Villa Petraia

At the heart of one of Chianti’s most sought-after villages, Villa Petraia’s location is unbeatable. From within the walled gardens of this magical home you can see for miles over a timeless panorama of green, ochre and bronze showcasing the very best of this most celebrated part of Italy. The swimming pool and sun-warmed terraces enjoy the dreamy spectacle of orderly vineyards and ancient olive groves, giving the villa an evocative, faraway feel. Yet just beyond the seclusion of the grounds, the small medieval town of Panzano is home to a modest but first-class selection of wine bars, shops and restaurants, attracting an illustrious clientele. Thanks to Dario Cecchini, renowned restaurateur and celebrity butcher who counts Jamie Oliver amongst his most enthusiastic fans, this endearing village is the talk of Tuscany.

Just like its Medici palace namesake near Florence, Villa Petraia has undergone its own personal renaissance or two, having served as a restaurant for travellers between Florence and Siena, and as a private home before being rescued by current owner Christine. Her sympathetic renovation has produced an absolute gem, grand enough not to be outshone by the magnificent surroundings, yet sufficiently understated to create an atmosphere of easy calm. There’s a small library if you feel like reading up about the local area, or for a more hands-on approach, it’s just a short walk to the nearest vineyard for a tour and a tasting. Perfect for friends, a family group or a special occasion, the sense of space here is a joy, made even more pleasurable by the delights of Panzano village on the doorstep. Long lunches and cordial candlelit dinners on the terrace, in the shadow of the magnificent beech tree, have a romantic cinematic feel and dining in holds even greater appeal thanks to the professional standard kitchen, a paradise for cooks and perfect if you wish to book a private chef.

This exclusive villa attracts guests seeking a truly Tuscan experience. It’s an authentic haven, perfect for blissful relaxation, gourmet indulgence and a master class in the fine art of Italian living. 

Local area

A meal at one of the Cecchini restaurants is a must and though the world class wines and authentically local cuisine may keep you firmly tied to Panzano, Petraia’s position halfway between Florence and Siena makes both towns accessible for a rewarding day trip. The enchanting hilltop villages of Greve, Radda, Volpaia and Castellina are all a 15 to 20-minute car journey away and UNESCO listed San Gimignano can be reached in under half an hour.

A number of pre-bookable experiences are available at Villa Petraia. Find out more here.

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.