Overview
In a fairytale landscape
Villa Aurora is a large, historic villa just south of Florence. Located halfway between Florence and Siena (22 miles each), it is perched on a hilltop amidst a lush green countryside. The villa has a large swimming pool, a lovely garden with amazing views, terraces and patios.
The location is outstanding: From the garden you can enjoy stunning views of the gentle rolling hills, vineyards, olive trees leading to the extraordinary ancient towers of San Gimignano in the distance. The valley below is of rare beauty.
The antique tower dates back to around the year 1000, the villa itself to the middle of the 18th century. Once used as the summer retreat for a Florentine family the owner undertook a painstaking restauration. The facade opens onto beautifully interiors, Italian furnishings at its best.
The massive walls, high wood-panelled ceilings, arches, wall friezes and wall frescoes, stuccoes and hand-painted ceilings in some of the rooms enhance the special atmosphere of this ancient house. All the original materials have been preserved or harmoniously matched with contemporary equivalents. Tuscan colored walls, terracotta floors, beautiful mirrors with gold-painted baroque frames create a charming atmosphere resonant with history and art.
The villa is partly air-conditioned and it has 13 generous bedroom suites, each with a sitting area by the window, a fridge for drinks and 13 bathrooms. A total of 30 people (26+4) can be accommodated. On special request (please enquire upon booking) and at extra charge some more bedrooms are available.
The villa features is a large entrance hall, a spacious living room with grand piano and another small living room with open fireplace. Externally accessed there is a spacious room facing the garden with fully equipped kitchen and large dining room. The al fresco dining area is right in front of the villa, close to the kitchen. When joining for meals guests enjoy wonderful garden views. A cook can come into the house.
Villa Aurora is a grand place to host to family reunions, weddings, choral groups, yoga retreats and professional seminars. Guests are welcomed with great warmth and gentilezza, and the owner and staff will do all they can to make you feel comfortable. Lovely people, relaxed atmosphere, professionality.
The beautiful classical Tuscan garden with hand-carved stone balusters is laid out on the south side of the villa. From here you can follow the course of the sun from sunrise to sunset. The panoramic view is magnificent, maybe even unsurpassable. It may sound exaggerated but we want to say it: you can feel the surface of the globe here!
Rosemary and lavender bushes line the path to the large and elegant pool, which is spectacularly located on a plateau of English lawn and sits high above the valley. Near the pool are changing rooms. The park and the pool are romantically lit in the evening. Even when swimming in the pool you can savour the enchanting view of one of the most beautiful Chianti valleys.
The property is an active "Azienda Agricola" and cultivates the neighbouring fields. You may stroll through the olive groves and vineyards surrounding the Villa and taste the Chianti wine, olive oil and superb grappa produced by the farm. The farm organises wine tastings in the wine cellar with the onsite oenologist, and the recently awarded Super Tuscan wine is excellent. For an immersive experience, come during the vendemmia, the September grape harvest, or in October during the olive-picking and the pressing.
Guests Reviews
Our Guests Reviews
Outstanding wine, olive oil, and hospitality!
We visited for a wine tasting and all of us thought the quality of the wine and olive oil was outstanding. Donato led our tasting and we were so impressed with his presentation and hospitality. We went from Villa Aurora to another very well known winery about 30 minutes away and had the exact opposite experience. We look forward to visiting again the next time we are close by. Thank you!
Diane May 2025
Amazing experience
The whole experience was amazing. Incredible location, beautiful weather for the most part, very cosy atmosphere. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.
Our hosts had also booked the wine tasting experience for us and it was super fun and informative, even though I don't drink any alcohol. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Christian, May 2025
The most beautiful Villa in Tuscany
My oh my. I had my wedding here, all of our closest family and friends stayed with us and it was a trip of a LIFETIME. The villa is so beautiful beyond words. Ute, the Villa manager was the absolute best and made us feel at home. She and the staff were so amazing and so so sweet. I will be visiting again. I highly recommend!
Nicole April 2025
Amazing spectacular and breathtaking
Amazing and energetic tour guide. testing the wines were amazing. Our tour guide seems to genuinely enjoy his job and shared other hobbies such as olive oil tasting. Some of the freshest oil I’ve tasted. the view is one of the best parts I’m genuinely impressed by the whole experience.
Joseph, February 2025
Exceptional Wedding Venue
We spent 3 days at the Villa for my daughter's June wedding festivities including a welcome dinner, pool party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding. The venue was absolutely spectacular and the service was amazing. It was truly a dream come true for all of us.
Jill, November 2024
Dreamy birthday party and vacation with friends
I couldn’t think of a more unique place to celebrate my birthday! What a better venue to spend three days with my friends gathering in Tuscany for precious moments together!
Arriving at the Villa you can just marvel. Upon entering the courtyard, an amazing space wide opens right before your eyes - and you find yourself merging into a painting.
The Chianti hills backdrop was the scenery of a fantastic party on the roofed terrace and garden, with everything we could dream of.
The landscape, the atmosphere, the spotless venue, the views at every turn! we were there at the very beginning of Fall and the colors were stunning.
As the night grew, we could comfortably party on in the large rooms inside the villa, savoring more delicious food and wine.
I found so special to enjoy each other’s company during our stay in those days; we had plenty of time to party, chat, savor, rest, discover the surroundings and all at ease; the apartments were charming and cozy - as everything there. Everything seems effortlessly set for you to enjoy your stay, the manager Ute promptly present to help you design your party and make you feel at home. What a home!
You can breathe authenticity and care at every moment spent at the villa. We just loved it!
Rosanna, October 2024
A wedding vision brought to life!
Our family celebrated the wedding of our daughter at the Villa. Upon arrival, we had the opportunity to view all the suites and they were all clean, amenities were reviewed with each guest and the staff was welcoming and helpful! The views are absolutely amazing and we even attended a wine tasting that was not only informative about the Villa and it's history, but extremely entertaining. I would 110% recommend this experience!
Ann, Sptember 2024
Beautiful experience!!! Outstanding wines, unbelievable time spent at this winery.
I’ll be back 100%!!
We were well informed of regions history and heritage along with family connections and lineage. The story behind the time and work invested into this location is wonderful.
My husband and I will always remember our time here!!
You will not be disappointed!!!
Steves Honeymoon, September 2024
We booked for our group of 6 couples, and the villa could not have been better. It was fantastic. The outdoor dining area is right in front of the villa, close to a spacious summer kitchen, and we ate at the large table almost every night. The views of sunset from the terrace over the olive trees and vineyards was amazing. The pool was also incredible! 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, refreshing water for a dip, and loungers to read and nap in. If you sit up at the pool after sunset, you'll be treated to a symphony of cinghiale snorts under the stars. My only complaint is that we enjoyed the villa so much we didn't explore as much as I planned! We definitely want to come stay here again! Cohen family, September 2023
Totally charming, comfortable, and beautifully situated! Surrounded by the quiet beauty of Tuscany and perfectly located for day trips anywhere in the area. We were 6 females of "a certain age" and felt like queens. The villa retains all of its character, but with modern conveniences. Excellent place, great ambiance! P. Walker, June 2019
A brilliant stay in a beautiful setting. The staff were so helpful and friendly. Do the wine tasting. We used the pool to cool off after a long day of sightseeing. Great restaurants close by. We recommend Osteria Casa Chianti. Great location, close to Florence, Siena. We were able to ship olive oil and wine back home. V. Sanders, October 2018
Amenities
Touring ideas
Touring Ideas
- Restaurant 800 m
- Next village 2 km
- Certaldo 7 km
- S. Gimignano 17 km
- Colle Val d'Elsa 25 km
- Florence 40 km
- Siena 40 km
- Livorno (coast) 90 km
- Pisa (coast) 90 km
HOLIDAY HOME AMENITIES
- Pool: 6 x 14m
- Air conditioning in 8 apartments (Bellavista, Torre, Affresco, Terrazza, Oleandri and the Cortile and Rondine bedrooms)
- Mobile fans in the other bedrooms
- Internet WIFI connection
- Cooker, oven
- Fridge with freezer
- Electric kettle
- Toaster
- Diswasher
- American coffee machine
- Hair dryer
- Mini safe in two bedrooms
- Concert grand piano
- Satellite TV and telephone in the entrance hall
- Washing machine and ironing facilities in the pool house
- Wood pizza oven in the pool area
- Classical Tuscan garden with hand-carved stone balusters
- Terrace with large gazebo for al fresco dining with amazing landscape views
- Barbecue grill
- Parking inside the property
Photos
Activities
The villa is in the perfect location, just 40 minutes outside Florence. It overlooks a spectacular valley of vineyards, and the sunsets are amazing. In the morning, fog envelopes the valley floor, and the ancient towered city of San Gimignano rises on the opposite end of the valley, which you can see from the villa. 7 km away is the small town of Certaldo, which has a modern supermarket and other shops, and a lovely old town. 2 km away you can find a grocery shop, a butcher, a pharmacy, post and a nice breakfast bar.
A Tuscan restaurant with a nice patio, a small alimentari (corner store) and one of the oldest churches of the region are within walking distance (approx. 800 m). Bring a torch if you like to walk as the street to the restaurant is not illuminated. In the proximity of the villa there is a great variety of small trattorias and specialty restaurants - each night you can dine in a new place. Eating out is a way of getting to know the area. Simple local trattorias rub their shoulders with more sophisticated restaurants specialised in refined cuisine. Fresh local produce allways plays the leading role.
Villa Aurora is a perfect starting point to explore Tuscany: situated in the heart of Chianti, it is a short drive to Florence and Siena. The villa's location only 7 km from the railway station of Certaldo is a good base to visit Florence and Siena even by train: You can park your car in Certaldo (parking next to the railway station) and take the train in both directions. During the week, trains to Florence/Siena and back go regularly (approx. every 1.5 or 2 hours). The train ride takes less than an hour. In Florence the train will take you to the main train station which is right in the centre of Florence - it is just a short walk from the station "Santa Maria Novella" to the Cathedral or the Uffizi. In Siena the railway station is located approx. 3 km from centre, and you have to take a bus to reach the old town on top of the hill. One hour of driving takes you to the sea.
The Chianti area: Famous for its wines - the Chianti Classico - this area of Tuscany has more than just world-class oenological pleasures to offer. The curious visitor will come accross many delightful villages, each of them with a history of its own. Let us simply mention lesser known gems such as the romanesque church of Sant'Appiano, the Basilica of Impruneta, the fortified castle of Monteriggioni and the roofless romanesque abbey of San Galgano which are all close. And don’t miss the Saturday market in the small town of Greve.
San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, north-central Italy. It is mainly famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, which may be seen from several kilometers outside the town. The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, grown in the area.
Florence: The city lies on the Arno River and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; in fact, it has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The historic centre of Florence continues to attract millions of tourists each year and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.
Siena: The Sienese have no doubt, their town is the most beautiful in all of Tuscany, if not all of Italy. Siena has remained a Gothic city. Renaissance, one of the major influences in Florence, hardly affected the urban development of Siena. The city unfolds around the main shell-shaped square called "Il Campo." Twice a year the famous horse race known as the "Palio" takes place here. The narrow streets are lined with old shops and small cafes, while churches and museums are real treasures of the fourteenth century.
Local craftsmanship: hand-made terracotta pots from Impruneta, hand painted pottery from Montelupo, mouth-blown crystal glass from the neighbouring village Colle Val d'Elsa, not to mention the south bank of the Arno river in Florence where you will find a multitude of craftsmen working silver, leather, wood, glass, paper and metal.
Sports: riding stable 5 km, tennis court 10 km, beauty spa with sauna 15 km, golf course 35 km.
Map
Please note: the Google Maps are only approximative, the exact address will be given after finalized booking.
Choose your holiday home
Villa Aurora
- Sleeps 26+4 Guests
MAIN VILLA sleeps 10+1
Ground floor:
- An impressive entrance hall with imposing staircase made of the silver-greyish Pietra-Serena stone is the first thing you see when stepping into the villa.
- Bedroom 1 "Caminetto" (2 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom)
- Bedroom 2 "Caminetto" (2+1 Pers.): twin bedroom (beds can be joined) plus single bed in passage room
- 2 bathrooms (shower)
- Small living room with open fireplace
Upper floor:
- Centrally located, exceptionally big drawing room measuring approx. 65 sqm with three windows facing the garden, equipped with sofas, armchairs and a concert grand piano awaiting gifted hands.
- Bedroom 3 "Torre" air-conditioned (2 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom) located in the antique tower with high ceiling, en suite bathroom (shower)
- Bedroom 4 "Affresco Suite" air-conditioned (2 Pers.): double bedroom (beds cannot be divided) beautifully decorated with wall friezes and wall frescoes, en suite bathroom (shower)
- Bedroom 5 "Terrazza Suite" air-conditioned (2 Pers.): double bedroom (beds cannot be divided), en suite bathroom (shower), private living room and access to a private terrace with amazing views onto the open valley.
DEPENDANCES sleeps 16+3
Externally accessed:
- Large summer room with dining area for 30 people and more and a fully equipped kitchen; the room has French doors opening to the panoramic terrace equipped for al fresco dining.
- Bedroom 6 "Bellavista Suite" air-conditioned (2 Pers.): double bedroom (beds cannot be divided), en suite bathroom (shower), private living room with large windows facing the beautiful valley
- Bedroom 7 "Giardino Suite" (2 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom), en suite bathroom (shower), private living room
- Bedroom 8 "Oleandri Suite" (2 Pers.): double room (can be prepared as twin bedroom), en suite bathroom (shower)
- Bedroom 9 "Le Volte Suite" (2+2 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom), en suite bathroom (bathtub), private living room with one or two single beds
- Bedroom 10 "Cortile" air-conditioned (2 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom), bathroom (shower)
- Bedroom 11 "Cortile" air-conditioned (2+1 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom) plus single bed in a passage room, bathroom (shower)
- Bedroom 12 "Nido" (2 Pers.): double bedroom (can be prepared as twin bedroom), bathroom (shower)
- Bedroom 13 "Nido" (2 Pers.): twin bedroom (can be prepared as double bedroom), en suite bathroom (shower)
Outside:
- Terrace equipped for al fresco dining with beautiful garden views
- Classical Tuscan garden with lawns and various sitting areas
- Wood pizza oven in the pool area
- Private swimming pool
- Parking inside the property
On request
Weekly rates in €
| Villa Aurora | 04 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 |
Availability | ||||
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Villa Aurora
26+4
PAX 30
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On request | N/A | Request Booking Villa Aurora |
Check availability
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All fields marked with * are required. - Click the green Submit button below to send your inquiry.
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- Please also read How To Make A Reservation.
This rental property is part of our luxury collection, for prices and availability please enquire.
Flexible travel dates are welcome, minimum stay 2 nights: please enquire.
RENT INCLUDES
- Bed, bath and kitchen linens
- Electricity
- Water
- Air conditioning
- Internet WIFI connection
- Baby bed
- Pool cleaning
- Garden maintenance
EXTRAS
- Additional beds if maximum capacity PAX 30 is exceeded: please enquire.
- Final cleaning
SECURITY DEPOSIT
EUR 2000 cash deposit are due on arrival. For wedding events, the deposit may increase, please enquire.
SERVICE ON REQUEST (please enquire with us when booking)
- Breakfast
- First shopping
- Cook service
- Catering and chef service
- DJ / music groups
- Wine and oil tasting at the owner's winery
- Weddings and receptions for up to 100 people
- Vintage car with driver
NOTES
- Reservations not limited to Saturday to Saturday
- Short stays for a minimum of 2 nights welcome: please enquire.
- Availability only during the above mentioned dates
- Pool opening dates: beginning May - end of October