First timers as well as those seeking to explore as much of Tuscany as possible from one central location will undoubtedly appreciate Villa Florentine. This exceptional location translates into super easy proximity to Florence, Siena and San Gimignano with smooth sailing to the rest of Tuscany by car.

Finding a large villa set midway between Florence and Siena with a highway exit within five minutes is never easy. Finding one chock full of modern amenities and medieval charm is nigh impossible. This centuries-old estate has just undergone a total restoration. Everything from fittings to furnishings is of superior quality - this is a luxury rental home. Original beams, brick archways and terracotta floors frame the villa's many modern comforts.

Villa Florentine is set amidst a small cluster of similar homes overlooking the plains leading to nearby Poggibonsi. The estate is bordered by tall pines that provide shade, varying degrees of privacy and a clear viewing channel across the fields to a not so distant undulating hilltop. A private swimming pool is on a level below the property and is accessed by an underground passageway.

The fully air conditioned villa is made up of three attached stone structures that communicate externally. Together, they feature a large dining hall with an open-hearth fireplace, a well equipped kitchen with commercial grade appliances, two small seating areas, a washer and dryer, a wood burning oven and barbecue and a huge covered patio furnished for al fresco dining. With the exception of the cottage bedroom, the bedrooms have screened windows and each has its own bathroom. A small child's bedroom for ages 12 and under is across from one bedroom making it ideal for a couple with wee ones. For those wanting only a few steps, two bedrooms are on ground level. One of these is in a cottage with its own independent entrance and a bathroom designed with wheelchair access in mind.

The cost of electricity which includes the unlimited use of air conditioning is included in the price along with three hours of daily cleaning, a mid week towel change, high speed Internet access, one satellite television with English language movie channels and firewood for the villa's two fireplaces. Additional cleaning, meals served either indoors or out and Tuscan cooking classes may be ordered at additional cost when booking.

Beyond Villa Florentine, Tuscany awaits. The paved residential access road bordering the villa leads to three key routes in less than two miles. First, there is the entrance to the Firenze-Siena toll free highway arriving at Monteriggioni in 10 minutes; Siena in 25 and downtown Florence in 45. Next is an entry to the SS2 or the ancient Roman road that heads north to the walled medieval hill town of Barberino Val d'Elsa in a 10 minute drive. Here, there is a smaller version of the famous Duomo of Florence, a rustic pizzeria, a great Etruscan museum, and if you happen to visit during the last weekend in May, a medieval pageant. A ride south on the SS2 eventually reaches Rome after winding its way through some of Tuscany's best undisturbed hill towns and countryside.

Lastly, the end of the villa's access road lands in modern Poggibonsi in less than seven minutes by car where supermarkets, banks and a train station with service to Florence are found. Continuing on this road in one direction leads to the quintessential Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano in 15 minutes, while the other way heads into viticultural Chianti.

A treasure trove of easy to reach towns lies beyond the immediate vicinity of Villa Florentine with Castellina in Chianti in 25 minutes; Volterra: 40; Arezzo: 60; Lucca: 70; Cortona or Montepulciano: 80; Pisa, the Tuscan coast or Bologna: 90; Perugia: 100; Cinque Terre: 2.5 hours; Rome: 3 hours.

Protect your valuable vacation with Travel Insurance from Allianz. The Rental Postponement Coverage is not available on this villa.

Technical Description
Ground floor: Entrance foyer with door opening to a large covered dining patio. Main dining room with open hearth fireplace and large glass doors with four steps down to the outside. Seven steps up into the main kitchen with a stovetop, griddle, oven, microwave, commercial fridge with six temperature zones for fridge, freezer and wine storage and dishwasher. An archway opens to prep room with doors to an outside alcove with wood burning oven. Small living room for 8 with TV, CD player and Ipod dock. Half bath with washer/dryer. Mezzanine: One bedroom with a queen size canopy bed and en suite bathroom with tub and hand shower and separate shower.

First floor: Six bedrooms each with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom; four with shower, one with Jacuzzi tub and hand shower and one with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower.

Cottage on ground level: Double doors open to living/dining room with TV and kitchen corner with stovetop, fridge and sink. One bedroom with a queen size bed and doors to the outside. One bathroom with shower.

A separate entrance wing of the main villa:
Ground floor: Independent entrance into living room for 12 with TV. Kitchen with stovetop, oven, fridge, dishwasher, fireplace and door to side patio. One bedroom with a queen size bed, door to side patio and en suite bathroom with shower. Half bath with washing machine.

First floor: Two bedrooms each with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with shower. One bedroom with a queen size bed. One small bedroom for children 12 and under with sofabed. One bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and hand shower.

Upon request, the bedding in 4 rooms can be changed from a queen into two single beds (see the Photo Gallery for the exact rooms).