The country villa: between rural life and noble splendor

An excursus into the past

The elegant and impressive landscape of Tuscany (and the Chianti) is architecturally complemented by simple farms, splendid mansions and stately residences. This admirable harmony of landscape and architecture has slowly crystallized over the years and reflects the constant rivalry between Siena and Florence, which have fought over the country for centuries.

The first country houses were built in the Middle Ages in the form of castles and fortified complexes due to the political and military competition between the two cities. At that time, Tuscany was continually plagued by invasions, wars and diseases and was an unsafe place in which people fought for every little piece of earth and the city borders were constantly changing. The name of the Chianti is said to be due to the roar of arms, which was heard in the region between Florence and Siena. In 1260 the Senesians achieved the greatest victory over the Florentines at the Battle of Monteaperti, but a few decades later Florence regained dominance.

In the meantime, in Florence the Italian language was refined in the works of Dante, Petrarca and Boccaccio, the fathers of Italian, and Siena experienced an incomparable artistic splendor, especially in the 14th century. Art history was also written in Florence in the Renaissance period.

In 1555 Florence finally conquered Siena and the landscape was architecturally enriched with magnificent country residences, including the splendid Medici villas. The 18th and 19th centuries contributed to a further embellishment of the graceful villas with neoclassical elements. The majestic properties in the countryside are emphasized by the surrounding oak and chestnut forests, which were often used as hunting grounds. The interiors are decorated with refined furniture, handmade curtains, huge fireplaces with carved family crests and floors made of Carrara marble and Impruneta terracotta. The task of a landlord was to manage his agricultural possessions, especially the harvesting of the vineyards and olive groves.

A villa in Chianti is an ideal retreat to breathe good air and to enjoy the indolence and the joys of country life, in particular the good food. The preparation of the dishes was written down in the family cookbooks and thus passed down through the generations.

Today, these stately villas, although they differ in architectural style and construction time, give a harmonious overall picture. The property can often be reached via winding streets framed by cypresses that lead to the grandiose main entrance with wrought-iron gates. The gardens are designed geometrically and exude the enchanting scent of lemon and orange blossom.