Villa Francesca

Hotel Description

So I stumbled across Villa Francesca last spring when I was desperately searching for somewhere to stay outside Florence that wouldn’t break the bank but still felt special – and honestly, this place delivered in ways I wasn’t expecting. It’s tucked away in this tiny hamlet called Torri, which you’d probably miss if you blinked while driving through Rignano sull’Arno. The villa itself sits on this gentle hillside with olive groves stretching out below, and you know what struck me first? The silence. Like, actual countryside quiet where you can hear church bells from the village drifting up in the evening.

The building has that weathered Tuscan stone thing going on – not the Instagram-perfect renovated kind, but more like your Italian grandmother’s house if she had really good taste and a decent budget. My room had these thick walls that kept everything cool during the day (crucial in July, trust me), and the bathroom actually had proper water pressure, which anyone who’s stayed in converted Italian villas will appreciate. The owner, who I think might actually be named Francesca, was around most evenings and gave me the best recommendations – there’s this osteria about ten minutes down the hill in Rignano that serves wild boar ragu that’ll ruin you for every other pasta dish. She also mentioned the morning market in Pontassieve on Saturdays, which locals clearly know about but tourists somehow miss.

What really got me was how the place sits perfectly between worlds – you’re genuinely in the countryside with vineyards and cypress trees doing their dramatic Tuscan thing, but Florence is maybe thirty minutes by car, and there’s actually a decent bus connection if you don’t want to deal with ZTL zones and parking nightmares in the city. The breakfast spread was solid (proper espresso, local honey, fresh fruit from their own trees), and they serve it on this terrace where you can watch the morning mist lift off the Arno valley. I mean, it’s not luxury resort level, but it’s the kind of authentic experience that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something real. The pool area gets busy with families around 3 PM, but early morning and late afternoon it’s perfect for reading with a glass of wine from the local vineyard they partner with. Just heads up – the road up to the villa is narrow and winding, so maybe don’t attempt it after a heavy lunch and wine tasting session. But honestly, if you want to experience proper Tuscan countryside life without feeling like you’re staying in a museum, this is exactly the kind of place that makes you start planning your return trip before you’ve even checked out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $76. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $88. Loft with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Perfect. Ideal. Romantic. Charming – Beñat from Spain – 7 June 2025 (10/10)

  Charming and calm Villa surrounded by a beautiful landscape. In my opinion, you can get every single thing you imagin about Tuscany if you book Villa Francesca. We had great family dinners and breakfasts with the noise of the birds singing. It has been an absolute perfect stay. Alessio and Monica were very kind and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: I didn’t like to leave. I could live there.

• Beautiful apartments – Giulio from United Kingdom – 24 April 2024 (8/10)

  Beautiful relaxing apartments with amazing views.
  
  What could be improved: There could have perhaps been a few more essentials like a small bottle of water, more toilet paper, kitchen utensils, some coffee etc.

• Exceptional – Juliana from United Kingdom – 18 May 2023 (10/10)

  The bed is very confortable and the place is very silent, and the views are amazing.

• Best countryside villa! – Sofiia from Ukraine – 19 August 2022 (9/10)

  It is a countryside villa with the greatest view I have ever seen. The hosts are very kind and friendly people help us with the road and bring everything that we needed additionally.
  Recommend this villa for your holiday!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great!

• Weekend get away from Rome <3 – Femke from Italy – 28 July 2024 (10/10)

  Stunning location, nice and quiet, we expected the highway to hell to reach the property reading other reviews, but it wasn't that bad.. just drive slow.. kind owners, dog friendly place, nice and clean, and with air-conditioning – we had an amazing time and hope to come back!
  
  What could be improved: The pillows (very flat) – perhaps a personal preference

• Fantastisch!!!! – Esther from Netherlands – 24 September 2023 (8/10)

  The environment and the pool! Location was perfect! Nice and relaxt. And close to all the nice places in the area.
  
  What could be improved: The road is rough but we now that before we come and it was oke with our car!
  
  Maybe a tip! To put some mosquito net before the windows so we can air the appartment better! Leave windows open?
  
  But everything was excellent and the owners are super sweet and helpful with everything! We really had a excellent stay two weeks.

• Superb – Mairead from Ireland – 13 August 2022 (9/10)

  We had a wonderful stay at Villa Francesca. Monica and her husband went above and beyond for us, which we are so thankful for.
  
  The Villa is like stepping back in time and has been very well maintained. The grounds are beautiful with plenty of areas to relax alone or together when traveling with a big group. The little play area was a big hit for us also. Very safe and plenty of shaded areas for children.
  
  The pool with its fantastic view over the Tuscan countryside was a huge bonus and definitely highlight for adults and children alike.
  
  We used the public bus to visit Florence which was a great service, although times were a little restrictive.
  
  What could be improved: Rough country road to enter the property. This is highlighted by the hosts to be fair and didn't cause us a problem.
  
  Some of the Showerheads could probably do with updating but did a grand job.

• Superb – Alessio from Italy – 4 July 2025 (9/10)

  Il silenzio,la tenuta,bellissimo gli spazzi esterni… stupendo per un relax da favola

• Exceptional – Roberto from Italy – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Un posto fantastico dove rilassarsi, ci si ritrova in mezzo alla natura, lontano dai rumori della città, in questa incantevole location. I proprietari molto gentili e disponibili, la casa aveva tutto il necessario, la piscina dava quel tocco in piú per godersi a pieno queste calde giornate.
  
  What could be improved: L'unica nota, la porticina della doccia non era in grado di impedire all'acqua di uscire dalla doccia

• Meraviglioso da tornare assolutamente – Miriana from Italy – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  Posizione meravigliosa pace assoluta
  
  What could be improved: Materasso un po' troppo morbido

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities