Villa Marchese

A noble residence wrapped in a 16-hectare botanical park, encircled by meadows, woods, vineyards, and silver-green olive groves that cascade from the Montalbano hills toward the Arno.

Step inside Villa Marchese and slip into the quiet grandeur of old-world Tuscany. Restored in 2018 to surpass its original splendor, the 18th-century estate unfolds in a sequence of frescoed salons and intimate sitting rooms, furnished with period pieces and curated art. Sunlight pools across terracotta floors; vaulted ceilings and hand-painted walls tell the story of centuries of celebration and repose.
Built in the mid-1700s by the noble Frescobaldi family, the villa later became the domain of Marquis Cosimo Ridolfi—the father of modern Italian agriculture—who transformed the grounds into a living museum of rare species. Today, more than 3,000 exotic and native plants thrive across 320 hectares of iconic Tuscan landscape, anchored by a formal Italian Garden and walking paths that wind past vineyards and olive orchards.
Signature spaces set Marchese apart: a 70 m² historic theater (one of only five Italian villas to possess one), two panoramic towers with a meeting room and a sky-lit salon, two broad terraces—one a 300 m² solarium—and a serene private chapel for quiet reflection or intimate ceremonies. An active winery on the estate welcomes guests for tastings and bespoke events.

Highlights
18th-century noble villa, fully restored (2018)
Frescoed halls, fine period furnishings, and architectural detail throughout
16-hectare botanical park with over 3,000 species, designed under Marquis Cosimo Ridolfi
Historic private theater (70 m²) — exceptionally rare in Italian villas
Two panoramic towers and two expansive terraces (one a 300 m² solarium)
Private chapel for blessings and micro-weddings
On-estate winery open for visits, tastings, and curated events
Meadows, woods, vineyards, and olive groves across 320 hectares
Ideal For
Multi-generational gatherings, destination celebrations, intimate weddings, executive retreats, and culture-rich Tuscan escapes where art, nature, and heritage meet.
Concierge Note: Haute Retreats can arrange in-villa chefs, guided garden tours with horticultural experts, private tastings at the estate winery, classical performances in the theater, and day trips across Chianti and Florence.

Things to Do Nearby
Culture & Heritage
Vinci (15–20 min): Birthplace of Leonardo—Museo Leonardiano, Casa Natale, and hilltop views over Montalbano.
Artimino (20 min): Medici villa La Ferdinanda (UNESCO), Etruscan ruins, and sunset walks among olive groves.
Florence (45–60 min): Uffizi, Duomo, Accademia’s David, and artisan workshops in the Oltrarno.
Lucca & Pisa (60–75 min): Lucca’s Renaissance walls by bike; the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
Wine & Food
Carmignano & Montalbano DOC tastings at boutique estates; cellar tours followed by vineyard picnics.
San Miniato (35–40 min): White truffle country—guided truffle hunts and market tastings (in season).
Cooking Class at the Villa: Tuscan pastas, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and estate EVOO tastings with a local chef.
Nature & Active
E-biking & hiking through the Montalbano trails: cypress avenues, vineyard switchbacks, and olive-mill stops.
Montecatini Terme (35–40 min): Belle Époque spas, funicular to Montecatini Alto, and leisurely café terraces.
Golf: Circolo Golf Ugolino (south of Florence) or Le Pavoniere (Prato), both within easy reach.
Day Trips
Chianti Classico (60–75 min): Castles, vertical tastings, and panoramic drives from Greve to Radda.
Siena & San Gimignano (75–90 min): Gothic grandeur and medieval towers—perfect paired itinerary.
Family & La Dolce Vita
Collodi (45–55 min): Pinocchio Park and historic gardens at Villa Garzoni.
Florence Markets: Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio for a lively lunch; gelato crawl to follow.
Signature Haute Retreats Experiences
Private hot-air balloon at sunrise over Chianti.
Classical recital or jazz trio in the villa’s historic theater.
Golden-hour photo session among vineyards and the Italian garden.
Hands-on fresco or ceramics workshop with local artisans.
Your Haute Retreats concierge will reserve tastings, guides, transport, and timed museum entries—and tailor each outing to your pace.

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