Villa Bernardino Italy

With patchwork views of Tuscan landscapes around you from the elevated swimming pool, Villa Bernardino offers charm and character in beautiful surroundings, perfectly positioned between Lucca and Florence.
This is a handsome five-bedroom villa with a picture-perfect yellow façade and pretty shutters which is sure to impress you on your arrival. The casa dates back to the early 19th century and has been wonderfully restored to retain a great sense of history throughout. Expect characterful elegance, antique furnishings and terracotta floors alongside modern comforts such as a superbly equipped kitchen, modern bathrooms and air-conditioning in most of the bedrooms. Set over three levels, if you are not admiring the incredible frescoes on the ceilings of some of the second-floor en-suite bedrooms, then you’ll be gazing out at the typically Tuscan views of cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.
Relax in the magnificent gardens with its stone terrace and barbecue for al-fresco dining in style, benches and parasols with wonderful views and a second dining area ideal for feasts on warm summer evenings with family and friends. Wander up to the top of the terraced grounds at the rear to cool off in the glorious and sunny swimming pool surrounded by stunning parkland and yet more tremendous vistas.
Close to the spa-town of Montecatini Terme, you can experience one of the nine thermal spas within just a ten-minute drive as well as exploring the historic buildings and fountains or browsing the high-end shops. Take the 19th century funicular up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto for more spectacular views and take time to visit other enchanting places such as Pescia, Collodi and the famous Vinci with its museum and birthplace of the great artist.
The historic city of Lucca must be visited for its beauty and character whilst Florence and Pisa can also be easily reached for superb days out. Take nature walks through the wetlands at Padule di Fucecchio or head further south to the Chianti vineyards and perhaps even as far as Siena. For a complete change of scene, experience Tuscany by the beach with the popular summer resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi under an hour away.  Villa Bernardino is located in northern Tuscany between Lucca and Florence in the beautiful hills filled with woodland, olive and cypress trees, looking out towards the spa-town of Montecatini Terme. The land surrounding the villa comprises ten hectares of parkland and terraces growing olive trees and vineyards. 
It’s just a five-minute drive to two of the oldest villages in the area and there is a variety of traditional Tuscan restaurants in a 10 to 15-minute drive. The nearest supermarket is around 6km away or head to Montecatini Terme (7.5km) for a greater choice of amenities.
Indeed, Montecatini Terme (7.5km) is a wonderful place to visit and is well-known for it’s nine thermal spas where you can experience a number of different treatments as well as admire the historic buildings in which they are housed. Explore the town itself, looking out for historic fountains, impressive buildings and high-end shops. Take the 19th century funicular up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto and be mesmerised by the spectacular views around you.
Other local villages to visit include Pescia (10km) with its grand cathedral, Collodi (13km) with its famous associations with Pinocchio and Monsummano Terme (12km), again known for its thermal springs including the incredible Grotta Giusti, a natural paradise.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Padule di Fucecchio wetlands, around half an hour away, is another wonderful day out. The nature reserve is perfect for long walks as you spot a number of migrating birds, a variety of herons and discover all sorts of unusual flora and fauna – look out for guided tours departing from the visitors centre in Larciano (24km).
You are also close to the picturesque village of Vinci (28km), a delightful place to explore not just because it’s the birthplace of Leonardo di Vinci. Visit the museum, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, perhaps sampling some of the local olive oil and wine, then follow the 3km-long trail (the Sentiero Verde) through the vineyards to the artist’s birthplace.
Of course, a visit to Lucca (30km) is a must when staying in this region – be enchanted by its exquisite architecture, atmospheric squares and medieval centre. The world-famous cities of Florence (60km) and Pisa (50km) are also around an hour away by car (consider travelling to Florence by train from Montecatini Terme) or head south, perhaps passing some of the idyllic Chianti villages, until you reach Siena, around 120km away.
For beach lovers, head to the beaches of the Versilia coastline, under an hour away, where you will find sandy shores, blue-flag beaches, watersports opportunities and overall a great day by the sea. Viareggio (55km) and Forte dei Marmi (65km) are particularly well loved seaside resorts that are easily reached. At Excellence Luxury Villaswe pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Breakfast – Meals – Private chef- Cookery classes- Wine-tasting tours- Babysitting- Yoga/pilates – Massages- Personal trainer – Event planning- Tours- Transfers- Horse-riding- Balloon trips- Boat trips- Maid service and linen change
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!