The origins of most villas in Tuscany go back to the time when ancient Romans would build summer homes outside the city limits up in the hills to escape the summer heat. Today the tradition continues, as most families in Tuscany own a home in the city and a summer home up in the surrounding gorgeous countryside.

Today, many Italians offer their villas as holiday rentals. They are suitable for large families and groups, and others suite couples or small families, thanks to creative subdividing of the property into smaller apartments or flats. Many Bed and Breakfast villa lodgings exist that allow the tourist to feel like they are staying with a distant relative or friend. There is lodging to suit every type of traveler within the villas.

Here is a sampling of lodging there is to offer in Tuscany:

Villa La Dogane is an elegant Tuscan villa situated in Barberino. In the hills overlooking the beautiful Mugello Valley, it is ideal for a large family and can accommodate as many as 18-20 people. You could spend a holiday in Tuscany in the company of all of your friends.

Villa Piaggia is located near the town of San Gimignano, and situated on 150 acres. On the estate are 25 acres of vineyards and 20 acres of olive groves. Piaggia also boasts a fully equipped kitchen to make wonderful Italian meals, a billiard room for a nice relaxing game of pool, a hunting room with a fireplace, and a gorgeous in ground pool. This villa is available for up to 12 people.

Villa Il Poggiale is a gorgeous renaissance age villa located in the province of Chianti in the heart of the Tuscany region. It is close to the major city of Florence and is a bed and breakfast surrounded by a large lovely garden and olive groves. It also has an in-ground pool for you to relax in after a long day of taking in the sights and touring the wonderful surrounding countryside.

Palazzo Malaspina is located in a small medieval town located in the Tuscan province of Chianti. It is also a bed and breakfast, this one tastefully decorated to reflect old Italy with modern facilities. Most rooms offer a balcony with panoramic views of the Chianti countryside.

Il Palagetto, located in the major Tuscan city of Florence, offers tranquil and peaceful surroundings and the extravagance of a typical Florentine historical villa with exquisite furnishings and accommodations, all within walking distance of all of the museums and sites in Florence.

When planning a visit to Italy and the Tuscan region, look into renting a villa for an authentic Italian vacation. You will enjoy your time spent in Tuscany immensely from your home base of a historical home in the hills.

If you decide that you would prefer to spend lots of time in Tuscany, you might consider purchasing a villa yourself and renting it out some of the time. Be sure to compare landlord’s insurance so that you are covered in case of any problems with tenants. Image by Nika