Constructed in the 16th century, Villa Oliva was used for hundreds of years as the olive press for the villagers of Vorno. The beautiful, ochre-coloured villa has now been carefully restored and is used as a home for relaxing holidays in the Tuscan countryside. The house is part of a small collection of homes that comprise an idyllic rural estate which boasts vast grounds, a chapel and sporting facilities.
Villa Oliva is a sumptuously decorated farmhouse-style home with well-preserved historic features sitting alongside all of the modern amenities we have come to rely on in day-to-day life. Walking around this 500-year-old home, you will see details such as terracotta floor tiles, wooden ceiling beams and carved stonework. These touches fill the home with charm and character and allow you to imagine life here in times gone by. On top of the historical details, the rooms are decorated in a period style with rich colours and antique furnishings.
The house is spacious and welcoming, with the rooms set over two floors. On the ground floor, you will find the communal spaces, starting with the living room in deep yellow tones with red-hued sofas, armchairs and rugs. The room has a grand feel and is an excellent place for guests to gather. Just next door, there is an open-plan kitchen and dining space. The kitchen is typically Tuscan in style, with country-style units and vaulted ceilings. All of the appliances, crockery and gadgets you need for cooking are available here unless you wish to book a private chef so that you can simply unwind.
Heading up the stairs, you will see the four large bedrooms. Three rooms boast double beds and en-suite bathrooms, while the fourth bedroom can be set up as either a double room or a room with two single beds and an en-suite bathroom. All rooms here are atmospheric, colourful and filled with antique furniture, and you will have a restful night in whichever room you choose.
Villa Oliva is perfectly set up for outdoor living as the home has outdoor seating areas, expansive lawns and an inviting private swimming pool. Guests can spend plenty of time out here, lounging in the sun or enjoying a barbecue together. You can also use the sports courts and pitches of the luxury estate and head out on walks around the parkland.
Though the villa is nestled amongst Tuscany's rolling hills, the closest village is only 2km away. For a broader range of shops, restaurants and historic attractions, you can head into the gorgeous city of Lucca, which is 8km away. The city's towers can be seen in the distance from the garden, and at night, you will see the city's twinkling lights from the house. Lucca has something to keep everyone entertained, from wine-tasting tours to fantastic museums.
A little further afield, you are also well-placed to visit the city of Pisa, which is 22km away or spend a lazy day at the beach, the nearest of which is a 30km drive from the home.
