Castles & Palaces Suitable for Celebs & Royalty - Following The Crown & I'm A Celebrity's Return
Breathtakingly Tuscan with Ca’di Lista, Near Venice
Ca' di Lista is a spectacular 16th-century Venetian villa with private heated pool, magnificent grounds and personalised chef services. Standing on the hilltop of a private wine estate surrounded by vineyards, the villa boasts spectacular views of the Colli Euganei hills not far from Padua and Venice, and is within walking distance of a 27-hole golf course and Michelin-star restaurant.
Ca' di Lista was designed in the 16th-century as a hunting lodge by Dario Variotari, architect, painter and apprentice of Veronese. The villa — owned by the same noble Venetian family who commissioned the project — was later converted into a country retreat, preserving all of its original features such as the 16th-century hand-painted frescoes and 18th-century trompe l’oeil works. This villa boasts many modern comforts such as contemporary seating areas and large frescoed bedrooms which exude a combination of charm and tranquility.
This 7 bedroom property sleeps up to 10 people and Tuscany Now & More (www.tuscanynowandmore.com, 020 7684 8888) offers Villa Ca’ di Lista from £9,026 per week.
The Medieval Torre Palazzone, Siena
Torre Palazzone is a beautiful private medieval castle set entirely on its own at the end of a short drive in the rolling hills near Siena. Its beautiful stone walls surround a magical courtyard that leads out into the garden with a private heated swimming pool and a shaded dining loggia to one side. The old barn on the opposite side can be used for events and parties with a huge terrace providing a second outdoor shaded dining.
The courtyard is where it all happens; boasting beautiful stone walls that have stood for more than a millennium along with a private swimming pool. The interior is an eclectic collection of furniture, a mix of contemporary and designer pieces from the 50’s, with colourful air-conditioned bedrooms and en suite bathrooms. There are two kitchens, one on the ground floor that leads into the courtyard and a second up a few steps on the other side of the courtyard. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, and offer stunning Tuscan views from the tower.
Torre Palazzone dates back to the Etruscan period; the hills provide a location of exceptional beauty, where some of the Tuscany’s most glorious and important villas were constructed, amongst which is ‘Villa Cetinale’ built by Pope Alexander VII in the 17th century. Siena is less than 15 Km away and very close by there is the quiet village of Sovicille which offers a few lovely food shops. Florence is about an hour away and the whole of the Chianti is within easy reach from this stunning location.
This 11 bedroom property sleeps up to 22 people and is available through Tuscany Now & More offering weekly stays from £10,945 (www.tuscanynowandmore.com, 020 7684 8888).