Borgo Merlo | 9-Bedroom Villa in Gaiole in Chianti Province of Siena

When twenty-two guests arrive at Borgo Merlo in Gaiole in Chianti, they discover not one villa but three interconnected stone residences spread across manicured grounds within an 800-acre private estate. This luxury villa rental in Tuscany operates as a self-contained hamlet—three separate homes designed to accommodate extended families, multi-generational celebrations, or large friendship groups without compromising privacy or comfort. The Chianti hills stretch in every direction: vineyards, olive groves, ancient woodlands, and the kind of silence that comes from genuine rural seclusion.

Inside Borgo Merlo

Borgo Merlo sleeps 22 guests across 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct dwellings.

Casa Uno functions as the primary residence, accommodating up to 10 guests. Ground-floor living begins immediately upon entry: four generous bedrooms, each fitted with 160cm x 200cm double beds and en-suite bathrooms featuring showers, dual sinks, bidets and WCs. The first floor opens into a landing furnished with sofas, armchairs and a Smart TV—informal gathering space before meals. The fully-fitted kitchen contains everything required for group cooking: oven, hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and espresso machine. A fifth bedroom on the first floor mirrors the ground-floor accommodation: 160cm x 200cm double bed with attached bathroom (shower, double sink, bidet, WC).

Casa Due operates as the secondary accommodation wing, sleeping 6-8 guests across five bedrooms. The ground floor presents a formal arrangement: entrance hall with three accent chairs, a living room configured with sofas, armchairs, television, DVD player and decorative fireplace, plus a separate sitting room with additional seating. The dining room dominates this level—a table seating eighteen guests, making it the natural focal point for group dinners. The kitchen mirrors Casa Uno’s specifications: oven, hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave and coffee machine. Upstairs, two double bedrooms (each 160cm x 200cm) with en-suite bathrooms and showers occupy one section. The family bedroom provides a 160cm x 200cm double bed plus a dressing room containing a 160cm x 200cm double sofa bed and an en-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower, double sink, bidet and WC.

Casa Tre, the annexe building, serves multiple purposes. The ground floor contains a fully-equipped gym with dedicated yoga space, a sauna for post-activity relaxation, one double bedroom (160cm x 200cm) and a bathroom with shower, double sink, bidet and WC. A mezzanine level adds a double sofa bed for additional sleeping capacity, bringing this building’s maximum occupancy to 2-4 guests depending on configuration.

Throughout all three buildings: Wi-Fi connectivity, air conditioning, central heating, Smart TVs in key living areas, music systems, board games, table football, washing machines, dryers, irons and hairdryers appear as standard. The home cinema setting invites group film evenings.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds transform the three houses into a unified resort experience. A 12-metre by 7-metre heated saltwater-purified swimming pool (maximum depth 1.5-1.8 metres) anchors the outdoor space, surrounded by a poolside terrace furnished with sun loungers and backed by a full bathroom with shower and changing facilities. An external shower stands independently for rinsing off before entering the heated water. Beyond the pool area, a jacuzzi provides intimate evening soaking.

The garden itself speaks of thoughtful cultivation: manicured lawns, established olive trees, flower beds in full season colour, and a working vegetable garden where guests harvest their own produce. A large covered dining terrace accommodates group meals regardless of weather—the kind of space where forty people can dine together comfortably. Additional outdoor seating areas scatter throughout the grounds, each claiming a different view of the surrounding estate.

The culinary focus extends to fire-based cooking: a wood-burning oven for bread and traditional pizzas, a barbecue for grilled meats and vegetables, and an ice machine for keeping summer drinks properly chilled. Parking operates discreetly away from primary living zones.

Location: Gaiole in Chianti and the Surrounding Area

Gaiole in Chianti—the nominal address—sits as a working town of genuine character, not a tourist destination disguised as local life. The town centre contains supermarkets, farmacies, and the kind of restaurants where locals actually eat lunch. Borgo Merlo positions itself 14 kilometres from Gaiole’s main piazza, meaning approximately 15-20 minutes by car.

Immediately surrounding the property, the estate itself contains historical monuments: an 11th-century Romanesque church and Castello di Ama, positioned 4.5 kilometres away, functions as both functioning winery and contemporary art gallery. The Castello offers wine tastings, cellar tours, and curated art installations by internationally recognized artists across its 800-acre grounds. This combination—serious wine production married with serious art—characterizes the Chianti region’s contemporary identity.

Lecchi in Chianti, merely 5 kilometres distant, operates as a hilltop hamlet with rustic inns and centuries-old architecture. The Pozze di Lecchi natural spring-fed pools invite swimming on hot afternoons—a genuinely local experience rather than a tourist attraction. Historic castles dot the landscape here: Castello di Brolio and Castello di Meleto, both now luxury wine estates offering tastings and tours. Cycling and hiking routes thread through rolling countryside from this point; many visitors combine walks with visits to family-run wineries producing wine continuously for centuries.

Radda in Chianti, 8 kilometres away, provides the region’s most substantial town experience while retaining medieval character. The town’s atmospheric squares, lined with restored Renaissance-era residences, contain the Church of San Niccolò and the fortified Palazzo dei Podestà—architectural anchors of Chianti’s medieval governance period. Restaurants, wine bars, and shops cluster here; it functions as the region’s most walkable urban centre.

For larger-scale exploration, Siena lies 32 kilometres south—genuinely achievable as a day excursion. The Duomo, Palazzo Pubblico, and the 800-year-old Torre del Mangia (climbed for panoramic city views) occupy most visitors’ schedules. The Palio di Siena, a horse race held twice yearly (July and August), transforms the entire city with medieval-costumed parades and street-level festivities; attending this event requires advance hotel reservations throughout the region. Florence, 62 kilometres northwest, contains sufficient Renaissance art and architecture to justify 2-3 days; day visits require early departures to manage crowds.

The immediate region—Chianti Classico—produces Italy’s most internationally recognized wines. Virtually every hillside contains vineyard operations ranging from small family-owned producers to internationally distributed brands. Most offer tastings and cellar tours; many operate restaurants. The landscape itself functions as the primary experience: row after row of training vines creating geometric patterns across hillsides, interspersed with cypress trees, stone farmhouses, and occasional medieval towers.

Explore our luxury villas in Gaiole in Chianti and our full collection throughout Italy. For deeper destination planning, consult our comprehensive Tuscany travel guide, which details seasonal considerations, wine touring logistics, and cultural event calendars.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren—find Borgo Merlo’s three-building configuration ideal. Each family unit occupies separate accommodation while remaining minutes apart for shared meals and activities. The family bedroom in Casa Due with its dual-bed configuration accommodates parents with young children.

Multi-couple friendship groups of 8-12 adults recognize the villa’s professional kitchen and 18-person dining table as enabling nightly group dinners. The separate sitting areas prevent constant togetherness fatigue.

Corporate retreats and professional development gatherings use Borgo Merlo’s gym, sauna and meeting-capable spaces for daytime programming. Evening wine tastings at nearby Castello di Ama or local wineries follow structured sessions.

Wedding parties requiring accommodation for out-of-town guests find the 22-person capacity allows the entire celebration party to stay together; many arrange on-grounds ceremonies or coordinate with nearby castle venues.

Families with children (aged 5 and upward) benefit from the heated pool, vegetable garden picking experience, pizza oven cooking activities, and extensive grounds permitting safe outdoor play.

Practical Information

Capacity: Borgo Merlo accommodates 22 guests across 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, distributed as: Casa Uno (10 guests, 5 bedrooms), Casa Due (6-8 guests, 4 bedrooms), Casa Tre (2-4 guests, 1 bedroom plus mezzanine sofa bed).

Nearest Airport: Peretola Airport (Florence), approximately 75 kilometres northwest, requires approximately 90 minutes drive time via the SS222 and A11 routes. Pisa International Airport lies 120 kilometres northwest, requiring approximately 2 hours by similar routing. Both airports maintain regular international connections.

Essentials: The nearest supermarket operates in Gaiole in Chianti, 14 kilometres distant. Wi-Fi, air conditioning, central heating, pool heating (on request), all linens, towels, dishwasher tablets and basic cleaning supplies are included. Maid service operates on request. Pets are accommodated by prior arrangement. Golf courses exist at Chianti Golf Club (approximately 20 kilometres away) and Montepaschi Golf Club (similar distance).

Check-In Logistics: Flexible arrival windows accommodate traveller schedules; contact Excellence Luxury Villas for specific arrangements. Parking at each residence prevents congestion around living spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions about Borgo Merlo

How many guests does Borgo Merlo sleep?

Borgo Merlo accommodates 22 guests maximum. Casa Uno sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms (4 ground-floor doubles with en-suite bathrooms and 1 first-floor double with en-suite). Casa Due sleeps 6-8 guests across 4 bedrooms (2 first-floor doubles with en-suites and 1 family bedroom with double bed plus dressing room containing a double sofa bed, all with en-suite bathroom). Casa Tre sleeps 2-4 guests with 1 ground-floor bedroom and a mezzanine-level double sofa bed. All bedrooms feature 160cm x 200cm beds and complete en-suite bathrooms.

What is the nearest airport to Borgo Merlo in Gaiole in Chianti?

Peretola Airport (Florence International Airport) lies approximately 75 kilometres northwest, requiring approximately 90 minutes transfer time by car via the SS222 road and A11 motorway. Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport), serving as an alternative gateway, sits 120 kilometres northwest, requiring approximately 2 hours transfer time via similar routing. Both airports maintain rental car services, or Excellence Luxury Villas can arrange professional car transfers in advance.

What is the best time of year to rent Borgo Merlo?

May through October provides the optimal rental window. May and September offer temperatures in the 20-25°C range, manageable crowds at major tourist sites, and landscape beauty as either spring flowers or late-summer olive harvests progress. June and July bring consistent warmth (25-30°C) and perfect pool conditions, though Siena and Florence experience significant tourist density. August operates at full Mediterranean intensity with heat reaching 30°C+, making afternoon pool sessions essential and wine-country exploration challenging midday. October combines autumn warmth with harvest activities across vineyards and dramatically reduced crowds. November through April brings rainfall, cooler temperatures (8-15°C), and many tourist attractions operating on reduced schedules; the region retains authentic character without visitors, though outdoor pool use requires heated water.

Is Borgo Merlo suitable for families with children?

Borgo Merlo functions well for families with children aged 5 and upward. The heated saltwater-purified 12-metre pool includes a maximum depth of 1.5-1.8 metres suitable for children with appropriate supervision. The expansive grounds and vegetable garden permit safe outdoor play. The wood-burning pizza oven transforms meal preparation into an activity; children assist with kneading and topping pizzas. Casa Tre’s gym facility interests older children and teenagers. High chairs, cots, and child safety equipment can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas with advance notice. Families with very young children (under 3) should discuss supervision requirements and desired amenities directly with the rental team.

What is included in the rental price at Borgo Merlo?

All utilities (electricity, water, heating and air conditioning), Wi-Fi internet connectivity, bed linens, bath and pool towels, pool heating (on request), dishwasher tablets, and basic cleaning supplies are included. The salt-water purification system for the heated pool operates at no additional cost. Smart TV systems, music systems, board games, and table football provide entertainment without surcharge. Maid service, if desired, is available at additional cost. Pet accommodation, where approved, incurs applicable fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Borgo Merlo?

Gaiole in Chianti, 14 kilometres away, contains conventional supermarkets, pharmacies, and several traditional Italian restaurants serving local Chianti specialities and wines from nearby producers. Lecchi in Chianti (5 kilometres) operates rustic inns and small restaurants; Radda in Chianti (8 kilometres) provides the region’s most comprehensive dining and shopping options with multiple trattorias, enotecas (wine bars), and shops featuring local products. Castello di Ama (4.5 kilometres) operates a restaurant on its estate alongside wine-tasting facilities and a wine shop. For Michelin-starred dining, Siena (32 kilometres) contains several restaurants at this level; Florence (62 kilometres) offers international culinary variety at all price points. Local specialty products—wine, olive oil, pecorino cheese, cured meats—are available at each of these locations; many can be arranged for delivery to the villa for group dinners.