Villa Mangiacane (Historical Residences) San Casciano

Villa Mangiacane is a magnificent 16th century edifice set on the hillside above Sant'Andrea in Percussina, in the heart of Tuscany and the renowned Chianti Classico region and just 12 kilometers away from the city of Florence. Legend has it that the great Michelangelo himself had a hand in designing the Villa for Cardinal Francesco Maria Machiavelli, uncle of Niccolò Machiavelli. The property was purchased in 1645 by the Marquis Mazzei and it remained in the hands of this influential aristocratic family right up until the mid 20th century.

Half a century of neglect passed before Glynn Cohen, a Southern-African entrepreneur, bought Villa Mangiacane and initiated an ambitious restoration project which resulted in the transformation of the villa in both superb luxury hotel and unique exhibition venue for the work of contemporary artists from all across the globe; from Zimbabwe to Lithuania. Villa Mangiacane has a total of 26 beautifully appointed suites and rooms overlooking the villa's gardens and out over the property's extensive olive groves and vineyards, in which a superb extra virgin olive oil and a number of highly acclaimed wines are produced.

Exquisitely presented traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine is served to guests eating in either the formal dining room, the Vinoteque cellar or, in the colder months of the year, around the open fireplace in the Villa's Olive Oil Kitchen. During the summer months, delicious light lunches are served al fresco in the herb garden or by the pool. Those guests interested in learning about the region's cuisine can join the informative and entertaining Tuscan cooking lessons held by Francesca Maria Boni.

Period residence Villa Mangiacane offers a complete range of services for high profile events including helicopter landing site and top level security. The villa is also available for exclusive use.

Three good reasons

1. The historic charm of a Tuscan villa built for the Machiavelli family.
2. Francesca Maria Boni's Tuscan cooking lessons.
3. The excellent wines made on the estate.