Villa Ulivi is a remarkably beautiful and luxurious fifteenth
century Florentine Villa located few minutes away from Florence's
historic city centre and from its main monuments, as well as
from the shopping area, up towards the wonderful landscape of
an ideal Tuscan hill.
The imposing building, characterized by the Italian Villa tradition
while incorporating the comforts available today, is set in
a residential area that both overlooks and is extremely close
to the town's attractions.
Access to downtown Florence is easily attainable by either a
comfortable, scenic walk or a short bus ride down the famous
Via Bolognese. Both options are simple to navigate for travellers
of any age or experience level.
Villa Ulivi also has partnerships with scooter and bicycle
rental companies to meet all of their guests travel needs.
The villa grounds are surrounded and beautified by magnificent
vineyards and olive orchards, as well as an array of local flowers
and blossoming trees. In spite of its central location, Villa
Ulivi is immersed in a garden planted with fragrant roses
and lavender, at the end of a shady horse-chestnuts' lane.
Villa Ulivi offers travellers an authentic Tuscan experience
and allows for a relaxing retreat from the "hustle and
bustle" of the nearby city center.
"For centuries Florence has been celebrated for
her villa clad hills.
According to an old chronicler, the country houses were more
splendid than those in town, and stood so close - set among
their olive orchards and vine-yards that the traveller thought
himself in Florence three leagues before reaching the city."
Edith Wharton
Guests are constantly amazed at how close Villa Ulivi
is to the variety of tourism activities in downtown Florence,
but, at the same time, how separated it is from the "hustle
and bustle" of the busy city.
Set in the hills overlooking the town, the Villa is everything
visitors to Florence seek in their Tuscan adventure. 
As guests enter through the large stone gate and look down
the private shady lane, they will realize that they are entering
a new and exciting world. Pass through the main entrance and
gaze up towards the beautiful, golden, eight meter ceilings.
Admire the wooden balcony and dangling chandeliers.
The ancient stone wine cellar, with three rooms with vaulted
roofs and fifteenth century stone frames used for socializing
and taste-testing, provides a place to escape and explore
the collection of over 1,500 bottles.
Stroll out to the back patio or enjoy a glass of Tuscan wine
on the rooftop terrace.
Both offer unimaginable views of the unspoilt hillside and
city spread.
Fernand Braudel described the Florentine landscape as, "The
most touching countryside in the world."
"You may go forth from the Riccardi Chapel and
see the castle of Vincigliata towering on its cypress-clad
hill precisely as Gozzoli depicted it in his fresco."
Edith Wharton
This grand Villa captures traditional Tuscan style and atmosphere
with the benefit of modern amenities.
At Villa Ulivi, furnishings have been chosen with a
careful eclectic taste.
Tuscan pieces from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
create an atmosphere that is classical, authentic and most
of all relaxing.
Large and elegant lounges, illuminated by the Tuscan sun and
open onto the gardens of the historic Villa, have been added
in the course of the last two centuries to the fascinating,
ancient wine-cellars and horse-stables.
One of the common areas of the Villa provides technology services
for the guests.
There is a computer with Internet access, wireless Internet,
printer, scanner, telephone, and fax machine.
Villa Ulivi guests are able to make themselves as connected
or separated from the outside world as they choose.
"I had never known Florence more herself, or in
other words more attaching, than I found her for a week in
that brilliant October.
She sat in the sunshine beside her yellow river like the little
treasure-city that she always seemed."
Henry James
 There
are also a variety of other benefits that Villa Ulivi
has to offer.
Guests are encouraged to use the Villa's rooftop terrace,
backyard patio and wine cellar for romantic social gatherings.
Upon request, the management can organize private parties
that are catered by some of Florence's best chefs.
Cooking classes and activities are periodically planned on
the Villa grounds.
Guests may also use the chapel for private religious services
and the backyard barbeque grill for family meals.
English and French are spoken.
|
