Impruneta is a typical Tuscan country estate dating back to the 16th century. Recently renovated, the property enjoys a panoramic position on a hilltop among verdant olive groves. During its renovation, great care was taken to retain the original style and structures. Warm hospitality, a private atmosphere and the dreamy silence of the Tuscan hills promise an unforgettable vacation. A beautiful garden and pool surround the main building. Guests have the option of renting the main villa only, or taking the entire property for exclusive use.

In the main villa, you will immediately notice the authentic Tuscan framework: brick archways, whitewashed walls, beautiful exposed wood-beam ceilings and terracotta tiles. Impruneta is furnished with elegance and style, but always keeping in mind true comfort. Guests will immediately feel at home, whether gathered in the large, fully equipped kitchen; by the fireplace in the warmly decorated living room; or enjoying Tuscan cuisine in the formal dining room, with its antique furnishings for ten people. Or you might find yourself spending all your time dining al fresco and relaxing on the large porch, with its stone table for ten, and adjacent sunbathing area. Rounding off the ground floor is a billiard room; a second, smaller kitchen with electric stove, dishwasher and refrigerator; and one queen bedroom with bathroom. The remaining well-appointed bedrooms are on the first floor, all with private bathrooms (1 with Jacuzzi). All bedrooms in the main villa are air-conditioned, except the bedroom on the ground floor.

Impruneta's three cottages offer wonderful accommodations for guests seeking privacy while remaining part of a large group. Cottage 1 is a two-room home with a private courtyard, attractive lounge with corner kitchen, 19th-century floor and furnishings, queen bedroom with fitted wardrobe, bathroom with shower, telephone and satellite TV. Cottage 2 is a two-level stone home offering accommodations for a larger family. The main queen bedroom features a view over the meadow and shares a bathroom with a single bedroom. The small independent courtyard with dining table offers the perfect place for country breakfasts. This cottage is also equipped with a kitchen, cozy fireplace, terracotta floors, and family heirloom furnishings. Finally, Cottage 3, is a spacious studio flat with striking stone walls, furnished with antique pieces, terracotta floors, fitted wardrobe, and corner kitchen. There is a queen bed and a large, dramatically decorated bathroom. A lovely picture-window overlooks the swimming pool. Outside, you'll find a special area equipped for dining al fresco, and Cottages 1 and 3 are fully-equipped with telephone and satellite TV. All guest houses offer shared use of the swimming pool, table tennis and billiards.

Impruneta is named after the charming nearby village, a 15 minute walk away, which offers plentiful shopping and many cafes and restaurants. Impruneta village is perfect for morning walks, afternoon cappuccinos in the piazza, and lovely evening dinners. The villa is minutes away from Florence's unforgettable treasures; this city casts a spell like no other. Gracing the Arno river in central Italy's Tuscany region, Florence gave birth to the Renaissance and with it, the spirit of the modern Western world. UNESCO statistics show that nearly a third of the world's most important art is housed in Florence. Spend hours captivated by the countless, beautiful museums of this great city. Stroll the Via Vigna Nuova and Via Tornabuoni and linger in their boutiques and designer shops. Centuries of history, art and culture await you.

What to do in the Florence region of Tuscany:
Surrounded by hills, Florence rises on the banks of the Arno River. One of the greatest art centers of Italy, Florence is home to the Accademia, where you can view Michelangelo's "David", as well as the Uffizi gallery, arguably the most important art gallery in the world. Tour the cathedral with its pink, white and green marble façade and marvel at its remarkable Duomo by Brunelleschi and the gold Paradise door of the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence since the 1300s, then stroll the charming shops of Ponte Vecchio. Florence offers some of Italy's best shopping—textiles, leather goods, fashion, jewelry and ceramics are all specialties. There is nothing like enjoying a morning coffee and truffle panini at the celebrated Procacci bar before setting out for a serious morning of shopping in Via Tournabuoni. Scour the Gucci, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent outlets on the outskirts of the city.

For those wishing to explore some of Tuscany's other treasures, Florence is an ideal base of operations. Tuscany stretches along the western coast of Italy from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea—one of the best ways to see the region is by automobile. The small fortress cities are within easy driving distance of one another, and each offers its own special appeal, from San Gimignano to Pienza. Other cities to include in your excursion are Arezzo, with its grand plaza and Roman amphitheater, Lucca, with its olive groves and impressive Renaissance walls, and seaside resorts like Viareggio, Elba, and Forte de Marmi.

Siena and Pisa, both also important art cities, are also not to be missed. Siena is a beautifully preserved medieval city, constructed of checkerboard brick, and crowned by its Duomo. It was the seat of the Ghibellines who often crossed swords with the Florentine Guelfs during the 13th century. Other highlights of Siena include the beautiful Piazza del Campo, and the tower rising from the Palazzo Pubblico. A day trip to the lovely ancient city of Pisa is also a must, where you can see the famous leaning tower, and much more.

Recommendations:

Restaurants

Trattoria Cibreino
Superb dining at a good value.

Teatro del Sale
Offers an extensive buffet of Cibreo recipes.

Boccadama
Located in the trendy Piazza Santa Croce. Drink wine by the glass with classic Tuscan crostini, bruschetta and salads as well as hot dishes.

Coquinarius
Near the Duomo. Perfect for lunch.

Enoteca Pinchiorri
Best wine selection—considered the best restaurant in Florence Cantinetta Antinori (Piazza Antinori #3)—owned by the family wine producer Antinori BeccoFino. Great food; sophisticated, hip atmosphere.

Cibreo
Located in the heart Florence. Very well known.

Procacci – Via Tornabuoni
Ideal for a snack or a light lunch—fabulous sandwiches with truffles!

Shops

Luisa Via Roma – Via Roma (near Piazza Della Republica)
Great multi-brand clothing store.

Raspini – Via Roma (next to Luisa)
Great selection of shoes.

Caponi – Via Tornabuoni
Best stores for linen and lingerie. Most other stores in the Via Tornabuoni area are worth a visit.