At the end of the 1960s, the Italian film director Luchino Visconti came across Villa di Ulignano whilst searching for film locations, and immediately fell in love. Within the walls of the villa, numerous famous film scripts were born, and big names in Italian and international cinema were seen dividing their time here between work and play. It is a beautiful 17th century house, full of historic c
haracter, with 15 stunning bedrooms, a huge professional kitchen and plenty of large rooms and common areas ideal for large groups and house parties. Guests can spend their days relaxing around the house, enjoying its amazing amenities (gym, games room, sauna etc), or in swimwear down by the pool, a completely self-contained area with showers, a bar, a fully-equipped kitchen and a barbecue area. From the house and pool there are wonderful views over the Tuscan countryside, and the cultural highlights of the area are a short drive away. This is a popular wedding venue, where your group can gather together for the ceremony, enjoy a party and then stay on for a week’s holiday. The house comes with its own private chapel for intimate catholic ceremonies, or you can use one of many town halls in the area for civil ceremonies. The main dining room has a large table where a full house can eat together, and there are tables under the poolside pergola. A large indoor reception room can accommodate up to 90 for sit-down meals. Throughout your stay you can count on a complete concierge service from the property manager, Paola Stellato. She lives on site, speaks good English, and can help you order food and wine to be delivered directly to the villa as well as with outings etc. ACCOMODATION
The house has 15 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, plus a few extra loos. It therefore sleeps 30. However, there are also seven day beds, which can be used for sleeping if required, bringing the numbers to 37. Three additional spare beds are available at extra charge, so total occupancy is 40. All guests will be thrilled with their bedrooms, which are huge and memorable. The sun pours through the windows onto four-poster beds, elaborate bedheads, beamed ceilings, antique desks and boudoirs and immaculate furnishings which combine traditional country style with comfort. The kitchen is equally awe-inspiring, its stainless steel surfaces gleaming, its pots and pans at the ready for serious chefs. It has an ice-maker, a large dishwasher, even a wood oven to compliment the large range cooker. Wood for this, and the three open fires in the living areas, is provided. This is an ideal location for teambuilding projects, private meetings and management retreats. The ideal number of 12 would ensure single use of double rooms for all, and each would have its own bathroom. The projection room is also the home cinema, decorated in fabulous red sofas and chairs. Conference guests can ask for it to be equipped with any hardware needed. Note that there are agriturismos, B&Bs and hotels in the surrounding area that can be booked directly through the owners of Villa di Ulignano. FACILITIES
The villa’s amenities are so good, you may never need to venture out! The landscaped gardens contain a pergola, gazebo, outdoor table tennis and deck chairs, as well as a private chapel tucked away. The pool measures 20m x 10m. Inside, the games room has just about everything needed, with billiards, roulette, further indoor table tennis and general board games. Full utilities are provided (a laundry room with dryer etc) and all linen. Air conditioning is available on the top floor. WiFi internet connection is available in the pool area, at the front of the house and in various rooms. An iPod dock is provided and the stereo system has a mixer and two powerful speakers. Guests can enjoy films on a wide screen in the projection room. LOCATION
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, close to such cultural gems as Volterra, San Gimignano and Siena. It’s also convenient for daytrips to Florence, Pisa and Lucca. In Volterra, the nearest town, you’ll find all sorts of shops and restaurants, as well as various wine bars and pubs. No public transport serves the area, so car hire is highly recommended. Airport: Pisa (39 miles, one hour’s drive)
Station: Poggibonsi (20 miles); Pontedera (28 miles); Cecina (33 miles). The beautiful hill towns, vineyards and cultural delights of Tuscany will be a daily distraction. Besides the towns highlighted above, you may wish to visit:
* Thermal spa Casciana Terme (40 minute drive)
* Baratti – the best beach (1 hr)
* Horse riding centre (15 mins)
* The golf club (25 mins)
* The Mall, an upmarket outlet centre (1 hr 30 mins). Various activities can be organised in the comfort of the villa, including hot air balloon rides, private cookery classes, alabaster workshops and painting workshops. Mountain bikes can be hired from here too. A transfer service can be organised from any of these to the villa.
