Villa Montalbano 12, Cerreto Guidi, Florence and Chianti

High on a hill near Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, this villa can easily host parties of 12-13 friends or family who wish to holiday together. There’s plenty of space for everyone here, with the added bonus of a separate, self-contained studio in the garden. There is much to explore nearby, and not just for art lovers – outdoorsy types will enjoy the excellent walks thorough the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. The connection to the outdoors is also emphasised in the design, with most of the downstairs rooms opening onto a wraparound veranda. All rooms are bright and spacious, with whitewashed walls and glass doors opening onto the garden. The main house features two large lounges and dining areas, a kitchen with ample room for preparing meals and a rustic wood-burning oven. All bedrooms have their individual styles, with intricate iron beds, chandeliers and patterned curtains. Across the lawn, the annexe is a nice little hideaway. And you’ll all love the private pool, which overlooks the valley and has a lovely sun terrace with loungers and tables – the perfect spot for a relaxing sundowner. Main House Ground Floor Lounge Two sofas, three armchairs, two footstools, coffee table, two cupboards, table and chairs, side table, TV, fireplace, doors to veranda. Kitchen-Diner Fully equipped, gas hob, table with chairs, indoor grill, sideboard, bench, doors to veranda. Study Desk and chairs, armchair, sideboard. Guest Toilet Sink, WC, bidet. First Floor Sitting Room Sofa, armchairs, table, chest of drawers, doors to Juliet balcony. Bedroom 1 Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk with chairs, two-seater chair. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC, bidet. Bedroom 2 Twin beds (cannot be converted to double), wardrobe, coffee table. Bedroom 3 Single twin, built-in cupboard. Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Bedroom 4 Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, desk and chairs. Bedroom 5 Twin beds (can be converted to double), wardrobe, two chairs, doors to Juliet balcony. Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Bedroom 6 Double bed (can be converted to twins), wardrobe, two chairs. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC.  Laundry room (accessed externally) Washing machine, dryer. Cottage 1 Ground Floor Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Cottage 2 Ground Floor Storage Room (closed) First Floor Lounge Sofa, sideboard, coffee table, doors to Juliet balcony. Bedroom 7 Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wooden doors to Juliet balcony. Bathroom Shower, sink, WC, bidet. Private Pool Length: 8.5 metres Width: 4 metres Depth: 1.55 metres Entrance: Metal ladder Opening times: May to September Fenced: No Furnished: Sunloungers and chairs Cleansed: Chlorine Distance from villa: 3 metres