The most beautiful properties of Florence are secluded in the hills surrounding the city,
benefitting from breathtaking views of its countryside, exquisite italian historical gardens and cooler temperatures. Such is "La Magione degli Alighieri", a place of inspiration for the poet Dante Alighieri and, following his exile, home to the family of Beatrice Portinari, the woman he followed to hell and beyond in his master work, The Divine Comedy.
The villa and its gardens are set on the most well known historical road leading from Florence to Fiesole, a
ten-minutes drive from the city cathidral, and tucked behind tall stone walls with a remote-controlled gate.
World War II left the palazzo and its extensive gardens in ruin; their rescue and restoration by Count Pier Francesco Rimbotti remains one the most notable stories in the city annals. It has remained in the Rimbotti family ever since and constantly updated. The villa has been fully restored in Summer 2016 and just available for rent. The Villa appears in many books on most beautiful villas surrounding Florence.
On the ground floor, comfortably elegant sitting rooms decorated with antiques and hand-painted wall murals lie on either side of the entrance hall. Double doors from one of these lead to a panelled dining room, as suitable for six as it is for fourteen. Al fresco meals can be served in the covered verandah room or at a long table in the courtyard. The large modern kitchen is set at the rear of the house.
A beautiful curving stone staircase sweeps up to the first and second floors. Here are
distributed five spacious double bedrooms, each with a freshly renovated ensuite
bathroom and independently adjustable air-conditioning. A corner of the first floor is
occupied by a small but bright office which opens to a terrace with loungers for sunbathing. In the terrace there is a hot tub (hydromassage) for 6.
The gardens are laid out in the classic Italian style: paths lined with clipped hedges and
masses of pink hydrangeas are shaded by towering umbrella pines and punctuated by
stately cypress trees. A pretty gazebo with couches lies just beyond
the first courtyard.
GROUND FLOOR
Two sitting rooms, verandah room, dining room (with a table that can be expanded to
seat fourteen), breakfast room (with bar seating for six). Modern kitchen with top-of- the-line appliances. Laundry room and staff quarters with a separate entrance.
FIRST FLOOR
Four large double bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and adjustable air-
conditioning. Office opening to a large terrace with a sitting area overlooking the gardens
SECOND FLOOR
Large double bedroom (convertible to twin) with an ensuite bathroom and adjustable air-
conditioning. Small sitting room.
GARDEN
- One hectare garden with "Italian Style Garden" and large covered Gazebo.
- New swimming pool in the garden.
The laundry room and the staff quarters (independent) are at the ground floor of the villa.