Villa Ardore, a former 16th-century Tuscan stone farmhouse, located in the heart of the Chianti wine region, has been transformed into an eight-guestroom private vacation residence. A spa was added just in time for the summer season. It is the project of California-based attorney Christian Scali and screenwriter Stephen Lewis who spent €2.5 ($2.7) million renovating the property over the course of a year.
Villa Ardore encompasses two buildings, with a total of eight guestrooms, each with its en-suite bath (and an office suite convertible to a ninth room), meaning the home can accommodate up to 18 guests per stay. Seven guestrooms are in the main villa, with two more in its converted barn.
The main villa dates back to its original roots as a lookout tower. The common spaces include a living room with a traditional fireplace, a dining room seating 18, a reclaimed antique Parisian bar and a 500-bottle wine cellar. It also offers high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and modern light fixtures. The barn conversion’s ground level includes a professional kitchen that can be used for large events, such as wedding receptions. The barn’s upper level houses two large guestrooms with views of the countryside. Each room includes hand-tufted king or queen beds, climate control, blackout as well as sheer window coverings, USB ports, dimmable lights and high-design bathrooms. In addition, the lower level of the converted barn houses a private spa, with a 10-person whirlpool, lounging beds, a dry sauna, a sensory shower and a Turkish steam bath. Treatments are available on request.
The property’s grounds include a saltwater infinity-edge pool, complete with waterfall and hydro-massage area, surrounded by a large stone patio with deckchairs, an outdoor shower and a pool bar. Further outdoor entertaining space is found at the loggia dining area, which seats up to 20 guests, and its adjacent pizza oven, where guests can enjoy a private chef-prepared dinner al fresco. Villa Ardore’s grounds also include a bocce court, herb garden, culinary garden and a chicken coop from which guests may select freshly laid eggs for breakfast.
The villa’s local experience curator can arrange outings for guests ranging from tours around the countryside in vintage Fiat 500s, vintage Land Rover Defenders or even a Ferrari or Lamborghini to explore Chianti, and stopping at some of the region’s best wineries that are unknown to most outsiders. He can also schedule in-villa experiences, from cooking classes, special dinners and pizza-making on the loggia. Themed itineraries from culinary, to adventure, culture and relaxation are available to book year-round.
For gatherings with a capacity of up to 60 guests, larger parties can enjoy spacious lounging and dining areas, colorful gardens laden with fruit trees, and a large center terrace. The pool deck also has a covered pavilion with a bar and seating areas perfect for hosting friends and family. The barn’s large professional kitchen is ideal for preparing group meals; and in which Italian and regional Tuscan cooking classes and demonstrations can be organized.
Villa Ardore is located just a 15 minute drive from the town of Castellina-in-Chianti, with its cobblestone streets and 14th-century castle, near two Michelin-rated restaurants, trendy boutiques and art galleries. Florence and Siena are just a 40-minute drive away. Villa Ardore is located just 50 minutes from Florence Airport (FLR). Car rental is recommended for the duration of a guest’s stay. Private transfers can be arranged on request.
The opening season offer “Summer of Ardore” includes a welcome aperitivo; touring experience in a vintage Fiat 500; one private chef-prepared dinner or lunch; complimentary, in-villa regional wine tasting; well-stocked family kitchen; and a selection of complimentary beverages in bar. This offer applies exclusively to direct bookings for stays during August and September 2023. A three-night minimum stay is required for this offer. Additional experiences and add-ons can be scheduled with the villa’s travel curator.
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