Villa Bellosguardo

Unique within our collection, this beautifully contemporary home looks out over one of the world’s most iconic cityscapes, dominated by the unmistakable dome of Santa Maria cathedral, known simply as Il Duomo. Whether you’re a long-term Florence fan or completely new to its magical charm, it’s hard to imagine a more wonderful place from which to marvel at the birthplace of the Renaissance. The rich reds and golds of the Florentine skyline contrast with the blue and green of the surrounding hills to create a view as bewitching as anything the Medici might have commissioned, all yours to enjoy from the privacy of your own, supremely tasteful villa.

Inside, the house feels lavish yet restrained, blending mid-century style pieces with statement lighting, ornate gilt-framed paintings and a sleek modern kitchen. The city is almost always in sight, irresistible to lovers of history and fine art and reachable on foot in 15 to 35 minutes, depending which part of town you’re planning to explore. If churches and galleries are not your thing however, then you can take it all in from a distance; head up to the roof top outdoor lounge for a quiet hour or two in the sun or a decadent dip in the hot tub before drinks on the terrace as evening falls.

With three bedrooms and an additional annexe sleeping two, this is an indulgent and immensely practical space for rest and play. If you feel the need to work (or are inspired by your surroundings to write or draw) the annexe doubles as a convenient study. For a mixed group or multi-generational party, this extra, self-contained space, complete with its own small kitchen and living area, makes for maximum flexibility so as everyone can enjoy the myriad attractions of the villa and the city at their own pace. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is arguably the ultimate backdrop, with a private chef available by arrangement to make your stay as relaxing as it is memorable.

Local area

For evenings out, fashionable Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno – Florence’s ‘left bank’ – is the place to come, packed with cafes and restaurants popular with locals and visitors alike.

Our choice of Italian properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.