Villa Sortes

The villa

Villa Sortes is nestled in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by countryside and idyllic Italian villages, close to notable cities such as Florence and Pisa. The unique home is part of a large estate with several other villas. Spread over two floors, the spacious home has four individual entrances. Elegantly furnished, there are seven bedrooms, each with a unique design and colour scheme, five of which have their own en - suite bathroom for maximum privacy. In one of the suites, you’ll also find a sitting area, while many bathrooms are equipped with baths, inviting you for a pampering soak at the end of the day. Downstairs, guests can use one of the two living rooms and relax in front of the fireplace. Dinners can be served in the ornate dining room decorated with Rococo furnishings and display cabinets, with doors opening to the stunning garden. Outside, the large swimming pool is the perfect place to spend an afternoon taking refreshing dips in an ancient garden surrounded by magnolias, cypress and pine trees. When you find a quiet spot on the terrace, enjoy the spectacular views of the Lucca Valley below while sipping on a crisp wine, most likely produced in one of the nearby vineyards. The Lucca Valley proposes numerous opportunities for fun holiday exploration in nature. The nearby villages of Valgiano, San Pietro Marcigliano, Batano and Segromigno are great for recharging your batteries over a plate of pasta or pizza after a long day spent travelling up and down the region. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic 20 - minute drive to Lucca, the closest city. Positioned near the Ligurian Sea and an excellent stop on your way to the coast, it used to be the home of famous Italian opera composer Puccini and has a well - preserved historic centre boasting many cobbled squares, Romanesque churches and historic fortifications.

Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, Villa Sortes enjoys breathtaking views of rolling plains and dipping hills covered with olive trees and vineyards. Although this location is ideal for spending plenty of time outside in nature, many charming villages and towns are also nearby. The area is well known for being home to many Palatial villas and residences, many open to visitors. They include Villa Torrigiani - a 1500s villa with an ornate, coloured facade plus a private theatre and landscaped gardens - and Villa Reale di Marlia - a charming, restored villa on the site of an ancient fortress, with impressive architecture and gardens. The closest city Lucca is a convenient 20 - minute drive away, and it’s famous for its well - preserved Renaissance walls encircling the historic city centre. Benefiting from an excellent location on the Serchio River, it’s home to a vibrant array of historic buildings, lively cafés, and lovely neighbourhoods. Walk around its pretty cobbled alleyways and tree - lined pathways along the tops of the massive 16th and 17th - century ramparts or hire bikes to explore the surrounding nature more conveniently. You don’t have to travel far to taste the local cuisine. The closest restaurant is only a 5 - minute drive away, while a vibrant open - air market selling fresh produce and local ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and homemade jams is only 10 minutes away by car. Sitting at the foot of the Apennines, Pistoia is a 45 - minute drive away and lures many tourists for its plant nurseries, medieval ramparts and well - preserved historic centre. Visit its Saturday morning market on the main square, Piazza del Duomo, before grabbing lunch in one of the ambient trattorias around. Another great city worth visiting is Viareggio, and it’s only a 45 - minute drive away. You can explore the Villa Paolina Civic museum, which houses musical instruments or Villa Puccini, dedicated to the famous Italian opera composer and based in his former lakeside residence. If you’re travelling here at the end of summer, make sure to see the city’s annual street carnival, popular with locals and tourists alike, full of live performances, street stalls and fireworks. Florence can be reached in just over an hour by car and displays an enchanting old town featuring many museums, galleries, historic landmarks and palaces alongside winding streets. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or not, the famous Pitti Palace, Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio and the 13th - century Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore should also be on your itinerary.