The Villa Mille Desideri Residence
Perks for the Parents
This charming 17th century villa with stunning views of olive groves and vineyards has a large pool and is well set up for kids. It sleeps 12 + 1. With 6 spacious bedrooms, all air conditioned and each with its own private bathroom, it has plenty of space for 2 families to travel together. The outdoor spaces are superb with a large terrace with a dining area and BBQ, where you can enjoy dinners al fresco while soaking up the panoramic views. Owners Nicola and Rosa are on hand as much or as little as needed and can arrange walks, wine tasting, horse riding, golf, babysitters, as well as cooking courses, wine tours and shopping expeditions. Nicola fires up the pizza oven twice a week, or you can enjoy a dinner prepared by a private chef in your kitchen.
Why Kids Love it
The private swimming pool is great for kids of all ages with a shallow to deep gradient (1.2 m-2m). There’s also a croquet set, badminton set, table football and table tennis under shade for keeping them busy during the hot, lazy afternoons. Plus a range of toys and games are provided (suitable for 5 to 11-year-olds). Chess fans will delight in the giant chess board and there are expanses of well-kept lawns for a game of football. Kids will like the proper Italian pizza cooked on Tuesdays or Thursdays ($30 per person excluding drinks). In the lovely and large gardens are hammocks for swinging in and plenty of opportunities for hide and seek. Out and about, splash and swim at The Acquapark Crocodile or learn about chocolate at the Perugina Chocolate Factory (both about an hour’s drive).
Things to Know
Minimum stay: 7 nights. Safety notes: there is a room with a mezzanine level bedroom and ungated stairs that would not be suitable for young children. The pool is ungated. Check in: 4pm to 8pm, check out: 10am. An Italian tourist tax of around €1.50 per person (12+ years) applies and is charged locally. The hosts aim to provide uninterrupted WiFi but reliability may be affected due to factors beyond their control. A complimentary crib and highchair are available. Car hire, child seats and booster seats are available for an additional charge on request. To pre-book family extras please call the hosts. Evening meals are not available on Saturday and Sunday. Meals are on request and payable locally. The last stretch leading up to the villa entrance is along a very steep and narrow road. Due to cooler temperatures, the swimming pool will be closed from 30 September until the end of the season.
About the Location
The villa is situated on the top of a hill in the heart of the Valdichiana Valley in Arezzo, Tuscany. It’s 15 minutes outside the medieval village of Monterchi and 30 minutes from Arezzo and its airport. You’ll be away from everything and deep in 80 acres of private woodland with walking trails. The nearest restaurant is 10 minutes’ drive away or drive another 5 minutes to Monterchi for more dining options, shops, a classical music concert in August and a 3-day polenta festival in September. Nearby Arezzo (where Roberto Benigni’s La Vita è Bella was filmed) is home to culinary delights including truffles, mushrooms and wild game, and magnificent architecture: the Cathedral of Arezzo, the Piazza Grande, and the Medici Fortress. Arezzo hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Saracen Joust and the Antique Market. The magical city of Florence can be reached for a day trip by train or car (1 hr, 30 mins).
Accommodation Details
This villa has 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms and is arranged over 2 floors. On the 1st floor is a reception room, 2 sitting rooms (1 access to the upper terrace and 1 with a TV), a dining room with an open fireplace, a cozy nook with sofas, half bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen (hob, electric oven, griddle, fridge-freezer, dishwasher). There is a washing machine. Upstairs are the bedrooms – 5 double / full, 1 single / twin – all with ensuite shower rooms. One of the doubles is on a mezzanine level. Outside is a covered terrace with outdoor dining, a BBQ, a private swimming pool (7m x 14m, depth 1m – 2.4m), gazebo with table tennis and table football, pizza oven and extensive grounds.
Style Notes
Traditional and elegant. Constructed from local stone, this 17th century villa has historic features and authentic Tuscan interiors set in 10 acres of Mediterranean gardens and rolling hills. The views at every turn are breathtaking and peace and quiet reigns. Arched doorways, beautiful terracotta tiles and wooden beams create a homely, warm and inviting place to stay. Furnishings are simple and cozy with antique furniture and artwork. We love the endless views of natural Tuscan beauty, the large pool and outdoors areas to enjoy together or alone, and the games and toys to keep the kids happy so parents can relax in the sunshine.
-
Air Conditioning
-
Baby Bath
-
Baby Monitor
-
Babysitter / Nanny
-
Backyard / Garden
-
Balcony
-
Bathtub
-
Bed Rails
-
Bicycles
-
Cabinet Locks
-
Changing Table
-
Chef / Catering
-
Children's Dinnerware
-
Corner Guards
-
DVD Library
-
DVD Player
-
Dishwasher
-
Elevator
-
Fireplace Guards
-
Game Console
-
High Chair
-
Housekeeper
-
Outlet Plugs
-
Parking
-
Pet-friendly
-
Pool
-
Pool Gate
-
Stair Gates
-
Television
-
Toys / Children's Books
-
Washer / Dryer
-
Wifi
-
Window Guards
Arezzo, Tuscany
La vita è bella
This medieval town between Perugia and Florence is known for its Renaissance frescoes. Children will love playing in the ruined Roman amphitheatre and day trips to Poppi Zoo, where they meet the rare European Lynx among other animals. Surrounded by countryside and hilltop villages in true Tuscan style, leisurely lunches and divine wine are the order of the day.
