La Poetessa | 5-Bedroom Chateau in Florence District 1

Florence’s artistic legacy draws millions, yet few experience the region from within a restored Renaissance-era villa on the Fiesole slopes. La Poetessa—a luxury villa rental in Florence—captures that rare privilege: ten guests settling into five en-suite bedrooms while the Arno valley unfolds beyond the terrace. This is not a crowded city hotel experience; this is rural Tuscan immersion, forty minutes on foot from Byzantine frescoes and Renaissance domes, yet far enough removed to hear only cicadas at dusk.

Inside La Poetessa

La Poetessa sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across three floors of a recently restored mansion that honours period architecture without sacrificing contemporary comfort. Each bedroom contains its own en-suite bathroom—a critical amenity when hosting extended family or travelling companions.

The ground floor anchors daily life. A generous living room provides the gathering space, its furnishings arranged to encourage conversation or quiet reading. The kitchen commands attention: dishwasher, microwave, professional-grade oven, dual hobs, freezer, and coffee machine transform meal preparation from chore into pleasure—the kind of workspace where reluctant cooks suddenly volunteer for breakfast duty. Adjacent lies a formal dining room, where a coloured glass chandelier casts prismatic light across the table during evening service. A library adjoins for literary-minded guests, while a guest toilet and separate study offer retreat spaces when the group requires separation.

The first floor houses four bedrooms, each with television, air-conditioning, and climate control for year-round comfort. The master suite includes direct access to the terrace, where the six-person Jacuzzi hot tub bubbles continuously—ideal for pre-dinner aperitivos or post-midnight stargazing. The master bathroom features both bathtub and shower, with twin rainfall heads and heated towel rails. Three additional first-floor bedrooms each sleep two guests in queen-size or twin configurations, identical in amenity: televisions, independent air-conditioning systems, and en-suite shower rooms. Soft colour schemes—pistachio, taupe, pale pink—create visual calm after days of Florence’s sensory intensity.

The second floor contains a fifth bedroom with flexible sleeping arrangement (queen or twin beds), accompanied by a small sitting room and en-suite bathroom with shower. This floor’s seclusion suits guests who prefer privacy—teenagers, working professionals joining the group remotely, or couples seeking morning solitude.

Throughout the villa, heating ensures winter comfort, while air-conditioning addresses summer heat. Hairdryers, washing machine, and tumble dryer handle practical necessities. Wi-Fi and internet connectivity reach every floor, though most guests report surprising indifference to screens once the gardens become accessible.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds encompass 3,500 square metres of private space—a rarity for properties within 15 kilometres of Florence’s centre. A covered veranda establishes the outdoor dining area, stone columns framing views south across Tuscan hills toward San Gimignano’s distant towers. Outdoor furniture and parasols provide shade and protection, creating weather-resistant entertaining capacity for ten guests comfortably.

The swimming pool measures 9 by 4 metres, 1.5 metres at its deepest point—sufficient for lap swimming, suitable for children with supervision, heated during shoulder seasons. The Jacuzzi hot tub accommodates six, its jets operated independently from the pool’s filtration system. Between pool and villa, terraces of sun-warmed stone offer loungers and sight-lines across the gardens.

The gardens themselves—shaded by mature pine trees, bordered by hydrangeas in pink and white—establish a microclimate several degrees cooler than the surrounding hillside. Gravel pathways wind through plantings designed by previous owners with seasonal interest in mind: spring bulbs in February, wisteria cascading over stone walls in April, lavender in bloom by June. Private parking accommodates multiple vehicles; the driveway curves through the grounds, buffering the villa from the access road.

Location: Florence and the Surrounding Area

La Poetessa occupies the Fiesole foothills, approximately 8 kilometres northeast of Florence’s city centre via the winding Via Vecchia Fiesolana—a twenty-minute drive by car, fifty minutes by local bus. Fiesole itself, perched 320 metres above the Arno plain, offers architectural distinction few expect: Etruscan defensive walls dating to 2000 BCE remain partially visible around the town’s upper reaches, while Roman remains include an amphitheatre (Teatro Romano) built around 80 BCE that still hosts open-air opera and chamber concerts during summer months. The town centre clusters around the Cathedral of San Romolo and Piazza Mino da Fiesole, where cafés serve espresso to locals who have occupied the same corner tables for decades.

Florence itself—15 kilometres south, accessible via direct road or scenic hiking trails—remains the undisputed cultural capital of the Renaissance. Brunelleschi’s terracotta dome of the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) rises 114 metres above the city; Giotto’s Campanile stands adjacent in cream and green marble. The Uffizi Gallery contains Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi, and works spanning the 13th to 18th centuries. Michelangelo’s David occupies the Galleria dell’Accademia—a 5.17-metre marble figure completed in 1504, now protected behind bulletproof glass. For contemporary art, Palazzo Strozzi hosts rotating exhibitions; for devotional painting, the Accademia houses Giotto’s Madonna and Child (1310) in rooms of reverent silence.

The surrounding region extends beyond Florence’s walls. Monteriggioni, a walled hilltop town 30 kilometres south, preserves fourteen towers from its 1213 founding—the model for Dante’s Inferno imagery. San Gimignano, 35 kilometres southwest, retains fourteen medieval towers from an original seventy; its main piazza contains two competing cathedrals built by rival families. Chianti’s wine region begins immediately south: the Chianti Classico zone produces Sangiovese-based wines; estates like Antinori (near Castelnuovo Berardenga, 40 kilometres south) and Brolio Castle (Gaiole in Chianti, 35 kilometres south) offer tastings. Local markets operate weekly in Fiesole (Thursday and Saturday mornings at Piazza Mino da Fiesole), selling seasonal produce from surrounding farms.

The nearest supermarket, Carrefour Express, sits 4 kilometres south in Fiesole town; a larger Carrefour hypermarket operates 8 kilometres away at Ponte a Greve. Traditional butchers, bakers, and fishmongers cluster in Fiesole’s centro storico. The nearest major hospital (Ospedale di Careggi) is located 12 kilometres south in Florence.

For wine exploration beyond casual tastings, the Chianti Wine Bus operates shuttle tours from Florence through Greve in Chianti (25 kilometres south), the region’s commercial centre, where the medieval Piazza del Mercato now hosts wine bars. Cycling routes trace valley roads through vineyards; mountain biking trails ascend into the hills behind La Poetessa itself. Horseback riding is available through operators in Fiesole and surrounding villages.

Peretola Airport (Florence’s primary airport) sits 10 kilometres west; transfer time to La Poetessa averages 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei International), 90 kilometres northwest, offers broader European connections; transfer time approaches 90 minutes. Bologna Airport, 105 kilometres north, provides another alternative with frequent services from northern Europe.

For broader context, explore our luxury villas in Florence and our full collection in Italy. For destination inspiration, read our Florence travel guide.

The optimal season runs April through June (spring flowers, moderate crowds, 18–24°C daytime temperatures) and September through October (harvests, cooler temperatures, 15–22°C, clearer light for photography). July and August bring peak tourism and temperatures exceeding 30°C; however, evening temperatures drop considerably, and night swimming in the pool becomes genuinely refreshing. November through March offers solitude but frequent rain; heating throughout La Poetessa permits comfortable occupancy.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families planning two-week Tuscan summers—grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren—occupy La Poetessa comfortably, with sufficient bedroom separation that teenagers and younger children establish independent routines. The kitchen capacity and dining room accommodate family meals without restaurant dependency; the pool entertains children while adults read in the library.

Corporate groups or creative retreats (writers, designers, consultants) use the villa for working stays: the study provides focused workspace, Wi-Fi reaches all rooms, and the rural setting reduces urban distractions. Some groups invite a chef from Florence to prepare dinners; Excellence Luxury Villas can arrange this through established contacts.

Couples celebrating significant anniversaries find the master suite’s Jacuzzi and terrace access suitable for romantic occasions. Two couples travelling together use the first-floor bedrooms (maintaining separate en-suites and television systems) while reserving social time in the common areas.

Groups of friends—university reunions, hiking clubs, painting classes—book La Poetessa for cultural tourism. The villa’s proximity to Florence permits daytime city exploration while evening gatherings occur in the grounds or dining room.

Practical Information

La Poetessa accommodates 10 guests maximum: 5 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, plus an additional guest toilet on the ground floor. The property includes heating, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi/internet, television in each bedroom, pool heating (available during colder months), Jacuzzi hot tub, private parking, and all standard utilities (electricity, water, gas). Cleaning occurs weekly during rental periods; additional cleaning can be arranged at additional cost. Linen, towels, and hairdryers are provided. Maid service, chef services, and catering can be organised through Excellence Luxury Villas with advance notice—typical chef costs range €40–80 per person for four-course dinners.

Check-in occurs at 3 PM on arrival; check-out at 11 AM on departure. Flexible timing can sometimes be accommodated with advance request. Payment typically requires a 25% deposit on booking, with the balance due 60 days before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Poetessa

How many guests does La Poetessa sleep?

La Poetessa accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom sleeps two (king-size convertible to twin); two first-floor bedrooms each sleep two in queen-size or twin configurations; one first-floor bedroom sleeps two (queen or twin); and the second-floor bedroom sleeps two (queen or twin). All bedrooms contain televisions and air-conditioning. Cots for infants cannot be accommodated.

What is the nearest airport to La Poetessa in Florence?

Peretola Airport (Florence’s primary airport, officially Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci) lies 10 kilometres west; transfer time by car is 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei International) is located 90 kilometres northwest, with transfer time of approximately 90 minutes. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, 105 kilometres north, also serves northern Tuscany. Excellence Luxury Villas can arrange private car transfers from any airport; costs typically range €80–150 one-way depending on airport and passenger count.

What is the best time of year to rent La Poetessa?

April through June offers ideal conditions: spring flowers bloom, daytime temperatures range 18–24°C, and tourist crowds remain manageable compared to July–August. September through October provides equally excellent weather (15–22°C, crystal-clear light ideal for photography) alongside harvest season activities in surrounding vineyards. July and August experience peak tourism and temperatures exceeding 30°C, though evening temperatures cool considerably. November through March permits solitude and reduces rental costs, though rain frequency increases and heating bills rise. December through January offers occasional snow in surrounding hills, creating scenic opportunities, while February bulbs begin emerging. The villa remains fully habitable year-round due to comprehensive heating and air-conditioning systems.

Is La Poetessa suitable for families with children?

Yes, La Poetessa accommodates families with children across various age groups. The swimming pool (1.5 metres deep) suits supervised swimming and shallow-water play; pool heating during cooler months maintains comfortable temperatures. The grounds are fully enclosed and private, eliminating road safety concerns. The library, study, and multiple sitting areas permit children independent play while adults maintain supervision. However, La Poetessa contains antique furnishings and fragile chandeliers requiring care; families with very young children (under 5) may find the historic décor incompatible with typical toddler behaviour. Cots cannot be accommodated. Fiesole and Florence offer family activities including the zoo, science museums, and child-friendly restaurants. Nearest paediatrician services are located in Fiesole town centre (4 kilometres) and central Florence (15 kilometres).

What is included in the rental price at La Poetessa?

Standard rental includes all utilities (electricity, water, gas heating), Wi-Fi/internet, cable television in each bedroom, weekly housekeeping, all bed linen and towels, hairdryers, heating system operation, and pool heating (when seasonally appropriate). The rental price does NOT include optional chef services, catering, additional housekeeping beyond weekly cleaning, laundry ironing service, or private car transfers. Damage deposits (typically €500–1,000) are refundable upon departure pending property inspection. Pet policies vary; enquire directly with Excellence Luxury Villas regarding dog accommodation and associated fees.

What restaurants and shops are near La Poetessa?

Fiesole’s Piazza Mino da Fiesole (4 kilometres south) contains multiple restaurants: Enoteca Pinchiorri (Michelin-starred, focusing on Tuscan wines and seasonal cuisine), Ristorante Perseo (family-run, traditional Florentine pasta), and numerous casual cafés. Thursday and Saturday morning markets in Piazza Mino sell seasonal produce, cheese, cured meats, and flowers. Carrefour Express supermarket operates 4 kilometres south in Fiesole town; a larger Carrefour hypermarket is 8 kilometres away at Ponte a Greve. Traditional butchers and bakeries (panetteria) cluster throughout Fiesole’s centro. Florence’s restaurants extend from casual trattorias (€15–25 per person) to Michelin-starred establishments (€80–150 per person); Osteria della Tre Panche specialises in bistecca alla fiorentina; Trattoria Sostanza offers pappardelle with wild boar and ribollita. Mercato di San Lorenzo, in central Florence (15 kilometres south), provides fresh produce, flowers, and prepared foods daily except Sundays. The nearest pharmacy (farmacia) is located in Fiesole town centre, 4 kilometres south.