A lavish wedding present from Baron Oppenheim to his bride in the 1860s, this sumptuous villa soon became a magnet for Italian and European aristocracy, then passed into the hands of Napolean III’s widow. Its former splendour has been miraculously preserved, with magnificently opulent and eclectic interiors. Elaborate frescoes, bold tromp l’oeils, gilded mirrors and detailed stucco decorations adorn the rooms and halls, with eclectic Florentine and Moorish influences. All this is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, full of fragrant roses, topiary hedges and ancient oaks, with that inimitable view over the city of Florence. Naturally, the service is slick and attentive – nothing is too much trouble. You could definitely become used to villa living.
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In every room, it’s the attention to detail and aesthetics that you notice. Whether they are in the main villa, or the stable block and buildings in the grounds, they are all luxuriously and elegantly decorated and individually styled, with Carrara marble bathrooms and plush fabrics.
The heated pool in the rose garden.
One of the executive chef’s favourite pastimes is teaching the children who come to stay here, how to cook the perfect pizza, from the dough to the toppings.
The cuisine at Villa Cora is classic Tuscan and Italian, with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes bursting with flavour. During the summer, Le Bistrot Restaurant is by the pool, and in winter, it moves to the evocatively decorated Moorish Room, serving casual lunches and extravagant dinners. Breakfasts are worth getting out of bed for – with a huge array of fresh fruit, meats and cheeses, cakes, pastries and homemade bread. In the warm summer months, there’s no better place to sip a glass of champagne at the end of the day, then on the roof terrace bar, with its views over Florence. And in the winter, what was once Baron Oppenheim’s dining room is now home to the truly rococo and atmospheric Long Bar.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Viale Machiavelli, 18 can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Viale Machiavelli, 18 or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Viale Machiavelli, 18 start from around $560, or US$560, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A Renaissance masterpiece of art, architecture and exceptional living.
