This historic and beautifully renovated villa is ideally located for day trips to Florence and Siena. Villa Fratini is surrounded by its own private gardens and picturesque Tuscan countryside but, conveniently, is just five minutes to the nearest motorway junction. The vibrant town of Terranuova Bracciolini is a short drive away, offering all the local amenities you may need during your holiday. There are two nature reserves in the Arezzo province and the beautiful River Arno is just minutes away.
Villa Fratini sleeps up to twelve guests and provides the most exquisite accommodation for large family groups or friends gathering together for a holiday or celebration. A dwelling of some sort has existed on this site since before the ancient Romans, and it has a rich history through the centuries. A discerning architect started its renovation in the 1980s, the architect owner started its renovation in 2006, culminating in the romantic holiday home enjoyed today.
The large covered entrance is a peaceful place to sit, and features a pizza oven for al fresco cooking. Once inside, the ground floor is mostly open-plan but divided into sections thanks to the original vaulted ceiling and arches. Elegant furniture and large windows provide a welcoming living and dining space, and the large kitchen features professional-quality equipment. An attractive al fresco dining terrace and veranda leads away from the kitchen, creating a space for all twelve guests to come together and dine outdoors, morning, noon and night. From here, you can explore the delightful garden, which boasts a huge number of plants, trees and fruits, including an olive grove, cypresses and figs. Your private pool is flanked by sun loungers and a terrace for soaking up the Italian sun and snoozing through the afternoon.
You’ll find five bedrooms on the first floor, including three double rooms – two en-suite – and two twin rooms. All feature air conditioning and tasteful, colour-coordinated décor. The ancient lookout tower, adjoining the villa, is home to an additional twin bedroom and bathroom, making it ideal for those seeking their own space. The views from here are spectacular.
What Oliver loves...
The history associated with Villa Fratini seems to ooze from the ancient vaulted ceiling and stone archways, making the entire villa a delight to stay in
You are just a few minutes from local amenities, shops and restaurants in Terranuova Bracciolini
Day trips to Florence are less than an hour away and the regional capital, Arezzo, is around a 30-minute drive
Nature lovers can explore the Valle dell’Inferno wildlife reserve, the protected Balze ravines and the River Arno
What you should know
A twin bedroom enjoys its own space in the ancient lookout tower. Guests are rewarded with breath-taking views of the valley.
Quiet and non-intrusive owners live in a barn on the villa grounds with a separate entrance, they will be very happy to help.
Please be aware that this is a two-storey villa and the garden slopes downhill to the olive groves and fruit trees, please take care and supervise children.
Although the town and local amenities are just a few minutes away, a car is recommended to explore the local area further.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Fratini
<1hr to Airport
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Villa Fratini lies in the heart of Tuscany and the beautiful Valdarno valley. This special area is brimming with nature reserves, wonderful towns and cities and the River Arno runs through mile after mile of stunning scenery. You’re just a few minutes outside of the small town of Terranuova Bracciolini and despite being surrounded by peaceful countryside, a motorway junction for the A1 is just five minutes away. You also have a bus stop just outside the villa gates.
Terranuova Bracciolini is small medieval Florentine town, complete with old piazza, historic centre and fourteenth century churches. You’ll also find mouth-watering eateries serving local dishes, including the irresistible variety of cakes, typical in the Arezzo area. Look out for baldino or gattò to complete the perfect meal.
With the incredible city of Florence just under one hour’s drive north of Villa Fratini, and Arezzo about thirty minutes south, you’re wonderfully situated for visiting the principal cities in this eastern part of Tuscany. Home to the iconic Duomo of Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and world-famous Renaissance art, you may need more than one day trip to Florence, as simply wandering the old streets is a delight in itself.
Arezzo sits on top of a hill, overlooking four valleys, and has history dating back to the Stone Age. Today, it’s a vibrant place to visit with cultural landmarks including a Roman Amphitheatre, Medicean Fortress and Church of San Francesco. If your legs grow tired of sightseeing, head to Piazza Grande for a cooling drink, whilst watching the Italian world go by.
If you want to explore the countryside near Villa Fratini, the River Arno runs past Terranuova Bracciolini and up to Florence. You can enjoy the peace on a walking or cycling trail alongside the river, try paddle boarding or take a boat trip for a view of Florence from the water. The Balze Natural Protected Area (11km) extends up to Regello and is a unique landscape of eroded ravines, stone pillars and cliffs. It’s so spectacular, that Michelangelo features it in more than one of his paintings, including the Mona Lisa.
The Region
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Chianti region is a captivating destination that effortlessly combines the rustic charm of the Italian countryside with rich historical heritage. This enchanting area is renowned for its rolling vineyards, picturesque landscapes, and quaint villages, making it a haven for travellers seeking an authentic taste of Italy.
With its rolling fields, historical heritage and a cuisine that’s a delight for all the senses, it’s no wonder Tuscany is one of the most popular regions in Italy for holidaymakers. Yet even with its popularity, you can still kick back in one of our luxury villas in Tuscany and feel peace, tranquillity and the joy of seclusion.
This is one destination that really does have a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or are just looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone.
