Tuscany villa and apartments for rent on a wine estate in Chianti, Italy

Tuscany villa - Fattoria di Cinciano:

Formerly an aristocrat's residence, the eight-bedroom house is perfect for those who wish to come with family or friends and enjoy the intimacy and exclusivity of their own private Tuscan villa. Ancient stone floors, frescoed ceilings and undiscovered corridors are just waiting to be explored.

The enormous kitchen is a cook's paradise with plenty of space for both cooking and dining. Two stone steps lead to the pantry with an electric oven and washing machine. A dishwasher is available for guests use. A huge open fireplace allows you to cook in the traditional way (an indoor barbecue if you like), and there's a conventional oven and a pizza oven for the adventurous. Try cooking with some of the excellent regional products (which can be bought in local markets) and the estate's own olive oil, while sampling a glass or two of the estate Chianti.

Downstairs you will find the comfortable lounge with fireplace, a billiards room and cards room. At the top of the stairs to the left, you discover a large door which leads into a small lounge with a fireplace. From the lounge, doors open on two sides to the various bedrooms (one twin and two double rooms) and a large bathroom with bath and double sink.

To the right at the top of the stairs you find the master bedroom where reputedly a Bishop once slept. Further along is a double bedroom, followed by a bathroom with shower and a main family bathroom. This has a Jacuzzi bath, separate shower and a double basin. Finally there are two double rooms and one twin bedroom.

The beautiful gardens are located on three terraces, all connected by a flight of stone steps. The first terrace is dominated by three enormous conifers, shading the south-facing villa from the hottest summer days; this is ideal for meals outside. The second terrace is abundant with roses and flowers with a lovely fountain in the centre and a beautiful fossil shell grotto. The third terrace has a very nice private swimming pool (normally in use May to October) for the villa occupants' exclusive use, and is planted with fruit trees.

The Vacation Apartments:

Apartment Colonica 1 is on the ground floor, sharing its entrance from a cobbled courtyard with Colonica 2. It has a living/dining room with a double divan bed and a separate kitchen. A few steps lead down to the bathroom with shower. The flat has one double and one twin bedroom, with beautiful valley views. It shares a table and chairs in a communal garden with Colonica 2.

You climb a short flight of steps to the first-floor door of Colonica 2. The entrance leads into a living room with a double divan bed. There is a separate kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms and a bathroom with shower.

Apartment Genziana is on the first floor with a ground-floor private entrance from the garden. It has a large living/dining room with one double divan bed and kitchenette. Two steps lead to a bathroom with shower and a few steps go down to the carpeted double bedroom. The communal courtyard is furnished with table and chairs.