The definition of a country house, sometimes also called a ‘manor ’, is a large European historic house or mansion, usually with extensive grounds.
In the past, the main landowner owned the house and the surrounding land as part of a feudal estate. Country house estates go back many centuries and today many of them have been converted into luxury hotels, as a way to help restore properties, which would otherwise be difficult and expensive to keep up. This is what happened to Villa le Barone, a former estate producing olive oil, wine, wheat which was transformed in a Country House Hotel in 1976.
There are many good reasons for choosing a Country House Hotel like Villa le Barone to spend your vacations in Chianti. In this attractive 16th century Villa having belonged to the Della Robbia family and still owned by their heirs, you get peace and privacy, hiding in the large hushed woody garden or resting on the lawns along the rose beds or by the swimming pool, contemplating the marvelous surrounding hills of Chianti. It is a perfect romantic getaway, with its wood burning fireplaces, its historic rooms in the tower with a glorious view on the valley and hills, or the room with the original furniture of Marchesa Maria Bianca Viviani Della Robbia. You are in the countryside in the past centuries, but still, Villa le Barone is within driving distance to Florence, Siena or San Gimignano, so it is easy for guests to visit museums, churches, historic gardens …
Staying at this country house, you will be able to get a taste of the local Tuscan flavor and lifestyle, as the staff as well as the owners will give you lots of tips on the best things to do and see in the surrounding area… You will certainly feel like being in a private home, with plenty of books around in several languages, with fresh flowers arrangements in the elegant sitting rooms as well in the bedrooms, and with the honesty bar (you help yourself to drinks, leaving track of what you have drunk). The antique furniture and paintings, a family collection, provides a marvelous decor and atmosphere that will enhance your stay.
The grounds, adding to the Villa’s hideaway charm and historic elegance, allow you to practice several outdoor activities: tennis, swimming and keeping fit by using the outdoor fitness trail (a small fitness room is also available). Hiking, cycling, air balloon rides, golf are activities which can also be performed in the vicinity.
Yes, there are many good reasons for choosing a Country House Hotel like Villa le Barone to spend your vacations in Chianti. It will be a unique experience, a break full of serenity that you will want to repeat!