Set in 25 hectares of olive terraces, gardens and woods and with a freshwater spring, this 16th Century villa's views are exceptional, even by Italian standards. It is a villa of rare charm and serenity with its own swimming pool, games room and cinema room. The villa sleeps 10 guests in 5 double bedroom suites. The garden suite in the adjacent farmhouse offers an extra double bedroom and bathroom. Families with children are welcome. The villa has been restored with integrity and authenticity and throughout there is relaxed refinement. Air conditioning is provided in the villa bedrooms and the ancient thick walls ensure a cool interior even in the height of summer. A terra-cotta-tiled terrace, lined with lemon trees, leads onto a shaded pergola with a large travertine table and dining chairs. In summer this is, in effect, an outdoor living and dining room. A charcoal barbecue makes outdoor cooking simple, and there is a wood-burning, traditional pizza oven. An evening of pizza-making is great fun for all ages. The swimming pool, with a shallow end for the little ones, is set just below the villa on a separate, deep terrace. Sheltered and with all-day sun, it has sweeping views of the valley. A second pergola and other seating areas provide shade and repose for those who prefer alternative garden views. Indoors there is a games room with pool/billiards/snooker, pro table football and darts. The sitting room is also a cinema room with a projector, drop down screen and surround sound. Great walking, cycling and visits to local places of interest. Cook service, on site masseuse, yoga classes, winery tours, local tour guide all available on request.
This VRBO was an incredible find for our large family. First, Ben and Nicole are truly special hosts. Their hospitality was top notch. They stopped by and we had a great time talking to them, they shared some of their amazing limoncello with us. Grandpa almost finished the whole bottle it was so good (yikes). We loved the feel of the house, itâs definitely a Tuscan Villa but with all the comforts and updates. The kitchen is very well equipped and the outdoors are so beautiful with flowers and views that you could look at all day. We wanted to spend most of our time sitting outside. Our girls enjoyed their plunge in the pool and the cherries that grew on a nearby tree. Truly magical stay!
Benham was born in Cambridge, England and with his wife, Nicole from Ligonier Pennsylvania, has restored a 16th Century Tuscan villa to be an elegant, modern home. When not hosting creative workshops (sculpture, painting, photography, cooking and writing) Benham & Nicole enjoy sharing their estate with guests from all over the world. Benham is an award winning film maker and Nicole is a successful artist.
Villa Berti enjoys a spectuclar position with endless views in all directions. Surrounded by an operational olive farm and extensive woodland with many hiking paths, the estate is truly magnificent. There is plentiful wildlife, from wild boar and wolves to falcons and hoopoes in the summer months. Only a short drive to the beatiful medieval walled city of Lucca and a 45 minute drive from Pisa airport.
They say that in Italy the church owns all the best property. Villa Berti was purchased from the church and has been in our family for the last 30 years. It is an estate of rare tranquility and beauty; it's location is second to none. First and foremost Villa Berti is a much loved family home that hosts creative workshops in Spring and Fall. Every year we strive to improve the property and our guests' vacation experience. We produce the highest quality extra virgin olive oil, a range of high quality liquors and olive wood chopping and serving boards. A private chapel also makes Villa Berti the ideal location for a boutique wedding.