, washing machine. Motor access to the house. Parking by the house. * 4 star rating. On request, extra: private ancient chapel for weddings, and a large conference room equipped for up to 45 people, and a commercial kitchen, on the grounds. **** There is also an apartment that can be rented only with your group, sleeps 4. (Inquire for extra charge). Shopping 6 km., Train Station at Bastia 15 km, Tennis 6 km. Area: Valfabbrica is an historical village, with shops and restaurants, in the Chiascio Valley, 25 km from Perugia, 24 km from Gualdo Tadino, Assisi 20 km, 150 km from the centre of Firenze. The area has old villages with lots of charm, all over the region. Enjoy Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy`s largest lakes. The center of Valfabbrica, with butcher, grocer, bakery and internet connections, is a short drive.Airports: Florence 175 km, Rome 200 km. Great for wedding parties, corporate retreats or large family reunion celebrations.

Italy, Umbria. Villa, 9 bedrooms, sleeps 18, located in the Borgo Monticelli, a small Medieval village from 11th century. It has recently been renovated. 5 star rating. There is a bar/cafe 500 meters away. Lake Trasimeno 10 km. for bathing and water sports. Interior: 450 m2 on 2 levels, on the ground floor, antique furnishings: living room with 1 double sofa bed. 3 rooms, each room with 2 beds. 3 showers/bidet/WC. Upper floor: 3 rooms, each room with 2 beds. 1 room with 1 bed (140 cm). Gallery with 1 double sofa bed. Lounge with 1 bed and open fireplace. Lounge with open fireplace. Kitchen (4 hotplates, oven, dishwasher, deep freezer). 3 showers/bidet/WC. Panoramic view of the countryside. The top floor also has a 12th century tower housing 2 twin and 1 double rooms and which is divided into 3 open floors connected by a wooden staircase. Washing machine. Reserved parking. Private: swimming pool (8 x 4 m, 01.05.-30.09.). Bar, café 500 m. Castiglione d Valle, 10 km from Perugia. Extra: Final cleaning, Perugia is the main town of the Umbria region, with university and historic town centre. Bathing and water sports on Lake Trasimeno 10 km away. Cinema, restaurants, discotheques, museum, historical attractions. Indoor pool, tennis, golf.

ITALY  LAZIO:

Villa Ar Zilla
10 bedroom 10 bath villa, private pool, near medieval hamlet of Vitorchiano
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Brandolini
6 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 15/16th century property, private pool, in a charming village in the Dolomites, Staffed with maid, cook, sleeps 12, with 2 extra bedrooms on request, sleeps 16.
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Veneto. An imposing large 15th/16th century, restored historical property, with 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sleeps 12, with maid and cook, located in Cison di Valmarino, a charming village in the foothills of the Dolomites. (famous for its food and wine) and where Vivaldi and Titian grew up. About an hour drive from Venice and not far from the renowned resort of Cortina d`Ampezzo and Val Badia. The location is ideal for resting in tranquil, beautiful surroundings, and exploring the area which has many interesting places, including the many Palladian villas and small towns in the near vicinity. The interiors have recently been completely restored to a very high standard, offering the experience of a Renaissance home furnished with both luxurious antiques belonging to the family for centuries and modern high quality design. The 2 acre garden features a 18-meter swimming pool and a secluded seating area under a large chestnut tree. INTERIORS: MAIN 16th CENTURY HOUSE (8 PEOPLE) Huge high ceiling entrance hall and sitting room; second sitting room; dining room; large open space kitchen with view on rose garden and fireplace; 2 master bedrooms with bathroom en-suite (bath and separate shower); queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom (bath and separate shower); queen bedroom; bathroom (bath and separate shower) Tv room. 15th CENTURY WING (4 PEOPLE) Entrance hall; 2 sitting rooms; 2 queen bedrooms with en-suite bathroom. Maid service and meal preparation (breakfast and one other meal) is included 6 days a week, 8 hours a day. Laundry for the guests available. Bank and shops in the village of Cison di Valmarino. Venice airport 60 kms. Venice 65 kms. Treviso airport 35 kms. Congegliano 18 kms. Cortina d`Ampezzo 90 kms. ****Two extra bedrooms on request at extra cost.

Villa Rebolledo, near Alicante
Luxury Property, 8 bedroom 10 bathroom elegant villa, private pool, staff: maid, cook included, wheelchair access, handicap friendly property.
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SPAIN: COSTA BLANCA. Near Alicante. Villa Rebolledo, large lovely luxury villa on 3 levels, (600 m2) with 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, newly built 2009, located 6 km from center of Alicante, in a secluded quiet area, surrounded by fields, with little traffic. 10 km to beach, sea. 5 star rating, our best. Private grounds, 10 ha fenced, with a nice lawn, garden, plants and trees. Private pool with shower/WC in the pool area. INTERIOR: 600 m2 on 3 levels, spacious and bright, stylish furnishings: large dining room with air-conditioning and warm air heating. Exit to the garden. 6 bedrooms, each with 1 double bed, shower/WC and warm air heating. Exit to the patio.  2 bedrooms, each with 2 beds, shower/WC and warm air heating. Exit to the patio. Living room with open fireplace, satellite-TV and warm air heating. Exit to the garden. Living/dining room with open fireplace, dining table, bar, satellite-TV and warm air heating. Exit to the garden. Kitchen (dishwasher, micro wave). 2 baths/WC. 3 large terraces, large garden, lawn. Terrace furniture, deck chairs. Panoramic view of the mountains, the swimming pool, the garden and the countryside. Washing machine, dryer (extra). Internet (Wireless LAN [WLAN], free). Reserved parking (fenced, 20 cars). In the house: reception, restaurant, bar, lounge, bistro with TV, internet access (all included). Washing machine, tumble dryer (extra). Linen change daily. Room cleaning daily (included). House maid daily (included). Cook (included). Parking (for 20 cars) in the grounds. Supermarket 1 km, bar 1 km, bus stop 50 m, sandy beach `Los Arenales, San Juan` 10 km, Terra-Mitica 40 km, Aqualandia 40 km. The complex has night security. The cook service includes full board in the price. 5 star rating. For arrivals by plane: airport Alicante-El Altet (ALC) 12 km. Alicante is a lovely large dynamic coastal city, directly by the sea, with long sandy beach. It is 45 km from Benidorm, 170 km from Valencia. In the resort: shopping centre, post office, bank, restaurant, casino, evening entertainment, museum, cinema, attractions. Indoor pool, thermal pool, fitness centre. Railway station in the resort. Bus service. Harbour Alicante. Things to see and do: the cathedral of San Nicholas, the church of Sta Mria, the castle of Barvarian Sta. During the summer the beach areas of San Juan and Campello are the most popular and lively. In the area: Aqualandia in 45 m. Sports harbor Alicante. Sailing. Tennis, golf course. Minigolf. Child playground, amusement park Terra-Mitica 45 km. Wheelchair accessible entry, swimming pool, and 3 ground level bedrooms.

Costa del Sol

Villa San Roque, Sotogrande
8 bedroom  8 bathroom lovely property, Costa del Sol, sleeps 14, private pool, near the beach, sea views, short drive to marina and close to Spain's best golf courses   
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Provence, France, Salernes. Charming and spacious (450m2) historic old stone Provencal house built in 1820 and fully renovated in 2008 set on large fenced private parklands of 8000 m2 with private swimming pool. INTERIOR: Spacious classic Provencal home of 4 m2 with comfortable furnishings, lounge/living room w/ fireplace downstairs as well as a second living room lounge upstairs, dining room, fully fitted kitchens and 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, mostly ensuite. EXTERIOR: Large terrace ideal for lounging outdoors and private swimming pool, w/ outside shower and bathroom as well.  Downstairs are four bedrooms (3 w/ 3 beds each, one w/ two beds) and upstairs are 4 more bedrooms, two w/ two beds and one w/ 3 beds. EXTERIOR:  Large terrace, Terrace furniture, deck chairs, private swimming pool, washing machine, reserved parking (fenced).  outside shower and WC next to the swimming pool.  LOCATION:  House/Residence: Aups 8 km from Salernes: t. Private: park 8'000 m2 (fenced), swimming pool (12 x 6 m, depth 110 - 200 cm, 01.05.-30.09.), garden furniture, barbecue. Linen change weekly. Room cleaning weekly. Grocers, restaurant 200 m.  Salernes:  Cotignac village, approx. 10 kms away, in the valley "Vallee de la Bresque", at the confluence of the rivers Pelicourt and Grave famous, historical village with 3'330 inhabitants, 20 km from Le Verdon, 23 km from Draguignan, 33 km from Brignolles. All shops, restaurants etc. in the resort. Concerts, museum, cinema, attractions. Access: railway station "Les Arcs/Argens" 22 km. St Barthélémy 25 km. Villecrose 5 km. Nice 100 km, Toulon-Hyères 80 km, Marseille 110 km. Country market. Sights to see: St Barthelemy chapel, ceramic museum, old village centre, castle ruins.   sandy beach, 55 km from the resort. Walking path. Mountain bike tracks. Small bay "Crique de la Mule". Hiking routes. Le Verdon gorges, 26 km. St Croix lake, 31 km.