This strikingly beautiful and secluded four-floor villa in the heart of Chianti, only 20 minutes from Siena, is quite simply the finest private villa for rent in Tuscany. The villa, owned for centuries by an Italian aristocratic family, dates back to 1400 and was recently restored with extreme care. It is encircled by spectacular gardens, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Its luxury, sophistication and beauty is sure to please.

This magnificent home features stunning interiors embellished with rich furnishings and fine works of art. The main living area boasts a spectacular arched brick ceiling, lavish decor and a beautiful fireplace. Guests in the main house will enjoy the versatility of the five suites (three with Jacuzzi), ten queen bedrooms, two twin bedrooms and one single bedroom; while those in the private annex will have the convenience of four beautiful queen bedrooms and two suites with Jacuzzi. All bedrooms at Villa Gaia have en suite bathrooms. The many outdoor dining/seating areas were thoughtfully designed to offer maximum privacy.

Villa Gaia expertly blends tradition with modern comforts, providing an exclusive atmosphere where guests feel at home. An excellent selection of Tuscan and Umbrian wines are in stock, and the villa will purchase specific labels upon client request. The flat-screen satellite TV, DVD and PlayStation are great for families. The spectacular property offers every amenity for pleasure and recreation, such as swimming pool, barbecue, A/C, whirlpool, sauna, tennis court, mountain bikes and bocce court. Golf and horseback riding are both nearby. Exciting activities that can be arranged include: guided tours to the most important wine cellars in Tuscany, mountain bike tours, orchestral musical entertainment, and even an excursion to discover the beautiful coastline of Monte Argenario with one of the three motorboats available for daily rental. The professional and caring staff of eight includes a butler, six domestics, and a gardener. Villa Gaia's large size and luxurious accommodations make it the ideal hideaway for family reunions and special events.

What to do in the Siena region of Tuscany:
The medieval town of Siena was founded by the Etruscans and later became a Roman colony. During the 13th and 14th centuries it flourished as one of the major cities of Europe, growing rich from banking and the wool trade. The 14th century saw a great amount of construction: the Duomo, the Palazzo Publico and the Campo Square were all products of this time. Siena's glory took a tragic downturn by the end of the 14th century due to the Black Death and political upheaval. The city became little more than a rural market center. It was exactly this decline that accounts for the incredible state of medieval preservation that Siena exhibits today. Built across several hills and valleys, you will find a bit of up and down while walking through the historical center. However, the lack of traffic makes it a wonderful place to stroll—even when packed with tourists, there is a quiet and easygoing feel. A must-see is the shell-shaped square called Il Campo. This is the focal point of the city as well as being the venue for the internationally renowned horse race, the Palio.

Casole d'Elsa hosts one of the most charming museums of the many recently opened/restyled in Siena. The art exhibited ranges from the Neolithic era to the XVII century. A visit to the attached Collegiata di Casole is also highly recommended.

Colle Val d'Elsa's newer outskirts offer very few attractions, aside from the crystal manufacturing—but the old town/historical center, Colle Alta, deserves to be seen. Particularly interesting in Colle Alta is the Palazzo Campana, built in the XVI century by the architect Agnolo di Baccio d'Agnolo. This private building looks like a city gate, or a triumphal arch, and dominates the main street of Colle. The Cathedral shows a rich collection of paintings from the XVII century. Don't miss the dramatic and intense Nativity by Rutilio Manetti (fourth chapel on the right, looking to the main altar).

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