Last summer my husband and I spent a wonderful two weeks in Italy. On this trip we chose a location in Chianti for a six nights stay. Whenever we travel to Italy, it is never complete without a stopover in Tuscany.

A few days into our Tuscan stay, I ventured out one morning to find Fonte de' Medici, a property I had read about in a trade publication. As a travel agent, I am always in search of new and interesting properties of this kind to offer to my clients. The development of this villa complex is the undertaking of the Antinori wine family, one of the largest producers in Italy. I had not realized that it was just a short distance from where we were staying, outside San Donata in Poggio off the Tavernello exit on the Firenze/Siena autostrada, and a mere 35 minutes from Florence.

The Fonte de' Medici property was built in three stages, utilizing a cluster of original stone structures dating back several hundred years.  At its heart is the small historical village characteristic of the Chianti countryside, with a central square and chapel. Nineteen apartments are located at the reception area where you will find a central swimming pool, and restaurant. There area another seven units located up on the hillside and two more are situated in a building overlooking the lake of Buca del Granchio. There is also a small wellness center offering fitness and relaxation services.

All of the apartments have their own entries, outdoor private spaces (verandas or gardens), terracotta floors, exposed beams, incredibly comfortable bathrooms, and full well-equipped kitchens. In all cases, the furnishings and structures reflect the Tuscan spirit that a historical estate should have.

I found this location to be a perfect spot for touring. Siena was just 40 minutes to the south with a wonderful selection of the most interesting Tuscan locations between. Florence is a short drive to the north, linking into the main autostrade for trips to eastern Tuscany and Umbria. 

If your family has never tried this type of Italian experience, Fonte de' Medici is a wonderful opportunity for you.
 

Donna Greenspan, the Italy consultant at Travel Quest in Woodbury, New York, can be reached at  516/367-1368 or at dgreenspn@aol.com for more information.