Villa Dania

The villa

Imagine a villa in Tuscany - the verdant rolling hills, olive groves and grapevines. You’re dining alfresco in a loggia perched above it all, with age old wisteria framing the view. It sounds like a fantasy, but at Villa Dania it’s real. This 5 bedroom 19th century village home has been lovingly restored by the owners, adding modern amenities while preserving the villa’s fine historic details.

This family villa invites connection and conversation; sit with friends by the pool, under the arbor, or inside under a fresco (yes, really). All that’s missing is a glass of good Tuscan wine. Thankfully that can be found in the village with a couple of shops and places to eat, just a short stroll from the villa itself.

Tuscany’s most important cultural centres are nearby. A trip to Volterra (25km) is a must for any history buff. This Bronze Age settlement was one of the "twelve cities" of the Etruscan League - and remains a living museum of history, art, and architecture. You might fly into the nearest airport in Pisa, only 44km away. Or if you're taking the train instead, you'll catch it in Pontedera (25km), a city known for wine and chocolate production.

Villa Dania enjoys rolling views of Tuscan countryside from its private garden and swimming pool, yet it is also set in local Tuscan village with a couple of useful grocery shops, places to eat and a pharmacy. Situated a 45 - minute drive from Pisa Airport, it is a fantastic base for exploring the very best of Tuscany with many wonderful villages and towns within striking distance. Peccioli just 8km away, has been names the best borgo in Italy for the 2024. Indeed, visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art and others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the beautiful but straightforward cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, and summer guests even head to the sea coast north or south of Livorno, around an hour away. One of the most famous historic towns is Volterra (25km), a beautiful walled medieval town also with Renaissance palaces and Etruscan sites to admire. Just as stunning and definitely on the tourist trail, magical San Gimignano (35km) is also close with its many towers, winding lanes and wonderful surrounding landscapes. San Miniato (35km) is another Tuscan gem to explore, especially its impressive Piazza della Repubblica, perhaps combined with a trip to Empoli (50km), an attractive town in the Arno Valley or Vinci (55km), the birthplace of the great artists, Leonardo da Vinci. The michelin star italian chef Canavacciuolo has opened a restaurant called Laqua Vineyard, situated in the town of the wine called Terricciola just 15km away. A day out in Florence (80km) is also possible, about 90 - minutes by car, or head south to the grand city of Siena (76km) to discover yet more artistic treasures and outstanding beauty. Pisa (48km) itself is a joy, not just because of its leaning tower, and further north lies the exquisite town of Lucca (52km) with its old town filled with Renaissance palaces, pretty churches and enchanting squares surrounded by grand city walls.