“I eat a hot grape from the market, and the violet sweetness breaks open in my mouth. It even smells purple,” wrote Frances Mayes for the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.
My phone is going to ring the moment I press “publish” on this one. It will be Ben, taking a moment to make fun of me for loving the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. It’s Diane Lane dressed in white, it’s a story that appeals to a woman’s senses, and most of all it’s Tuscany. When I was a child it was the movie Gigi, with Leslie Caron and Marice Chevalier that eventually brought me to Paris some ten years after watching it with my mother.
I want need to visit the lush countryside, dotted with cypress trees, vineyards and lush landscape . There’s something so sensual about this region, and of course when I dream…I let my fingers dance across my keyboard to find those SPECIAL places that I’d LOVE to stay.
This beautiful Tuscan farmhouse is located halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Hills. The original structure is an 11th century tower that has been completely restored although original materials have been reused wherever possible. The result is a delightful combination of tradition, authenticity and comfort, with an unbelievable view over the rolling countryside. La Novellina is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. The house is part of a sixty-nine acre estate specializing in the production of extra virgin olive oil.
For the remainder of 2012, Doorways Villa Vacations will offer a 30% discount on the property. To celebrate the harvest, Doorways will arrange a trip the olive mill to see the olives being pressed. Guests can taste the new oil and will receive a gift 500 ml can to bring home. Rent this villa.
Villa Buonvisi is a renovated 500 year old villa set on a rise on three hundred acres of vineyards, olive trees and woods. The English-speaking owners extend incomparable hospitality to their guests. The vaulted stone ceiling of the cellar gives evidence of its history and of the original 12th-century tower that stood here before the villa was built. The villa’s impressive wine cellar offers both estate wine and a large selection of fine wines available for purchase by the villa guests.
Poggio delle Rose is an elegant hilltop farmstead, strategically positioned in the center of the “Golden Triangle” between Florence, Siena and Pisa. The property sits on top of a hill, surrounded by olive groves and offering stunning view of the gently rolling hills leading to the ancient towers of San Gimignano.
Guests who book through Doorways Villa Vacations in 2012 will receive a free wine tasting. The villa also provides complimentary bottles of upon arrival. Rent this villa.
For travel tips and a full list of properties, availability and rates, visit villavacations.com
