CONTACT
Villa La Massa
Via della Massa 24
50012 Florence-Candeli
ITALY
Phone: +39 055 62611
E-mail: reservations@villalamassa.it
Website: www.villalamassa.com
Instagram: villalamassafirenze
Villa La Massa
Via della Massa 24
50012 Florence-Candeli
ITALY
Phone: +39 055 62611
E-mail: reservations@villalamassa.it
Website: www.villalamassa.com
Instagram: villalamassafirenze
Villa La Massa is a 16th century architectural gem. It was built as a country home for an aristocratic Florentine family during the Medici period and four centuries later, in 1948, it was transformed into a luxury hotel. Here guests have always been offered an outstanding service and a truly genuine and warm atmosphere.
Villa La Massa lies majestically on the banks of the Arno river, in the hills of the Chianti Rufina wine region. Surrounded by 22 acres of gardens, this Medicean Villa is owned by Villa d’Este Hotels, synonymous with elegance and gracious hospitality all over the world. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Villa La Massa is located 8km/5 miles (approximately 15 minutes) from the historic center of Florence and 18 km/11 miles (approximately 25 minutes) from the Peretola Airport (Florence International Airport).
Villa La Massa’s 41 rooms are located within four villas: the Noble Villa, the Villino, the Mulino and the newly opened Casa Colonica – a completely refurbished farmhouse dating back to 1850. Each room is entirely unique and decorated in the typical Tuscan style.
Villa La Massa will add ten new rooms, a restaurant and an infinity pool in 2019/beginning of 2020.
A member of The Leading Hotels of The World, Villa La Massa became part of the Villa d’Este Hotels in 1998. Its four buildings, the Noble Villa, the Mill (15th Century), the Villino, and the newly refurbished Casa Colonica were lovingly restored to the splendor of grand Tuscan villas which is reflected in their décor and atmosphere.
The Renaissance era is palpable: solid wooden canopy beds, wainscoting, frescoes on the ceilings, tapestries, custom drapery, and linens in rich silks and brocades. Elegantly casual yet subtly regal, Villa La Massa invites guests to experience the art of living like Florentine nobility.
The combination of the calm running waters of the Arno, the charming melody of birds singing, the chirping of crickets, the multitude of cypress and olive trees, and the endless vineyards work to make the experience at Villa La Massa truly magical.
A walk along the river leads to the Chef’s aromatic herb and vegetable gardens or to the orchards where kingfisher birds pose in full view.
Another walk may lead you to the Iris garden. The iris is an ancient flower, with a profound legacy to the history of Florence and the Tuscan region. Villa La Massa chose this flower and its many varieties to be the primary flower that frames the banks of the Arno River. There are of different sizes and shades of yellow, white, and blue, all of which are beautifully accentuated by cream-colored peonies. Get lost in the beauty of this spot on the estate.
The origins of Villa La Massa date back than 400 years: in 1525 Santi Landini, a famous Editor belonging to the Florentine Aristocracy, decided to build his summer residence on the banks of the Arno River.
The Villa remained in the Landini family until 1788 when it was subsequently sold to the Cardinal Giovanni Rinuccini.
On his death, the property was inherited by his nephew Alessandro, who renovated the villa and added new architectural elements between 1805 and 1810. He had the four towers built at the corners of the villa and enlarged the grand staircase inside the Villa. In addition, the chapel was modified to align with the taste of the period.
The Rinuccinis lived in the Villa until 1826, until it was then sold to Lady Catherine Hombert Ruffié Planche.
The frescoes recently discovered on the ground floor and on the second floor of the Villa were most likely requested by Lady Hombert, who had a great artistic taste. For example, the pastel blue colour used by the colour dealer M. Guinet in 1828 was soon to become very fashionable.
In 1856 Countess Bierlinska, daughter of the Grand maréchal Conte Gonusza Bobrinsky bought the property. With the Demidoffs and the Boutourlines, she was part of the Russian Aristocracy who settled in Florence at the end of the 18th century.
Following this, Villa La Massa was then the property of John Goldsmith and finally of the Sears family who transformed the Villa into a “hotel de charme “ (luxury hotel) in 1953.
Since then many famous guests have stayed at Villa La Massa: Gregory Peck, Winston Churchill, Barbara Hutton, Elisabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton – to mention a few. More recently, David Bowie and Iman celebrated their wedding at Villa La Massa.
Since the Villa d’Este Group purchased the hotel in 1998, the whole property has been completely restored to add a new lustre to this splendid old mansion.
Il Verrocchio restaurant is located in the Mulino, the estate’s oldest structure. The unique terrace of the restaurant faces the Arno river and has stunning views of the Chianti-Rufina hills. Indoors, its gorgeous windows permit guests to enjoy the view during any season. It’s the perfect stage for the Chef’s traditional Italian cuisine with Tuscan specialties. Moreover, within these walls, it is possible to taste the olive oil produced from Villa La Massa’s olive trees.
Lunches are also served at the Pool Bar during the summer season.
The Bar Mediceo with its 19th-century frescoes is the ideal place to have an aperitif or sip a signature cocktail prepared by the expert barman using the exclusive Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella liqueurs.
The 15th-century cellar represents the perfect location for those looking for an intimate venue for wine tastings paired with regional specialties, dinners, or milestone events.
Relaxation is guaranteed at the Arno SPA, where guests have many services at their disposal including a Turkish bath, sauna, Roman pool with hydro-massage and sensory showers, gym equipment, and space for yoga and floor exercises. In the two SPA cabins, personalized treatments are made by using the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella cosmetic line, which is inspired by Tuscany's fragrant flowers and aromatic herbs of the Villa’s gardens. Oils rose, mallow extracts, aloe vera, olive oil, citrus, and floral fragrances are the main essences used to create customized facial and body treatments.