Experience a truly enchanting holiday in one of my Tuscan Villas
Otis’ Reason 10
10 – Tours! Tours! Tours!
No one knows Tuscany like us; our local knowledge ensures that you will have all the information you need to make your time in Tuscany effortless. We are delighted to help with itinerary suggestions or arrange tours, guides, wine tastings, cooking classes, and other activities. A list and profile of attractions that might be of interest you can be provided. Your questions are always welcome, and we are at your disposal!
One of the many legends heard in Garfagnana regards the origin of the hole in the mountain. Legend has it that it was caused during a tremendous clash between San Pellegrino and the Devil himself.
The Devil, tired of seeing the saint prey and sing all day, sought to tempt him while he was making a beech wood cross, all in vain. Irritated, the Devil slapped the saint so hard he was knocked down. San Pellegrino slowly got back up and also tired of the continuous torments he was made to endure, instead of turning the other cheek slapped the Devil right back so hard he was hurled against the crest of the mountain. The Devil hit the mountain with his head, the terrible impact created the hole that we can see today.
Otis’ Reason 8
8 – Breakfast! Breakfast! Breakfast!
Every morning one awakes to a beautiful breakfast spread of fruit, fresh pastries, cheeses, meats, cereals, eggs cooked to order, juice, coffee (for the strong there is a special espresso machine), and tea. Believe me you will be ready to start your day with lots of energy after this breakfast. You will get very spoiled!
Otis’ Reason 9
9 – Dinner, Dinner, Dinner!
The villa guests have the option of having Chef Bartek, exclusive to this villa; prepare delicious dinners all of the time or some of the time. I must admit we were going to have Bartek only part of the time, but after our first meal with him and then one out, we opted to have him cook the whole two weeks. You cannot go wrong. It is a luxury, after a long day of touring, to relax with cocktails and conversation until dinner is announced.
In the second half of the 16th century, the Pucci family commissioned the celebrated Tuscan mannerist architect and sculptor, Bartolommeo Ammanatti (1511-1592) to create their magnificent palace. During the centuries, the Palazzo Pucci has been restored several times, but its central body still preserves the splendid architectural savoir faire of Ammanati: the original stoned pavement on the ground floor; the amazing and large central window; the family emblem with the cardinal’s hat and the large masks on the broken open tympanum of the windows located on the second floor. In the 20th century, the most celebrated descendant of that noble family has been Emilio Pucci, Marquis of Barsento. Emilio Pucci was born in 1914 and died in 1992. He was not only a famous Italian fashion designer but also a politician.
Emilio Pucci grew up in Palazzo Pucci. In 1947, his atelier was set up in Palazzo Pucci and in 1950 was shown in France as his first collection. Soon after, Pucci established showrooms in Florence, Capri, Milan, Rome, and New York. Subsequently, the Pucci mark was running all over the most important cities in the world imprinted on accessories, shoes, luggage, clothing, bathing suits, pajamas, lingerie, perfumes and a long etcetera, as one of the most stylish and valued representatives of the Italian fashion.
Palazzo Pucci (Via dei Pucci, 6) sits off Via Cavour linking it to Piazza San Marco. Ammanatti’s style shows the traces of Michelangelo’s art. Prior to this commission, Ammanatti had worked with the most influential architects of his times, Giacomo da Vignola and Giorgio Vasari, building the villa for Pope Julius III in Rome . Other works in Rome by Ammanatti were the Palazzo Ruspoli and a section of the Collegio Romano’s design. On returning to Florence he became Cosimo I’s architect. He designed and directed the construction of Ponte di Santa Trinità and some important fountains, among which is the celebrated Neptune in Piazza della Signoria. Besides the Palazzo Pucci, he planned the facade of Palazzo Pitti, the Palazzo Guigni and the cloister of the Chiesa dello Santo Spirito. The 14th- and 15th-century Palazzo Pucci today has the rare distinction of being occupied by the same family since its construction. Its interior is an uninterrupted family biography written in the decorative arts.
Otis’ Reason 7
7 – Swim, Swim, Swim!
Now this is a real treat. The villa has its own private pool. It is located behind a wall of wonderful smelling rosemary near the bougainvillea-entwined pergola. You are surrounded by tall cypress, lemon tress, and hills of olive trees. This is a wonderful place to do laps or just dangle your tired feet (paws). There are comfortable lounge chairs around the pool which makes it a great place to read, enjoy the Tuscan sun, or take a little nap.