Torre San Pietro
(20 minutes drive from Florence)
We stayed at the prestigious Villa Torre San Pietro for one week with our two physician sons and their families (six adults and two children). It was our “La Dolce Vita” vacation.
Having visited Italy many times before, this stay at Villa Torre San Pietro made us feel at home and allowed us to experience the aristocratic life of Italy.
The Estate
There are two properties on this estate:
The Villa
The Villa features:
- 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, each with balconies.
- Newly updated, luxurious bathrooms that look straight out of Architectural Digest, including 2 with master bedrooms and 2 bedrooms sharing a bathroom.
- Comfortable bedding and high-end linens, with each guest provided a basket filled with all sizes of towels, including pool towels.
The Villa's entrance boasts a large fireplace and mirrors, leading to a huge dining room, sitting areas, and a living room with a smart TV. The common areas are beautifully decorated with paintings and antique Italian furniture. The fully equipped kitchen includes:
- A high-end coffee machine that grinds beans for espresso and an automatic milk frother if needed.
- Two refrigerators, a dining table for eight, toasters, a microwave, a dishwasher, an oven, a pizza oven, and more, perfect for those who love to cook.
The Grounds
The manicured gardens surround the Villa and include outdoor dining areas and a heated swimming pool with an outdoor shower. Between the majestic stone watchtower dating back to the 13th century, which our 9-year-old and 5-year-old grandkids called "The Castle."
(Note: Pool heating costs an additional $25 per day, with a minimum of four days required.)
The Tower
While we could have stayed in the Tower, which spans four levels and includes:
- 2 master bedrooms
- A sitting room with a smart TV on the fourth floor
- A dining room and kitchen
We opted to use the Villa for accommodation and the Tower for hanging out and playing billiards.
Amenities
- Two washing machines: The Tower’s washing machine has a dryer, while the kitchen’s laundry machine does not, but drying laundry outside under the Tuscan sun was easy.
- The property meets all American standards of comfort.
Hosts
Cosimo and his wife Cinza, a great chef, greeted us upon arrival and provided instructions. We gave them a 500 Euro cash deposit, which was returned upon departure & signed important papers.
Before our arrival, we ordered groceries, including fruits, vegetables, charcuterie, shampoos, and soaps (remember, this is an Airbnb, not a hotel).
Throughout our stay, telephone assistance was provided. Cinza always responded promptly and even prepared dinner for us that we ordered on the day of our arrival from a provided menu.
Transportation
A car is essential for staying at this property, or you can hire Cosimo as your driver. Florence is only 20 minutes by car, and we frequently traveled back and forth. We also took day trips to Siena, Lucca, Forte dei Marmi, and Chianti, all less than 1.5 hours drive.
Gratitude
Thank you, Maurizio and Janet, for the opportunity to enjoy your beautiful Villa and for the information provided via texts and emails. The Vimeo videos on how to use the coffee machine, washing machine, dishwasher, etc., were very smart and helpful.
Hoping to be back soon,
