"Villa Licia" is an exceptional estate of 10 hectares (22 acres) located on a hill in Tuscany, near the town of Mercatale in the Chianti Classico region. Just 30 minutes drive south from Florence city center and the airport and 50 minutes to Siena. Near Impruneta and Greve in Chianti.
The property is cultivated partly with olive trees. Impressive cypresses lead to the 2 entrance gates. There are several gardens e.g. an original Italian Garden with a large magnolia tree and full of lavender , a formal Rose Garden with classic English roses and an antique mascherone and a Giardino Segreto (secret garden) with a labyrinth , marble fountains,sculptures and a small temple. Furthermore a private small forest with cypresspaths meandering...When you enter through the main entrance gate, lemon trees in terra-cotta vases, so typical of Tuscany, line the entrance way. Beautiful views everwhere of the Chianti countryside with its vineyards, cypresses and many olive groves.
The large historic Villa with watch-tower was first built in the 13th century as a convent, then enlarged and later changed into a residential villa. The (deconsecrated) chapel of Santa Lucia dates from 1469 and served the local population. Saint Bernardino di Siena is said to have stayed here overnight on his travels to visit Florence.
From 1989 until July 2000, Villa Licia was owned by the famous Dutch painter Karel Appel (member of Cobra Group). Every summer he spent several months here in Tuscany and painted his colourful abstract works in the 2-storey Atelier next to the chapel. Besides being a painter,he is also a well-known sculptor and one of his bronze sculptures, "The Horse", remains today in the Italian Garden.
In addition to the Villa, the charming "Villa Licia" complex includes the Casa delle Rose, the Atelier with 3 apartments, the Limonaia to store the lemon trees in winter, vegetable garden, the Chapel and the caretakers apartment above the garages. Central laundry room.
All buildings have recently been carefully restored by local craftsmen ("artigiani"), strictly according to the rules of the "Belle Arte". The typical warm colours, antiques and genuine materials of the Tuscan region have been used.
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Your favorite week in Villa Licia fully booked? You can make a prebooking for 2013 without any obligation or downpayment until December 2012. See "RESERVATIONS"
or ask us in Liciarent@hotmail.com
NEW ACCOMODATION ADDED AND AVAILABLE IN 2013
We will conclude this year on our estate the restauration of an historic Fattoria " Marzocco" with 3 new 3 bedroom-apartments (max 8 persons) and 1 new 2 bedroom-apartment (max 6 persons) as well as a a smaller freestanding charming "Villetta" (max 7 persons and with its own private garden of 3000 m2) These accomodations will be available from April 27. 2013
All apartments are identical in high quality comfort, style, color and furniture as our Atelier Apartments and Casa delle Rose.
Introduction:
Villetta : 2 bedrooms + 1 single bedroom and sofabed in livingroom (2-7 Persons) free standing small villa
Marzocco 1 : 2 bedrooms-apartment with sofabed in livingroom (2-6 persons)
Marzocco 2+3+4 : 3 bedrooms-apartments with sofabed in livingroom (2-8 persons)
In a separate garden near Marzocco you find our 3rd swimmingpool. ( 12x6 meter, 1,5 m deep)
Private parking
In December 2012 we will publish more detailed information, prices and latest pictures in this website.
please ask us all your questions you may have in: Liciarent@hotmail.com