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.
Property manager
Benham Gooder
Languages
English, Italian
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pets
Pets allowed: cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 3 pets total)
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
About the area
Lucca
Located in Lucca, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Fattoria Sardigiustiniani s.s.a and Parco Avventura Sospeso nel Verde are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Oak Tree of Pinocchio and Monte Castellare. Travelling with kids? Consider Puccini Museum and Lucca Botanical Gardens. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Ristorante Pizzeria Guzzanello di Pardi Silvano - 26 min drive
Ristorante Il Naso - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Elegant villa: 5 dble beds/baths with optional farmhouse annex: 5 beds/4 baths have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Elegant villa: 5 dble beds/baths with optional farmhouse annex: 5 beds/4 baths pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
What time is check-in at Elegant villa: 5 dble beds/baths with optional farmhouse annex: 5 beds/4 baths?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Elegant villa: 5 dble beds/baths with optional farmhouse annex: 5 beds/4 baths?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Elegant villa: 5 dble beds/baths with optional farmhouse annex: 5 beds/4 baths located?
Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Villa Grabau, Puccini Museum and Lucca Botanical Gardens. Via Fillungo and Museum of Torture are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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, it’s 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!
Anthony S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
About the host
Hosted by Benham Gooder
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.
Why they chose this property
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.
What makes this property unique
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.