Villa Mangiacane San Casciano - Tuscany

From its superb position high up on the hillside above Sant'Andrea in Percussina, a mere 12 kilometers away from Florence, Villa Mangiacane enjoys stunning views over the Tuscan countryside and out towards the quite unmistakable forms of the region's much admired capital city, rising up majestically in the distance.

The first owner of the villa was the Cardinal Francesco Maria Machiavelli, and it is rumored that the services of no other than the great Michelangelo were sought so as to design the building. In 1645, the Marquis Mazzei acquired the property and the villa remained in the family hands for centuries, right up until the mid 1900's. It was not until the year 2000 that Glynn Cohen, a Southern-African entrepreneur, bought the at that time seriously neglected Villa Mangiacane and set about restoring the villa and the extensive gardens, vineyards, and olive groves which surround it.

Now a stunning 26 bedroom hotel, complete with two swimming pools, holistic wellness facility and gourmet restaurant, Villa Mangiacane also functions as unique venue for contemporary art, where the work of artists from every corner of the globe, from Zimbabwe to Lithuania is exhibited.

Excellent modern Italian food, often inspired by International cuisine, features on menus presented to guests dining either in Villa Mangiacane's elegant dining room or the Vinoteque cellar. Not surprisingly given the location, the wine list features an impressive selection of labels including those wines produced directly on the estate. In winter, meals are served around the open fireplace in the Villa's Olive Oil Kitchen whilst, during the hot Tuscan summer, lunch is served outside, on the main Loggia or by the pool.

The Nadushcka Spa is the latest addition to the range of top class facilities available to guests staying at Villa Mangiacane. This innovative wellness facility offers a fabulous environment where to relax whilst indulging in holistic therapies performed using products from Florence's celebrated "Officina de' Tornabuoni".

The perfect location for glamorous weddings and other high profile events, Villa Mangiacane is available for exclusive rent.