La Tenuta Le Viste

Sunday 19th September
 Tenuta Le Viste

It didn’t take us long to find our next hotel, despite the road being another narrow, winding, off the beaten track location.

We pulled up outside a set of enormous gates, pushed the button and waited; it wasn’t long before a very friendly voice, in broken English welcomed us, opened the gates and directed us to pull inside.

What greeted us was a large, immaculately manicured garden, surrounded by olive trees, lemon trees and assorted pots overflowing with flowers.  Two adorable little Cairn terriers rushed over, one called “Turbo” the other I’m sorry I don’t remember the name, both followed closely by Alexandra, the owner of Tenuta Le Viste.

I must at this point clumsily attempt to describe this property; the location of Tenuta Le Viste can only have been chosen by the Gods!  This incredible seventeenth century dwelling sits high on the Florence hills, in an oasis of beauty and peace surrounded by olive trees. 

You have heard I’m sure the expression “a million dollar view” well Tenuta Le Viste has a view that is absolutely priceless, breathtaking does not describe it.

             View of Florence from the garden terrace

Angie and I were completely blown away by the location.  The house itself was in immaculate order, furnished with beautiful antiques, heavily beamed wooden ceilings, stonewalls, and beautiful brick floors adorned with antique rugs.  There are four guest rooms, one of which is a suite fit for royalty.

               Breakfast at Tenuta le Viste

Our room was beautifully furnished, with a bathroom of Carrara marble.  Every convenience and luxury is provided, its peaceful, luxuriously comfortable and within minute’s by car from Florence.  I would quite happily have just stayed there and relaxed for the evening with a glass of wine, Alexandra has a wonderful wine list for all taste’s and budgets. 

Unfortunately I hadn’t researched enough to realize that you need to book in advance if you wish to dine here, which was a real shame, as the menu looked amazing.  Next time!

           Just a portion of the wonderful breakfast available here.

So Angie and I unpacked our things for the night and headed into Florence.  We were both totally oblivious to the fact that one is not allowed to drive in Florence without special permit, consequently I’m still waiting on the tickets that I’m sure will arrive any day now…

Being a Sunday evening we both thought the city would be quiet!  How wrong could one possibly be!  However, as throughout our Tuscan vacation we managed to find a parking space right in the center of Florence and bang outside Hermes, which, fortunately for Bob was closed.

                Me, with the Pont Vecchio bridge behind.

We walked around the lovely old historic streets and buildings,  now heavily populated with designer stores, and expensive jewelery outlets from up market names like Tiffany and Cartier.  We strolled leisurely across the famous Pont Vecchio bridge, bought some delicious gelato, wandered through the piazza, window shopped in the fashionable streets, drank delicious Italian coffee while we people watched, and eventually made our weary way back to the car to drive back to Tenute Le Viste, completely forgetting that we hadn't made a dinner reservation, and totally innocent of the mountains of tickets that I’m sure will descend upon me over the months to come.

Fortunately Alexandra had some wonderful wine, and a dish of snacks, which we had on the terrace overlooking the beautiful city of Florence all lit up like the night sky…

For what its worth, I can not recommend this little hotel highly enough.  I have stayed at the Four Seasons in Manhatten, Ritz Carlton’s around the world, and many other luxurious and exclusive hotels, but Tenuta Le Viste now ranks among the most wonderful vacation spots that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

For more information go to www.tenuta-leviste.it

                                        Side view of Tenuta Le Viste

e-mail info@tenuta-leviste.it