Villa rental in Montecarelli, Tuscany - Italy - Villa Erbaia

Villa Erbaia lies in the Mugello hills in the village of Montecarelli, 5 kms from Barberino del Mugello and 35 kms from Florence. The villa is part of an attractive hamlet in a very panoramic position, with a view of the beautiful tuscan countryside sloping down to the nearby lake at Bilancino. The austere, geometric facade of the villa is of sixteenth century origin, although there are signs of several different historical epochs such as the little mannered temple and the consecrated chapel in the italianate garden. You enter the italianate garden, which is completely enclosed, via a wrought-iron gate, and on the right lies the 5x11 metre swimming-pool with its sunbathing terrace, while the central part, opposite the temple, has the typical flowerbeds surrounded by box-hedges and young fruit-trees with a fountain at its centre. From the imposing front-door you enter the interior of the villa, which has been completely renovated and equipped with all modern comforts: such as air-conditioning, internet access, satellite-TV, video-recorder, DVD and laundry with dryer. In the large salons with lacunar ceilings they have brought to light the original wall-decorations, and the furnishings and fittings are all in perfect harmony with the architecture of the villa. Villa Erbaia is on three floors with in addition a wine-cellar with barrel-vaulted ceilings; on the ground-floor is the perfectly-equipped kitchen, with the original large fireplace, and the dining-room - also with a tuscan fireplace, and on the next, raised floor is a double bedroom with bathroom suitable for the disabled. The price includes a daily cleaning service. Nearby are several typical local villages which have preserved their historical origins and where you can try the excellent cuisine of the Mugello.