Villa Ardore

We celebrated a friend’s milestone birthday at Villa Ardore with 16 people. Everyone commented on the luxurious accommodation, and we had a local chef prepare a wonderful meal for the occasion. The memories from here have a way of filling you with Tuscan spirit and leaving you refreshed. Christian & Stephen gave us a tour of the property, including the beautiful infinity pool and its covered marble refreshment area. We also saw the area planned to become a spa, which felt peaceful and inviting. From the vineyards and Tuscan architecture to the layout and hillside views, the villa is breathtaking and full of history and care. Fresh herbs grow on the property, the daily eggs are a treat, and each en-suite room has its own style and views. We stayed in the guest house, which gave us private space while still feeling connected to the main house. The kitchen works well for cooking at home or bringing in a local chef. There are two lovely dining rooms, one inside and one covered outdoors, plus a commercial kitchen for larger catered events and a traditional wood-fired pizza oven. The private, beautifully landscaped wedding space overlooks the Tuscan vineyards and feels made for lasting memories. We visited the charming nearby towns of Castellina in Chianti and San Gimignano, with their cute shops and restaurants, and took the train to Florence for sightseeing, shopping, and more delicious food. The local wineries are fantastic. I’m so glad we found Villa Ardore, and I can’t wait to return. I’ve already recommended it to a friend for her upcoming wedding.

The countryside around Villa Ardore was a treat from the start, with a pretty drive from Florence airport and even a glimpse of the Antinori winery. Our room was above the spa and had a mini-fridge and Nespresso machine, and the lap pool and little onsite chickens gave the place a homey feel. Franchi, the Director of Fun, brought a lot of energy to the activities, from wine tastings and pasta classes to yoga by the pool. I also loved the relaxed fireside conversations in the evenings. Stephen and Christian have clearly put care into every detail, and the villa made it easy to mix downtime with things to do. A lovely base for enjoying Tuscany, with warm service and plenty to experience.

Franci made such a difference to our stay. He showed us around, answered questions whenever they came up, and made us feel looked after. The cleaning staff were just as lovely, keeping the whole property spotless each day. Even after a day of swimming, there was always a fluffy rolled towel waiting on every pool chair the next morning. The pantry had plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and the temperature-controlled wine room held wines and other drinks that weren’t at the bar. Around the villa, there are restored wooden doors and ceilings, stone paths, lemon and olive trees, grape vines, and charming old handles and locks. It also has practical hotel touches, including outlets by the beds, toiletries and robes, glasses for water, and an easy espresso machine in the kitchen. I could connect my phone to the Bluetooth speakers in most common areas, even outside and by the pool. Our room felt fit for royalty, with a king bed and lovely linens, a bathroom with a bath, shower and double sink, and its own patio. The shower had great pressure, and the hot water never ran cold. There are six indoor and outdoor dining spaces for events, plus private spots where groups can get some quiet time. The pool area is excellent, with shaded loungers, a bar, comfortable furniture, steps and seats in the water, and an outdoor shower. The water always felt just right. The spa has a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, roomy rain shower, towels, and comfortable places to sit. Castellina in Chianti is about a ten-minute drive away. We enjoyed its shops, countryside views, wine, gelato and cafes. There are also artisan shops and restaurants tucked away from the main streets, down a stairway into a big brick tunnel. Villa Ardore has the look and feel of an old Italian villa, with modern resort comforts. Christian and Stephen have put a lot of heart into making it beautiful and authentic. It’s a peaceful, memorable place, and I’m sharing this because I hope other people get to enjoy it too. I wasn’t paid or compensated, didn’t use AI to write this, and stand by what I’ve said.

The view of San Gimignano’s towers from the entrance was my favorite part. Before we even reached Villa Ardore, the scenic drive through the Tuscan hills had already made an impression, and coming through the gates really did feel like arriving in a movie. My room was roomy and open, with its own entrance on the side, which felt unusual in a good way. The dining area beneath the breezeway looks out over the hills, and the pool, with trees along the property, is stunning. Chris and Stephen have done a beautiful job renovating the house. They welcomed me warmly, and Francesco was friendly and helpful too. I’d happily come back.