Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

There are an endless list of places to visit while enjoying a stay in a villa with pool in Tuscany that could compete for best view but many of these spots are in and around the famously picturesque area known as the Orcia Valley. This part of Tuscany epitomises the renowned beauty of the Tuscan countryside – think rolling green hills swathed in thin bands of fog in the early mornings and lit with golden light in the evenings, pretty and historic villages perched overlooking the valleys, cypresses lining winding roads, vineyards and olive groves stretching out to the horizon. It is an area of true pastoral perfection and one of the best places to enjoy these views, among all the amazing candidates, while staying in a vacation rental in the Orcia Valley, is from the gardens of the Palazzo Piccolomini.

Those who book one of our luxury villas in Florence will likely have a long list of tourist attractions to visit and things to see and do while in this magical gem of a city in Tuscany. However, we also recommend just taking the time to walk around and soak it all up. Simply wandering about the city is a delight in its own right because as you explore Florence on foot, you will be able to appreciate and closely admire its grand architecture and artistic treasures from magnificent palaces turned into museums, to its stunning churches brimming with art, to its lush gardens once privately owned by nobles and now opened to the public, to its picturesque piazzas with fountains and statues by famous artists and historic restaurants and cafés. Florence really is a feast for the eyes! And one stunning piazza that really shouldn't be missed during a vacation in Tuscany is the Piazza della Repubblica.

Tuscany is home to some magically beautiful towns; places that seem almost untouched by the passing of time, historic cores that have been perfectly preserved, cobblestone streets and winding alleys, towering fortresses and glittering churches full of masterpieces, old walls encircling it all, and sweeping views across the famous rolling green hills of the region. Among the many towns that match this storybook description, one of the most stunning has to be Siena. In fact, Siena has much to offer visitors, with lots to see and do, but it also boasts remarkable looks. So, if you are browsing our listings on Tuscany Villas, it is worth considering a villa in Siena and time spent exploring the picture-perfect historic centre of this lovely place. 

Florence is a city steeped in architectural marvels and charming delights. There are many sweeping piazze full of staggeringly large and wondrous buildings, long thoroughfares lined with neat stores in historic buildings, charming little lanes dotted with surprises, and blocks of ancient palaces preserved or put to new use. Famously the birthplace of the Renaissance, this enchanting Italian city captures the hearts of travellers from all over the globe each year with its timeless beauty and to experience the grandeur of Florence yourself, there is no better way than to reside in one of our exquisite villas in Tuscany or villas with pools in Florence.

Once you arrive, be sure to seek out the Ponte Vecchio. Yes, you’ll likely see it from its prominent position along the Arno as you explore the city, you may even need to cross it, but it is not merely just some bridge but an iconic landmark and fascinating attraction all in its own right... 

Tuscany abounds with beautiful historic buildings and homes, in particular. Some of these astounding buildings remain private homes (some can even be booked through our website, like the stunning Villa Moriano that we recently highlighted), others have been converted into hotels, and others still house museums or are open to the public for tours as attractions in their own right. Many have equally gorgeous gardens that can be enjoyed and explored. Villa Bottini in Lucca is a very charming example that is sometimes open to the public but, more often, is used as a site for various kinds of exhibitions and events.

While perhaps not as famous as some of the buildings that surround in Lucca and certainly not a household name like Tuscany’s most famous architectural gems, it is certainly worth exploring if you have found a villa with pool in Lucca or if you are planning on renting one of our Tuscany Villas this summer and are looking for unique events to attend in the most magical of settings. Varying hugely each year, you’ll have to keep your eyes open, but you can pretty reliably ensure that this intriguing gem of a building is likely going to be the site of some extraordinary outings and magical events.