Description

Villa I Leoni is rising above the Castle of Montegufoni in the midst of the Chianti hills of Montespertoli, only 20 km from Florence in Tuscany. 

The name of the villa comes from the two 17th century statues in front of the entrance. The villa itself dates  back to the end of the 19th century, but the roots are even remoter and strong connected with the history of the near Castello di Montegufoni. 
In the 16th century instead of the villa, there was the Oratory of the near monastery "Le Calvane". The oratory was dedicated to the "Madonna della Neve" (the snow madonna), because inside was kept the painting of her. In 1709, upon request of Cardinal Nicola Acciaioli - later Papal candidate - the painting was removed from the Oratory to bring it to the chapel of Montegufoni castle. 

The painting was carried with a wagon, hauled by an ox who, when he reached the castle refused to stop and continued until reaching the Church of San Lorenzo. There, the painting has been kept until today. 
After the destruction of the Oratory, the surrounding land was cultivated and around the end of the 19th century was built the villa as farm building.  
Today, the owners  live in the central body of the building, whereas the other two sides as well as the antique hayloft in the garden have been changed into holiday accommodations. There are 5 apartments of various sizes available. 

In the garden around the villa, there are several covered pergolas and terraces for outside eating. The terraces of the apartments situated on the ground floor are lying directly in front of them and it is possible to protect them with parasols. In the garden there is also a barbecue and not to forget the swimming pool (12x6m) lying between the olive trees and offering an enchanting panoramic view over the Chianti hills.
The ideal position makes it possible to reach easily Florence (20 km) and many other beautiful places in Tuscany like Siena (45 km), Pisa (70 km), San Gimignano (30 km) and Lucca (ca. 70 km). From here you can start to discover the artistic treasures in Tuscany. 

[ Description ] [ Apartments ] [ Photo Album ] [ Price List ] [ Availability ] [ Street Map ] [ Home ]