An exceptional venue for a large gathering of friends or family, Villa Cecconi combines everything you need for a week or two in Tuscany. Situated in sought-after Chianti wine country, within easy reach of Siena and Florence, this former 14th-century watchtower is not only a superb base for exploring Tuscany but an elegant retreat with enough space, style and services to delight guests of all ages. As you turn off the country road to Villa Cecconi for the first time, you can immediately get a sense of its grandeur. Perfectly spaced, tall cypress trees and colourful rose bushes line the immaculate driveway which leads you up through the gates to a magnificent wisteria covered parking area. Sublime views sweep over vineyards to the towers of San Gimignano in the distance, and the landscaped gardens lead you down to an inviting, large pool area. It is a magical place to switch off and enjoy rural Tuscany in style. Impressive in scale, the accommodation is spread out over three stone buildings. An original medieval watchtower forms the main villa, with its long dining table for 26, the best equipped and largest kitchen, as well as seven spacious bedrooms, each with their bathroom. Across the garden is an equally well furnished second smaller villa for six guests, perfect for a family or young adults who appreciate their bijou kitchen and living space. For those who prefer to avoid steps, the self-contained cottage is ideal and thoughtfully adapted for wheelchair access. Each part of the property has been carefully restored to a high level, retaining its original exposed stone walls, terracotta tiles and wooden beamed ceilings, so you have a sense of its historical routes. A large dining table under a gazebo on the lawn is the dreamy setting for eating the most delicious Tuscan meals together, prepared for you by a local cook if so desired. Budding chefs can enjoy firing up the outdoor pizza oven, and barbecue or fabulous simple dishes can be prepared easily with an array of fresh, seasonal produce from the local markets. After a morning taking in the sights in Siena or Florence, your private oasis awaits for a refreshing swim in the 16-metre pool or a siesta on a sun lounger. Yoga instructors, massage and beauty treatments can all be arranged for added luxury at the villa. Please note, we also feature the villa next door: Il Caratello (together they could accommodate larger parties.) #### Features The Villa Villa Cecconi is made up by three houses and with 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms in total, the villa can accommodate up to 24 guests Main Villa Ground floor - Fully equipped kitchen - Dining room with seating for up to 26 guests - Small living room - TV room with satellite TV - Guest bathroom with laundry First floor - Seven double bedrooms with en-suite bathroom Small Villa Ground floor - Fully equipped kitchen - Guest bathroom - Living room - Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom First floor - Three double bedrooms with en-suite bathroom Cottage - Fully equipped kitchen with dining room - Bathroom - Double bedroom (wheelchair access) Exterior - Garden - Swimming pool (16m x 9m) with infinity edge - Barbecue area with wood-fired oven - Gazebo outdoor furniture - Two private parking areas for up to 8 cars Accommodation arrangements 14 guests occupancy: 7 bedrooms in Main Villa only16 guests occupancy: 8 bedrooms in Main Villa & Cottage only24 guests occupancy: 12 bedrooms in Main Villa, Small Villa & Cottage #### Location Villa Cecconi is located in Chianti, a region which many consider is the heart of Tuscany. Famous for its delicious Chianti wine and fertile hills, the region is a magnet for wine buffs and foodies alike. For art history lovers, a visit to Tuscany is to experience at first hand some of the most important settings and artworks from the Italian Renaissance, such as Michelangelos David in the Accademia and Brunelleschis Duomo. Many villas in Tuscany take hours to find along bumpy country roads, but Villa Cecconi is easily reached just five drive minutes easy drive from the modern town of Poggibonsi where you will also find a couple of supermarkets. The more historic town of San Gimignano is just 15 minutes away for good restaurants, pizzerias and cafes. Food plays a central role in Tuscan life so enter into the spirit, find a scenic spot, sip on a glass of Chianti Classico and be sure to try the regions best seasonal produce. From light tomato Panzanella or Fagioli bean dishes to wild boar stews and fresh pasta, all finished off with mouth-watering cantucci biscuits and Vin santo dessert wine, Tuscan cuisine cannot fail to disappoint. Be sure to visit the farmers markets in Poggibonsi on Tuesdays or San Gimignano on Thursdays. For a smooth ride into Florence or Siena, follow the main road from Poggibonsi or leave the car at Poggibonsi station and jump on a local train there. Florence is the larger of the two, with its amazing collection of Renaissance art and architecture, a fantastic range of boutiques and a wide selection of restaurants. Siena is nearer, just a 20-minute drive from the villa. With an array of fabulous churches, galleries, restaurants, Renaissance and Gothic architecture and a stunning central piazza, one visit will not be enough.