Mulino dell’Abate

Mulino dell’Abate (“Mill of the Abbot”) is a beautifully restored countryside estate with original buildings from around the year 1000 AD. Nowadays, the large central farmhouse and two converted barns offer a quintessential rural escape with all the comforts of a luxury villa.

The sprawling grounds offer plenty of space for guests to relax surrounded by lush vegetation. The scent of cypress trees fills the air, whilst the trickling of the nearby river serves as a peaceful soundtrack to afternoons spent lazing by the pool, taking in the views from a sun lounger.

Throughout the gardens, there are several al fresco lounges and dining areas. Guests can enjoy a morning coffee under a wisteria-covered pergola, a wood fire pizza under the shade of the ancient oak tree in the barbecue area, or a glass of bubbly in the loggia, where the mill’s water channels – used to power the grain millstones – can still be found today. The outdoor spaces are also ideal for hosting memorable weddings and special events.

For those seeking to truly reconnect with nature, the villa features direct access to a riverside beach. With a relaxation area, a dining table, and sun loungers, it acts as a secret waterside oasis.

Indoors, exposed wooden beams, parquet flooring, and stone walls create an authentic country house feel. Within the main villa, the cosy ground floor lounge is heated by a crackling fireplace, perfect for cooler evenings spent indoors. The grand dining room boasts a fireplace and the perfectly preserved remains of the original kitchen, dating back to the 4th Century AD.

Nowadays, guests – or their private chef – can make use of the country-chic kitchen, which is equipped with all the modern conveniences.

On the first floor, there is another spacious lounge room. The exposed beams of the central truss and the impressive fireplace create a welcoming atmosphere, whilst shuttered windows offer stunning views over the estate’s gardens.

Guests interested in the villa’s history can head to the underground rooms to see where the mill blades were installed, along with the original turbine that allowed the mill to be powered electrically.

The main villa has four well-appointed suites, all with king-size beds and en-suite facilities. The garden floor suite offers another pocket of history, as it was carved out of the original manger with original features still visible in the bathroom.

For those seeking additional privacy, there are two separate guest houses. One boasts a king-size bed and a mezzanine with twins, perfect for families. The other offers a king-size bedroom with an in-room shower, and a separate living room with a kitchenette. Both guest houses have private patios overlooking the gardens.

For a countryside escape or destination wedding in Florence with the perfect blend of luxury and history, Mulino dell’Abate is the perfect villa.

NB: Villa is accessed via approximately 800 metres of paved/dirt road.