Santa Gemma

Immerse yourself in a quintessential Tuscan experience at this splendid 17th century home where you will be welcomed with open arms by the passionate owners who have restored this villa with Italian charm and grace.

Santa Gemma dates back to the 1600s when a noble family bought the villa as their summer residence, then in the 19th century it was gifted to monks who altered the rooms and attached a school and church to the house. Its current owners have spent many years overseeing the careful renovation of this grand villa, bringing it back to its former beauty, even hiring an artist from Florence to restore the 18th century frescoes which can be found in some of the wonderful rooms.

Of course, no expense has been spared to introduce 21st century luxuries such as complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bars and robes in the bedrooms and beautiful bathrooms, many with contemporary rain showers. In the main villa there are eleven air-conditioned bedrooms upstairs, most en suite, including five duplex suites with their own living area, sumptuous bedroom and two bathrooms! A lift for luggage, an equipped study and an outdoor fitness area are just some of the other added features that are sure to impress.

Relax in the elegant living room, create feasts in the perfectly equipped kitchen and serve under the fresco-painted ceiling of the grand dining room. Much of the ground floor also opens up to the 19th century formal gardens. Views of olive groves, vineyards and the distant mountains are breathtaking or you may just find yourself distracted by the aromas of citrus and herbs as you explore the paths leading to ornate lawns, fruit trees and pretty places to sit in solitude. The setting of the swimming pool is simply sublime with jasmine and roses trailing over the traditional stone walls.

The owners in 2022 have added a charming two-storey annexe offering five additional bedrooms, three of them junior suites with their own bathrooms, as well as a large dining room and gym.

It’s also a picture-perfect wedding venue, not just because of the glorious gardens ideal for a summer ceremony and marquee or the limonaia which can be transformed into a magical dining room.  A reception can alternatively be hosted in the grand surroundings of the villa itself and the adjoining chapel adds to the romantic ambience of this special venue.

Set within walking distance to a handful of shops and restaurants, the location is superb with the enchanting town of Lucca just 11km away, Pisa and Florence also within striking distance as well as a wealth of medieval villages close by. Visit magical Collodi (the home of Pinocchio’s author) or the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, followed by sunny beach days at Viareggio or even as far as the Ligurian coast.

Whether a family holiday or a once in a lifetime event, Santa Gemma offers Italian beauty, character and historic charm and allows you to explore this captivating part of northern Tuscany and beyond.