Villa Rucellai di Canneto

From the moment you enter the grand foyer looking out over the classical Italian garden of this 16th-century country villa, all sense of time and place is lost. The Rucellai-Piqués' devotion to their estate (in the family since 1759) is apparent, as is their warm hospitality. Guests are given the run of the rambling old home, from the cozy bedrooms, varying in size and decor; antique-filled library; and spacious living room with fireplace, old comfortable sofas, and family portraits to a gracious buffet breakfast room where guests are seated at long tables. At the entrance is a duck pond, a large shady area with tables and a 15th-century swimming pool. Villa Rucellai serves as an excellent base for visiting Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa. The nearby town with its many restaurant choices is conveniently just a 15–20 minute walk away.