Rent your Perfect Villa: Italy and France
The ease & fun of your family/group of friends authentically living like a local is hard to match in any other set-up. Interested to explore renting a chic city flat or a property in a different destination? Drop us a line and tell us what you're looking for. We'll connect you with the right expert for your search.
Here are 8 Greats: Guaranteed to be exactly as you see pictured & described.
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Casale Belvedere - Lucca
Starting at $12,800 per week 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms – Sleeps 10
Located in the Tuscan hills 10 minutes west of Lucca, this beautifully restored, 18th century farmhouse is on 40 acres of olive trees and vineyards with lovely views over rolling wooded hills. On a clear day you can see the leaning tower of Pisa. The house was recently restored and the interior designed by the finest Tuscan craftsmen with respect for both Tuscan traditions and the highest standards of comfort. It has 6 large and modern bathrooms, 5 large bedrooms and four fireplaces. The house is filled with light and inviting spaces as well as wonderful outdoor living and dining areas that add to the pleasurable experience of a Tuscan season under the sun.
Rate includes: Housekeeping service 7 days per week (Monday to Saturday 8am to 2pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm), English speaking coordinator. Housekeeper will prepare continental breakfast each morning. The cost of groceries is not included.
How to get there: Pisa Airport at 20 minutes, Florence airport at 1.10 hours and Rome airport 2.5 hours.
Local insight: Spend a day or more at one of the lovely beach clubs in Forte dei Marmi, a chic beach town (think Hamptons in Tuscany). You can also find great upscale shopping there as well as the best local market for Italian goodies on Wednesday mornings in the town square.
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Masseria Ludo - Puglia
Starting at $16,500 per week 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms – Sleeps 18
The Masseria Ludo sits in the hills of Monopoli surrounded by olive trees and poppies with views to the sea and is easily the finest luxury Masseria in Puglia. Masserias are fortified, extended farmhouses, once used to house produce, animals, tools, etc. Built on many levels and spread out they make the perfect large and rambling home for a large family or group of friends to enjoy while still enjoying much privacy. Masseria Ludo has been very recently renovated with meticulous attention to detail and comforts and no expense spared by the owner. There are so many luxurious details from hammam spa to rooftop plunge pool, large infinity beach pool, thermostat AC, radiant floor heating, towel warmers, etc. In addition, there is a completely renovated vintage Airstream on the property which can house two more guests in very comfy and private quarters!
The rate includes: Maids, Chef, Manager, Groundskeeper/Pool Maintenance
How to get there: Connecting flights into Bari then 40 minute drive. Train from Rome to Bari is 4.5 hours. Driving distance from Rome approx. 5 hours.
Local insight: You won’t want to leave this splendid and relaxed estate but if you do then the local Trulli towns (coned structures) are well worth a visit as is a day at the chic Cocoro Beach Club for a fab lunch alfresco and a swim in the stunning Adriatic sea.
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Il Convento – Umbria
Starting at $85,000 per week 10 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms – Sleeps 22
A very well-known film director is now offering his newly renovated, impressive 60 acre estate which encompasses a 16th century walled garden with 13 acres of enclosed formal gardens, vegetable garden, orchard, grape arbor, lavender rows, olive groves and lawns in addition to the outdoor pool, reflecting fountain bordering a native oak forest and the Winter Garden. The remainder of the estate is made up of 800 olive trees, vineyards and forest with stupendous views over lake Trasimeno. No expense was spared in renovating this former convent into a luxurious hideaway with every amenity one might expect of a lavish estate.
Rate includes: Chef, Sous chefs, Butler, Concierge, Manager, Groundskeeper/Pool Maintenance, Estate managers, daily maid service and a support staff of 12 to 16 depending on the number of guests in residence.
How to get there: Connecting flights into Perugia, 35 minute drive. Rome airport 2.5 hours.
Local insight: How to live in Italy like a celebrity with privacy, exclusivity and extraordinary beauty. From truffle hunting to pizza making with the chefs, wine and olive oil tastings, spa treatments, spin and yoga classes, tennis and a private night of opera after dinner…here you can indeed have it all.
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Aquamare - Sardinia
Starting at $70,000 per week 6 bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms – Sleeps 12
Located in a distinguished community, between the Marina di Puntaldia and the famous Lu Impostu Beach, this hilltop modern villa is arguably one of the most impressive luxury properties on Sardinia. Its big open plan living and dining room combine with multiple outdoor dining and lounge areas to create the perfect entertaining space for your family and friends. The villa also includes a huge covered outdoor dining room with a professional kitchen, a spa, a gym, a tennis court, 2 outdoor and one indoor swimming pools and a private beach. The villa is surrounded by a huge garden (30,000sq.m) to enjoy the best of comforts of Sardinia, in a truly serene environment, at walking distance from restaurants, cafes, shops, a golf course, a marina and incredible white sandy beaches.
Included in the rate: Three swimming pools & two Jacuzzis, Helipad, Two golf carts, Alarm system, fenced property, electric gates, maids, chefs, Groundskeeper, pool maintenance, manager.
How to get there: Olbia airport and 25-30 minute drive.
Local insight: Unlike the overrun Porto Cervo, Puntaldia is an understated hideaway for the cognoscenti. One can easily boat or drive to Porto Cervo and Porto Rotundo for action and then feel blessed to be back in this exclusive enclave.
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Pagode – St. Jean Cap Ferrat
Starting at $5,000 per week 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms – Sleeps 4
This magnificent newly renovated apartment was just finished in 2017. Located in a secured residence in the heart of Cap Ferrat, it offers a fully equipped open kitchen, directly off the living-room, a double bedroom and a master bedroom, each with their own bathrooms. The owner, a notable designer, has designed and furnished the apartment with impeccable taste and style. There is a pool in the complex and an elevator. All rooms have access to a spectacular terrace with an incomparable and unobstructed view on Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat. Its a short walk into Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu. The shared swimming pool and surrounding terrace is accessible to the tenants and owners from April until October.
Rate includes: Maid service, pool and garden maintenance, manager.
How to get there: Direct flights from NYC via Air France or Delta to Nice or connecting from anywhere else to Nice. 35 minute drive.
Local insight: It’s hard to find beautiful small gems in this area and this location is ideal for access to the lovely promenade that runs along the sea between Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu. Walk to everywhere from here including to the charming square in Beaulieu for fresh croissants and coffee, if you can tear yourself away from your terrace and views.
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Chateau Julien - Honfleur
Starting at $12,500 per week 9 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms – Sleeps 28 (with 5 bedroom farmhouse)
This beautiful Normandy chateau was originally constructed in 1641 as a “manoir”. Extended in 1724 and 1758, this estate sits in the heart of Normandy near the utterly charming and quaint port town of Honfleur and the Victorian town of Deauville, famed for its casinos and nowadays, annual film festival and horse racing. The current owners have renovated fusing a stylish mix of modern furnishings with the Chateau’s classic features. In keeping with its history, the chateau has many gardens, all with different themes. Dine on the terrace overlooking the formal garden with its central fountain, bordered by the chapel, and the pavilion. Relax in the Italian walled garden bordered by espaliered fruit trees: ideal for a picnic, aperitifs or a game of chess!
Rate includes: Maid service, Grounds and pool maintenance. Caretakers on premises.
How to get there: 2 hour drive from Paris or 2 hour train to Deauville and then 20 minute drive
Local insight: Do go into nearby Pont l’Eveque for the weekly Monday morning market, you’ll be in cheese heaven! Not to mention the gorgeous village of timbered houses, lovely shops and church.
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La Cap Corse – St. Florent/Cap Corse
Starting at $14,500 per week 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms - Sleeps 16
La Cap Corse is an extraordinary property with extravagant views over the Mediterranean sea, the Corsican coastline, Cap Corse and the charming port town of St. Florent. The 35 acres of terraced gardens, which have been featured in house & garden books, are magnificent with an abundance of lemon and olive trees as well as myriad flowering shrubs and sculptures artfully placed by the collector/owner. The house itself is stylish and modern and very comfortable and is all designed to take advantage of the marvelous views and relaxing, airy and sundrenched feel of Corsica. It is impossible to overstate the magic of this property and its location. There is also a tennis court, beach and a dock for guests use. Boat hire and captain is readily available and can be arranged.
Included in the rate: Maids, Cook, Groundskeeper/Pool Maintenance.
Maids, cook and gardener for complete daily service Mon-Sat.
How to get there: Connecting flights into Bastia Airport and a 40 minute drive.
Local insight: Visitors generally stick to the south and yacht-choked Porto-Vecchio, so the north remains an insider's secret - a charmed part, little explored and much less developed, where national parks spread for miles, and peaks give way to small fishing villages and perfect bays of powdery white sand & opalescent sea. The charming town of St Florent is a must do if you can tear yourself away from your private paradise.
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Chateau d’Aix – Aix en Provence
Starting at $78,000 per week 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms – Sleeps 22
Built in the 16th century, the chateau sits on 54 acres of fenced land within a 700 acre estate of vines and forest including 12 hectares of almond trees, truffle oaks and olive trees. Completely renovated by the current owners, the rooms have all modern conveniences and outstanding views of the property. The chateau offers 11 renovated, luxurious air-conditioned bedrooms with en-suite baths, a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, hammam and Jacuzzi. It also has a working vineyard producing lovely wines, on the greater estate outside the chateau grounds. Within the estate one may walk or bike and tour the gardens, vineyards, forest and orchards. Best of all: all this beautiful and bucolic privacy is just a few minutes away from the lovely and lively town of Aix en Provence.
Rate includes: Meet & greet in (French, English, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese) Full staff (3 maids, 1 laundry lady, 1 butler/cook, 1 assistant butler, 2 gardeners, 2 handymen, 1 manager) Continental breakfast, sheets and towels when needed, Cleaning (full time cleaning every day), Welcome basket, Toiletries (L’Occitane)
How to get there: TGV fast train from Paris in 3 hours. Connecting flights into Marseille and then a 30 minute drive or to Nice, 2 hour drive.
Local insight: The ultimate house party can happen here. Fabulous venue for extended families and special occasions or conferences. The best of all worlds: private yet a few minutes from a bustling town of arts and shopping and dining.
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