Under the Tuscan sun: Five private villas for a summer of quiet luxury

Blending privacy, provenance and understated elegance, A&K’s Private Estates collection invites travellers to experience Tuscany at its most intimate and unhurried

Because no summer is quite like a Mediterranean summer, Abercrombie & Kent has sought out some of Tuscany’s most impressive private estates and curated the Private Estates collection, launched last year. A hand-picked selection of what the brand calls “the most desirable country houses in Chianti”, the five exceptional villas range from restored centuries-old farmhouses and historic towers to wine estates and family manors set amid sun-drenched, rambling grounds – with verdant views for days. Each property was selected for its design, character, privacy and amenities – which might include a heated pool, outdoor kitchen, yoga sala, gym, games room, tennis court or wine cellar.

Guests of A&K Private Estates also enjoy a suite of curated inclusions through the Chianti Experience program – including welcome and farewell dinners prepared by a private chef, bespoke cooking lessons, at-villa wine tastings, daily continental breakfast, airport transfers, housekeeping, pre-arrival grocery shopping, photography sessions and locally sourced welcome hampers. All of this is delivered with the added luxury of 24-hour wraparound service, whether that means a full team of staff, just a chef or a private driver, or simply discreet support as needed. A dedicated A&K host will arrange anything guests desire, offering the advantages of a hotel concierge with the privacy, space and ease of a private home.

The only thing left to decide is which villa to call your own.

Palazzo Bellavista – Tavarnuzze 

Perched above olive groves, vineyards and chestnut-covered hills, this ochre-hued villa is both a peaceful base for exploring Florence and Chianti, and a private retreat for larger groups. Restored by interior designer Ilaria Marni, its eight ensuite bedrooms feature elegant colour palettes, while the reception spaces include a converted dovecote with views toward the Apennines and coast. The estate sits within 35 acres of lawns and pine-dappled woodland, with a heated pool as its centrepiece.

Podere La Gloria – Chianti

Blending the atmosphere of a hilltop hamlet with the charm of a country estate, this property was lovingly restored by its owners – a hotelier and antiques dealer, and now features sandstone buildings, original fireplaces and contemporary pieces from Milan’s Salone del Mobile. Tucked between Florence and Siena, it’s perfectly placed for wine touring or quiet afternoons on the garden terrace beside the infinity pool.

Podere La Piana – Radda 

On a family-owned wine estate just outside the picturesque medieval hilltop village of Radda, this five-bedroom farmhouse combines traditional character with contemporary comforts. Ideal for multi-generational groups, the villa includes a gym, steam room, pizza oven and panoramic pool, plus a playground for younger guests. A well-stocked wine cellar, barbecue terrace and generous open-plan interiors make it well suited to longer stays.

Il Cellese – Castellina

Steeped in winemaking history, this villa belongs to the Sardelli family, whose roots in Chianti Classico date back generations. The 10-bedroom property accommodates up to 19 guests and features a heated indoor-outdoor pool, a private spa, yoga platform, and outdoor dining area with a wood-fired oven. Surrounded by lavender fields, olive trees and cypress gardens, it offers a deeply local experience, including wine tastings led by the estate’s seasoned cellar master.

Borgo Castelletto – Radda 

Set on a working vineyard 1.5 kilometres from Radda, this six-bedroom villa is ideal for families or small groups looking for a balance of seclusion and activity. Guests can enjoy expansive views from the tower terrace, swim in the pool, or relax on one of several outdoor dining patios. Indoor entertainment includes billiards, pétanque and foosball, with optional extras such as a yoga studio and hammam available on request.

A&K’s Private Estates are available to book from the European summer of 2025 (read: now).

abercrombiekent.com/private-estates