Casa Gherardi | 9-Bedroom Villa in Metropolitan City of Florence

Midway between Florence and Siena, where Chianti’s rolling vineyards meet medieval hilltop towns, sits a property that transforms group holidays into something altogether more substantial. Casa Gherardi—a luxury villa rental in Chianti Tuscany—accommodates 18 guests across nine bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, making it one of the region’s most capable estates for large-scale gatherings. Seven centuries of continuous habitation have left their mark on these stone walls, yet the interior speaks unmistakably of contemporary comfort layered thoughtfully over historical foundations.

Inside Casa Gherardi

Casa Gherardi sleeps 18 guests across 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct structures: the main villa, a converted barn, and interconnected outdoor spaces that blur the line between inside and out.

The main villa’s ground floor hosts two ensuite bedrooms that anchor family groups. One features a king bed (180cm × 200cm) opening onto a private garden, with wheelchair accessibility throughout the sleeping area and wetroom shower. Its counterpart mirrors this configuration while adding a separate wet room setup, equally accessible by mobility standards. A living room with substantial seating anchors this floor, alongside a fully equipped kitchen—the operational heart of the property—and a guest WC.

The first floor of the main villa contains five additional bedrooms. Three king bedrooms (180cm × 200cm each) include ensuites with bathtubs rather than showers, offering deeper soaking options after long exploration days. A family suite provides a king bed, twin beds (90cm × 200cm), and an ensuite with bathtub, making it ideal for parents traveling with older children or extended family groups who require flexible sleeping configurations.

The barn conversion houses three further king bedrooms (180cm × 200cm), each with ensuite bathrooms fitted with showers. This semi-detached arrangement suits multi-generational parties seeking some degree of separation without isolation—families can retreat to private quarters while remaining within a minute’s walk of communal spaces.

Architectural elements throughout feature Pietra Serena stone, the grey limestone that defines Tuscan building tradition. Guest bedrooms showcase commissioned murals by artist Simone Boni, each depicting one of medieval Florence’s nine historic neighborhoods—a decorative narrative that transforms sleeping quarters into cultural conversation pieces. Decor balances contemporary Italian design with natural palettes: warm ochres, soft greys, pale linens. No room feels dated; none announces itself as aggressively modern. The effect is restful rather than trendy.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens surrounding Casa Gherardi occupy roughly 2.5 acres, though the exact perimeter dissolves into the forested hillside beyond. Multiple pathways wind through this territory, bordered by flowering shrubs: strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) produce scarlet berries in autumn; rosemary releases its sharp herbaceous scent when brushed in passing; jasmine climbs arbors near the terraces, intensifying its fragrance at dusk.

The infinity pool measures 15 meters by 6 meters, positioned to take advantage of southern exposure and views across the valley toward distant ridgelines. Unlike many Tuscan pools that face north into shade by afternoon, this one captures light until sunset, making it functional for swimming rather than merely decorative. Pool heating extends the usable season from May through October, though experienced visitors know that even unheated water feels refreshing during Tuscany’s humid summer months.

The outdoor dining pergola seats 22 guests—precise enough to accommodate the full property capacity plus staff. This structure isn’t a flimsy shade cloth stretched across pipe; it’s a permanent timber construction with climbing vines that mature enough to filter harsh midday light while remaining thin enough to allow evening breezes through. The attached dining table provides a venue for both casual breakfasts and formal multi-course dinners, with the kitchen accessible via a short covered passage.

Terrace areas adjacent to the main villa offer various seating configurations: intimate clusters for before-dinner drinks; lounging zones with substantial outdoor sofas; breakfast tables positioned to catch morning sun before the heat accumulates. The ground-floor bedroom’s private garden access means guests can take morning coffee in seclusion, a detail that matters more than it initially appears when sharing a property with 17 other people.

Location: Chianti Classico and the Surrounding Area

Casa Gherardi sits within the Chianti Classico zone, the historic heartland of Tuscan viticulture. This designation means the surrounding landscape—visible from every bedroom window—contains 700+ registered wineries, though many remain family operations without formal tourism infrastructure. The property itself stands on an organic farm with a functioning wine cellar (cantina) in continuous production since 1404, making it among Italy’s oldest continuously operated wineries. Guests can arrange tastings in the historic cellars below the villa, a visceral connection to how medieval and Renaissance vintners stored their harvest.

Greve in Chianti, the principal market town of the region, lies 10 kilometers south and functions as the weekend gathering point for locals. Its central piazza, ringed by porticoed buildings, hosts a weekly farmer’s market (Friday mornings) selling seasonal produce, fresh pasta, and local cheeses. The town contains reliable restaurants including Badia a Passignano (a Michelin-recognized trattoria 8km away) and numerous enotecas (wine bars) where proprietors pour glasses alongside cured meats and aged Parmigiano.

Florence, despite being Italy’s Renaissance capital, remains only 45 kilometers northwest—approximately 50 minutes by car via the SR222 (Strada Chiantigiana). The Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Palazzo Vecchio form the cultural triumvirate, but the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (the cathedral with Brunelleschi’s dome) and Ponte Vecchio’s jewelry shops generate more foot traffic. San Gimignano (38km northwest, 45 minutes by car) offers medieval tower-house architecture and is known for Vernaccia white wine and saffron production. The town’s fortified walls and narrow stone streets make it a popular afternoon excursion, though crowds can be substantial during peak tourist seasons.

Siena, positioned 40 kilometers south and requiring 50-55 minutes by car, competes architecturally with Florence for Renaissance credentials. The Piazza del Campo—the fan-shaped main square—hosts the Palio horse race each July and August, a spectacle that fills the city and surrounding regions with visitors for weeks beforehand. Siena’s Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) contains frescoes by Duccio and represents Italian Gothic at its most ornate. The city contains fewer tourists than Florence but demands equal exploration time.

The broader region offers specific activities beyond museum visits. The Chianti Classico wine consortium (Consorzio del Marchio Storico Chianti Classico) coordinates vineyard visits; many small producers welcome advance bookings for tastings in their cellars. Olive oil production parallels wine in importance here—the region produces Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Chianti Classico Olive Oil, cold-pressed from Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino olives harvested November through January. Cycling routes follow gravel farm roads (strade bianche) through undulating vineyards, accessible to intermediate riders. The nearest cycling hire company is in Greve, 10km away.

For culinary enthusiasts, the region hosts multiple cooking schools offering half-day or full-day classes in traditional Tuscan preparation. The property can arrange instructors to teach in the villa’s kitchen, or guests can travel to established schools in nearby towns. Explore our luxury villas across Europe or our complete collection throughout the Metropolitan City of Florence. For comprehensive destination preparation, consult our Tuscany travel guide.

The nearest major airport is Amerigo Vespucci (Firenze), located 40km north in Florence, requiring approximately 50 minutes by car. Pisa International Airport (85km west) offers more flight options for some routes and takes 90 minutes to reach by car via the SR67. Both airports provide rental car services, though many groups arrange private transfers in advance.

Seasonal considerations: May through June offers warm but not oppressive temperatures (22-28°C), wildflowers in bloom, and fewer tourists than July-August. July-August brings peak heat (28-32°C) and crowded sites, though evening temperatures remain pleasant. September maintains summer warmth while crowds diminish noticeably. October provides harvest season aesthetics (vineyards turning gold and red) and comfortable temperatures (18-24°C). November-March bring cooler, damper conditions (5-12°C), reduced tourist traffic, and lower rental rates—suitable for those prioritizing landscape and cultural sites over swimming.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families gathering for milestone celebrations—milestone birthdays, family reunions spanning three generations—find Casa Gherardi’s configuration ideal. The mix of bedroom sizes accommodates parents, adult children, teenagers, and grandparents without forcing anyone into uncomfortable compromises. The barn provides semi-autonomous space for adult children seeking independence while remaining within the family orbit.

Large friendship groups (12-18 people) planning extended stays benefit from the property’s scale and included services. The chef/cook availability transforms meal coordination from a rotating burden into a curated experience, while the maid service maintains the property without consuming group time. The kitchen’s professional-grade equipment supports collaborative cooking projects—authentic pasta-making classes or multi-course dinner preparations where different groups tackle different courses simultaneously.

Corporate team-building retreats and executive offsite gatherings use Casa Gherardi as a working base combined with wine-tasting activities and cultural exploration. The combination of comfortable workspace, reliable Wi-Fi, and professional kitchen facilities supports both serious work blocks and evening team activities.

Multi-generational family groups with varying mobility needs appreciate the ground-floor wheelchair-accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, which eliminate the need to segregate less-mobile family members or assume they can’t participate fully in the experience.

Couples seeking romantic hideaways may find the property’s scale overwhelming unless they’re booking private use of the entire villa or planning to share costs with friends.

Practical Information

Casa Gherardi accommodates 18 guests maximum across 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. The property includes maid service (daily cleaning, bed changes, laundry), professional chef/cook services available upon request, and pre-stocked refrigerator with breakfast provisions. Wi-Fi internet connectivity supports remote work; air conditioning and heating maintain comfort across seasons. Both ground-floor bedrooms feature full wheelchair accessibility, including accessible bathroom facilities.

The nearest supermarket is in Greve in Chianti, 10km away, offering standard grocery options. For more specialized provisions, Siena (40km away) and Florence (45km away) host larger commercial markets and specialty food shops.

Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence, 40km away, requires approximately 50 minutes by car. Pisa International Airport, 85km away, takes approximately 90 minutes to reach.

Check-in begins at 16:00 (4:00 PM) and checkout concludes at 11:00 AM. Flexible arrival/departure arrangements are available upon request with advance notice. The property requires a minimum 7-night booking during peak season (June-September) and 4-night minimum during shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Gherardi

How many guests does Casa Gherardi sleep?

Casa Gherardi accommodates 18 guests across 9 bedrooms: six king bedrooms (180cm × 200cm), two king bedrooms with wheelchair accessibility (180cm × 200cm), one family suite containing one king bed and two twin beds (90cm × 200cm). All nine bedrooms include private ensuite bathrooms. The main villa houses five bedrooms, the barn houses three bedrooms, and one ground-floor bedroom with private garden access. Additional guests can potentially use sofa beds in common areas with advance arrangement; inquire during booking.

What is the nearest airport to Casa Gherardi in Tuscany?

Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) in Florence, located 40 kilometers north, represents the nearest major airport and requires approximately 50 minutes by car. Pisa International Airport (PSA), 85 kilometers west, takes approximately 90 minutes by car and offers more frequent international flight options. Both airports provide rental vehicle services and private transfer arrangements can be coordinated with the property management team.

What is the best time of year to rent Casa Gherardi?

May and June offer ideal conditions: warm temperatures (22-28°C), minimal rainfall, wildflowers in bloom, and manageable tourist volumes before peak season. September provides similar comfort with noticeably fewer visitors. October brings harvest aesthetics and cooler temperatures (18-24°C), appealing to those prioritizing scenery and cultural exploration over swimming. July-August reaches peak warmth (28-32°C) and tourist congestion. Winter (November-March) offers solitude and lower rates for those prioritizing landscape and indoor cultural activities rather than outdoor recreation.

Is Casa Gherardi suitable for families with children?

The 15-meter by 6-meter heated pool provides safe swimming for children aged 6 and older with supervision; younger children require constant adult attention around water. The property lacks dedicated children’s entertainment infrastructure (playground equipment, kids’ clubs), making it better suited for families comfortable with outdoor exploration and self-directed activities. The extensive grounds offer safe running and cycling space. Florence and Siena contain family-friendly museums and attractions, though many art galleries suit older children (10+) better than younger ones. Local cycling routes accommodate children’s bicycles with adult supervision. The property can arrange cooking classes that include children as active participants.

What is included in the rental price at Casa Gherardi?

The rental price includes daily maid service (cleaning, laundry, bed changes), Wi-Fi internet access, heating and air conditioning, pool heating, pre-stocked breakfast provisions, and all utilities (electricity, water, gas). Professional chef/cook services are available at additional cost with advance booking. Linens and towels are provided. Guest Wi-Fi covers all interior spaces and terraces. Pool maintenance and heating are included year-round to extend the usable season.

What restaurants and shops are near Casa Gherardi?

Greve in Chianti, 10 kilometers south, contains a supermarket, weekly farmer’s market (Friday mornings), and numerous trattorias and enotecas (wine bars). Badia a Passignano, a Michelin-recognized restaurant specializing in Tuscan cuisine, operates 8 kilometers away. For fine dining, Florence (45km northwest) offers Michelin-starred establishments and extensive casual options. San Gimignano (38km northwest) provides restaurant options and local Vernaccia wine. Siena (40km south) contains upscale dining venues and casual neighborhood restaurants. Most visitors arrange shopping trips to larger towns combined with cultural visits rather than relying on immediate surroundings for commercial needs.