VILLA ANCORA Tenuta Lonciano

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up the winding road to Villa Ancora – I mean, you’re basically heading into proper Tuscan countryside here, past olive groves and through what feels like the middle of nowhere near Gualdo. But honestly, the moment you catch sight of this restored farmhouse estate, you get why it’s sitting at a 9.7 rating. It’s one of those places that just feels right, if that makes sense. The building itself has that weathered stone charm you can’t fake, and they’ve clearly put serious thought into keeping the original character while making everything actually comfortable. The rooms are spacious (actually spacious, not hotel-brochure spacious), with those thick walls that keep everything cool even in summer and surprisingly quiet – which matters more than you’d think when you’re trying to sleep off a day of wine tasting in the nearby hills.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to feel authentically local without being stuffy about it. The staff clearly knows the area – they’ll point you toward the better hiking trails around Sasso di Castro or tell you which markets in Sesto Fiorentino are worth the drive. The property itself sprawls across this working estate, so you’re surrounded by actual vineyards and olive trees, not just decorative landscaping. Breakfast happens on this terrace that overlooks the valley, and I spent way too many mornings there just watching the light change on the hills. The food is proper Italian – simple, fresh, obviously sourced from somewhere within walking distance. They do this thing with local pecorino and honey that I’m still thinking about months later.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t a place where you just drop your bags and head out sightseeing. I mean, you could (Florence is doable as a day trip, about 45 minutes if you time it right), but you’d be missing the point. Villa Ancora works best when you embrace the slower pace. There’s a pool that’s perfect for afternoon lounging, walking paths through the property that actually go somewhere interesting, and honestly, just sitting on your room’s terrace with a glass of their house wine feels like exactly what you came to Tuscany for. The Wi-Fi works fine if you need it, parking is never an issue, and check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no unnecessary ceremony, just genuine hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left, which probably explains that rating.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $442. Two-Bedroom Villa with 1 large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Beautiful property – Sanda from Latvia – 23 July 2024 (9/10)

  Very lovely place with beautiful views. Definitely worth coming back.

• Exceptional – Yehiel from Israel – 19 June 2024 (10/10)

  An amazing house, in the middle of the forest with the perfect view…

• My Best Booking Experience – Burhanettin from Turkey – 18 May 2024 (10/10)

  It was more than what I expected. Villa is such a beautiful house in the countryside nature. It is also close to Florence by car. We imagined having another holiday to relax by just booking here.

• Spectacular Tuscan villa – we did not want to leave! – Joshua from Australia – 1 May 2024 (10/10)

  Spectacular Tuscan villa that had everything we needed and offered even more. Great pool area, comfortable beds, beautifully furnished and designed, private location (I am smiling while remembering this particular accommodation to write this review:). Wonderful hosts who met us on arrival, helped with our luggage and made welcome suggestions on restaurants and activities in the area. Great value too.
  
  ***** BRILLIANT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. BOOK! *****
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing not to like. I would live there forever!

• Best rooms ever! #1 – Nathaniel from Canada – 22 October 2023 (10/10)

  Pictures don't do it justice. This place was a dream. Absolutely beautiful, great location, quick jaunt to town of about 30 minutes to Central area. Lovely! Huge windows to admire the view, must be about 10' tall by 6' wide. Everything you need to relax and enjoy. We were all amazed and we've stayed in probably 50 different hotels. Loved it here.

• Wonderful stay in beautiful surroundings – Seana from Belgium – 26 September 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful villa with spectacular views.

• The perfect place for family in Tuscany – Yuval from Israel – 20 August 2023 (10/10)

  On one hand isolated on the hillside on the other 30 min form the centre of Florence
  The views from the house are beautiful especially at sunset

• Exceptional – Ryan from United States – 14 June 2023 (10/10)

  Stunning villa high above Florence.

• can’t wait to come back! – Sammy from United Kingdom – 20 April 2023 (10/10)

  the property is so beautiful, really clean and well stocked with everything you need. the view is incredible, pictures don’t do it justice! it’s so peaceful, we have had an amazing time here.

• Wonderful villa and hospitality – exceeding all expectations. – Janice from South Africa – 15 April 2023 (10/10)

  This is a truly exceptional villa, with a myriad of facilities. Beautifully decorated, merging the old and the new and fresh so tastefully. Beautiful views over Florence, which twinkles at night. Different sitting out areas, and its own swimming pool. So many thoughtful and helpful touches, with everything you may need. Antonella the hostess was truly amazing – going above and beyond, and always with a friendly and cheerful smile. We cannot thank you enough for giving us such a superb holiday accommodation.
  
  What could be improved: Slightly strange arrangement where those in the smaller room had to come through the main bedroom to get to the lounge and downstairs bathroom. This could possibly be helped if there was outdoor access to the downstairs main door (which was bolted from the inside, but could have been locked with a key and therefore accessible from outside, enabling small room to come in from outside? Stairs a bit steep, and rather dangerous gap to these from main bedroom.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities