Last updated on September 19th, 2023 at 05:12 pm
Florence is the most beautiful, most exciting and most romantic city.
Considered the capital of the Renaissance, Florence spans the River Arno, in central Italy. Its palaces, riverbanks and back-streets have starred in hundreds of movies and decorate thousands of paintings.
If you like to experience Florence without staying in the city centre you can opt to stay in the south of the city where there are rolling hills of grape vines and olive groves, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and a private swimming pool, but still minutes drive from the centre.
At Haute Retreats we take pride in our service. We have 25 years’ experience matching every guests to the right villa. Our villas are all selected through a very strict list of standards. Our portfolio has a very small selection but this is because we want to offer only the best.
Each of Haute Retreats villa features a private swimming pool, 24/7 concierge service, emergency number 24/7 available, pre-trip arrangements. Your concierge can arrange a private chef, daily maid service, or shopping delivered to your villa, and memorable experiences like Tuscan cookery classes in your holiday rental’s kitchen.
To see what real travellers think of our service, and the experience of staying in a Haute Retreats luxury villa, read our verified reviews.
Why Stay near Florence
We suggest to stay in a villa near Florence if this is your first time visit to Tuscany. Florence has the largest concentration of sights, things to see and do, and places to shop. It is the regional capital. Florence has the Uffizi Gallery; Michelangelo’s “David”; Medici villas, palaces and tombs; Renaissance gardens; countless painted chapels and much more.
You can enjoy several fun tours right on your doorstep when you stay in a Florence villa rental. The Chianti, hills to the south and within easy reach of the city, is one of the most famous wine zones in the world. If you have an idea of “classic Tuscan scenery” in your mind, you will find it in around here. (And as another area, you should also consider renting a Chianti villa; then browse our Chianti villas.)
READ MORE Michelin-Star restaurants in Tuscany you shouldn’t miss
The sights of nearby Siena include the Campo, Palazzo Pubblico and Duomo, each of them unchanged since medieval times. Another location for culture vultures renting a villa in Tuscany is Lucca, birthplace of the composer Puccini, with a museum and summer opera festival dedicated to him.
When to Visit Florence
Spring temperatures are pleasant over most of the Tuscany region, including Florence. You should expect an average daytime high of 23℃ (73℉) and lows of 11℃ (51℉) overnight. Easter weekend is busy in Florence for the Easter Day tradition, the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). This festival stars 150 white oxen, an antique cart filled with fireworks, and a very big bang.
Summer in Florence is high season. The daytime temperature rises to an average high of 30℃ (86℉), with 17℃ (62℉) overnight typical. This is the ideal season for relaxing by your private pool, especially during the heat of the day. Cultural festivals happen outdoors close to Florence, from the Palio di Siena horserace to the open-air Puccini Festival, with live opera beside the composer’s lakeside home near Lucca. Both places are around 90 minutes’ drive from your Florence villa.
Despite cooler temperatures, autumn and winter in Florence are still lots of fun. The sun shines on most days, with an average daytime high of 13℃ (55℉) and overnight lows of 4℃ (39℉). Low season means you can enjoy the city at your own pace. You can easily find a table at city restaurants like La Bottega del Buon Caffè or at the Osteria di Passignano in the Chianti hills.
READ MORE Where to stay in Florence: our selection of Luxury Private Residences
Here below we handpicked seven beautiful villas for rent near Florence
Villa Zietta
Villa Zietta is a newly renovated property made up of a large stone farmhouse and traditional separate dwellings surrounded by breathtaking views of Chianti’s most famous vineyards.There is a total of 9 bedrooms, sleeping 23 guests.
The property has amongst other amenities a, private 6x12m infinity pool and pool house. boules and extensive gardens and patios. The property is located in the Tuscan hillside between Florence and Siena and 4 km from the lovely town of Castellina in Chianti.
Book Here Zietta
Villa Salvia
Set in the region of Tuscany, midway between Florence and Siena, the architect honored the past and present in this luxury large vacation home for rent.
Salvia is set in a beautiful countryside location close to the town of Barberino Val d’Elsa. Originally built in the year 1000AD, Salvia has undergone a lengthy and meticulously conceived restoration and now provides all the comforts for a memorable and truly unforgettable stay.
Book Here Villa Salvia
Villa Gaia
Set in the Florence countryside and 15.5 miles from the city, Villa Gaia is an elegant idyllic retreat.
Cross the gate of the property, which is set in the midst of 32,300 sq. feet of enclosed land, and you will fall under its spell: a relaxed and comfortable ambiance in a very peaceful location that you will find hard to leave. This three-story villa and the adjacent annex can accommodate a total of 12 guests. Recently renovated and skillfully decorated in typical Tuscan country style, the villa exudes a rustic elegance combined with the charm of unspoiled natural surroundings. This exclusive highway delights all guests with its relaxed beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
Book Here Gaia | 6 BR
Villa Renaissance
Villa Renaissance is one of the most elegant and luxury villa rentals in Florence, Tuscany. It is perfectly located on the top of a Tuscan florentine hill, only five minutes from the center of Florence surrounded by a wonderful Giardino all Italiana that includes olive trees and secular cypresses. Close to the villa, there is also the Garden of the Cedars, a spacious garden surrounded by trees enchanted with rose bushes and ancient stone pedestals with lemon trees and an old Lebanese cedar that has more than 300 years.
This luxury villa rental was owned by the Marchese Niccolò Antinori in the 15th century and it is one of the Medici Villas. The Antinori family owned this villa until the beginning of 1900 when the family sold the property. In 1980 the new owners had a renovation of the entire villa that was completed in 2003.
Book Here Villa Renaissance | 7 BR
Villa Rinascimento
Villa Rinascimento is an incredible estate outside Florence. This luxury villa rental was once the summer residence of the Ghirlandaio family of painters. They used to relax at this property and invite the famous artists from Botticelli to Raffaello. Villa Rinascimento is now a wonderful place to host your a celebration, a wedding, a corporate retreat or you next family and friends reunion in Tuscany.
Book Here Villa Rinascimento
Villa Lisa
Set high atop a hill on a large estate in the Chianti Area, Villa Lisa is a quintessential Tuscan Luxury Villa where you, your family and your friends will enjoy your vacation.
The villa is a perfect retreat if you are looking to have privacy, relaxation and you want to be near the city of Florence. Florence is located only 25 minutes from Villa Lisa.
Villa Lisa is perched over 1000 feet above sea level and boasts panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards.
There are many luxury amenities and facilities that you will enjoy while staying at this villa like the verdant park, a private heated swimming pool, a tennis court and a soccer field. All of these options add especial value for guests who love outdoor living and staying active on vacations.
Book Here Lisa | 7 BR
Read More The most beautiful Italian Villas Where to Stay
Villa Figline 1
Villa Figline 1 dates back to the 15th century and it was recently restored and transformed into an exquisite luxury villa for up to 14 guests in Tuscany, Italy.
This elegant three-story home is nestled in an exclusive estate which includes other six villas as well and boasts an impeccable manicured park (5000 sqf). Villa Figline 1 is perfect for large parties or special reunions. The villa is cozy and features that Tuscan style with a superlative quality of the furnishings. The location near Florence is sought-after, only 25 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train. A picture-postcard escape that you will enjoy.
Book Here Villa Figline 1
Contact Haute Retreats or email your Trip Designer to start planning winter vacations for this year and the future. Beloved destinations like the ones listed here are booking up quickly, due to increased re-booking policies. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you and provide information on coronavirus travel safety, destinations that are open to travel, Covid-19 hotel policies, transportation options, private villas and charters and more.
