Villa Le Maschere Review
Modern Luxury in Tuscany
At First Glance
Situated in the Tuscan hillside of Mugello, the five star Villa Le Maschere stands proud as a beautifully restored late Renaissance country home brought back to life.
Drive up to the grand gates and press the call button to announce your arrival. A warm voice welcomes you as the gates swing open.
Continue slowly along the path until you reach the circular driveway (pictured right).
driveway and facade of Villa le Maschere
A magnificent building stands complete with art deco styled facade, gleaming in the late afternoon sunlight. Bold design seems to slap me across the face and scream in my ear: “Welcome to modern luxury in Tuscany!”
Getting Acquainted
The sleek sophistication of the lobby is evident: uniquely painted vaulted ceilings extend around a central glassed-in courtyard, itself filled with oversized furniture and giant lampshades.
I respect what the interior designer had in mind, as I love white spaces filled with a touch of chic. However, I am not sure the modern look appeals to everyone within the confines of a luxury villa setting. Nonetheless, it is certainly something I have never seen before, and my impression was quite favorable!
After a long day of driving in 34 degree Italian heat, we couldn’t wait to change into bathing suits in order to take a refreshing dip in the pool — wine glass in hand!
The check-in process was quick and courteous. Within a few minutes our embarrassingly small luggage was whisked away by the bellman. We seated ourselves on the back of the chauffeured golf cart and headed for our suite at the Chino Pavilion.
Relax in Style by the Pool
It doesn’t take long to unwind and get into a tranquil zone of Tuscany bliss. Good Italian wine (poolside) helps in that respect, but so does the vista view extending out over the picturesque countryside.
Villa le Maschere has RELAXATION written all over it!
Wellness Center
Another favorite activity of Villa le Maschere guests is the wellness center complete with thermal pool, sauna, and spa treatments. Don’t worry about missing your couples massage, an attendant from the adjoining spa will come and collect you from the pool!
The Verdict
Warm, friendly staff, luxury amenities, along with a laid back atmosphere make for a wonderful vacation.
Villa Le Maschere’s location in Tuscany close to the city of Florence means you can do just about any activity in you want. Whether you’re looking for the allure of a charming world-class city with great shopping and museums, rest and relaxation by a pool with cocktail, or even outdoor adventures on the cycling trail or wine route.
Those in pursuit of an authentic Tuscan honeymoon or destination wedding filled with beautiful countryside, art and culture, good food & wine, and a range of outdoor activities should put Villa le Maschere at the top of their list.
Villa History
Built in the second half of the 16th century, Villa Le Maschere has been a Tuscan Villa to 2 separate families for the better part of 400 years. At the end of the 17th century the villa was remodeled by Giovanni Battista Foggini, who was the chief architect and sculptor to the court of the Grand-duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici. By the 18th and 19th centuries Villa Le Maschere was considered to be one of the most beautiful villas in Tuscany. It has seen many extravagant parties, weddings such of the wedding of the marquis Carlo Gerini with Isabella Magnani in 1832, and even hosted a Pope!
Unfortunately, the villa was abandoned by the Gerini family in 1963 and fell into a state of such disrepair that the roof collapsed and many frescoes were ruined or stolen. The Italian Ministry for Cultural Property was compelled to declare the pool building “irrecoverable”.
After a long 5 year restoration project, the villa has been given a second chance at life. Beautifully restored frescoes, majolica, sculptures and stuccoes hiding under layers of plaster can be seen again in all their glory. Some of the long lost art has been recovered and is now displayed in a few of the villa bedrooms. The villa is a sprawling labyrinth of hallways, rooms, and underground passages to explore – a wonderful place to live it up in luxury.
The Rooms
The villa features 65 guest rooms and each suite has its own unique style, from ornate to modern. It also offers a range of different room choices; Elegant, Superior, Junior suites, and Suites and are all located in either the main villa or Chini Pavilion. Each guestroom offers something a little different: an insight into the personal histories of some of the building’s historic owners (junior suite), or the a romantic Jacuzzi for two (Marchesa Liliana suite), or views onto the park and the Bilancino Lake (superior suite).
Villa Le Maschere has a little something special for everyone.
Superior Rooms & Suites
Our Room
Our Elegant room (pictured above) was inspired by the Florentine artist Galileo Chini by using bold tones of red velvet to accent the cool grey tones of the walls and furniture. The bathroom housed a deep comfortable bathtub, while a separate pass through sitting room had a couch and decorative fire place.
Our room was located in the Chini Pavilion, which is only about 100 metres from the main villa. I personally love to be near the action and people watch, so would have preferred to stay in the main villa. I find North Americans are always drawn to beautiful architecture and old world decor; a more ornate room would have provided such an ambience!
That being said, I cannot find any faults – our room was fresh, clean and offered great comfort after a long day of exploring the surrounding Florence countryside.
Wedding Venue
Setting off onto our walk towards the trails, we stumbled across no less than 4 wedding photographers capturing a cute moment between a bride and groom who had just gotten married.
That’s when it hit me,
“What a spectacular venue to host an outdoor destination wedding in Tuscany!”
Several amazing ceremony locations popped out to me including: the terrace, pool area, or even a long stretch of lawn extending from the terrace with one large tree at the end.
Later that evening, Andrew and I had a moment where we thought it would be fun to crash the wedding reception that was in full swing next door. We could hear the Italian version of Beauty and the Beast, along with what sounded like the most fun wedding party under the Tuscan stars!
Reception & Ceremony
With any destination wedding, holding all or some of the wedding celebration under the same roof is adviseable.
Villa le Maschere can certainly accommodate in this respect. The hardest part will be choosing among all the indoor or outdoor spots to get married.
A celebration for up to 100 guests held in the frescoed church, or any of the many spaces in the Villa and its 18 hectares of park. Let me tell you, there are plenty of options, and each would make for a very memorable and magical wedding.
Bonus: you won’t need much decor as the venues speaks for itself!
Getting Ready on Your Big Day
The Prestige Collection Junior Suites are not only unforgettable and superbly romantic, but also a photographer’s dream!
imagine all the stunning photos you can capture whilst getting ready on the morning of your wedding day.
Breakfast
There is nothing quite like walking down a grand outdoor spiral staircase to reach a stunning terrace overlooking the Tuscan valley to dine alfresco on a beautiful summer morning.
Villa Le Maschere’s Il Cancello Di Ghiereto offers a complimentary breakfast buffet in a setting like no other. During the spring and summer months guests are encouraged to sit out on the terrace to enjoy a breakfast of breads, cold meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, yogurts, cereal, bacon, eggs, grilled potatoes, as well as a selection of juices and coffee.
Restaurants
The PioppoNero (Black Poplar)
Open for both lunch and dinner, The PioppoNero serves a menu that includes traditional Tuscan and Mugello dishes. French doors also open up onto the terrace and from spring to fall guests are able to dine out on the terrace.
IL DIVINVINO
Great for both traditional dinners and wine tasting, the ancient cellars have been restored and renovated to give off a XXX vibe. It is open year long and can be reserved for private functions.
Amenities
A variety of amenities will keep you busy. Work out in the indoor fitness center surrounded by Chini art crystals and frescoes.
You can also sign up for a cooking lesson that takes place in the hotels magnificent kitchen, take a winery tour and tasting which includes a tour of the property, or enjoy 18 hectares of romantic park land by hiking on one of the 3 unique trails.
Hiking Trails
The grounds of Villa le Machere include a large wooded area with walking trails. We decided to set off on one of the hiking trails after dinner, holding a small glass of wine! We decided perhaps that we should turn around due to inappropriate footwear.
None the less, the forest was stunning and a wonderful place for an outdoor enthusiast.
On request, the hotel does allow small pets in elegant and superior room types. The forests would be perfect for taking a pet companion on a vacation.
Wellness Center
- Sauna
- Turkish bath
- Emotional shower
- Jacuzzi with direct access to the outdoor swimming pools, and treatment rooms where guests can choose all different type of massages.
Golf
Only 10 kms away, you have l’UNA Poggio dei Medici Golf Club, which is one of the best golf course in Tuscany and suited to players of all levels.
Location
Villa le Maschere is ideally located just a short 35 minute drive from the beautiful and romantic city of Florence.
The property provides guests with a free daily shuttle bus to Florence’s city center. Wonder the streets, see museums, galleries and shops, and of course grab a gelato … or two!
Airport
The nearest international airport is Aeroport di Firenze-Peretola.
