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Villa I Bonsi lies on the slopes of
the Pratomagno, very close to Reggello, overlooking
Florence and the magnificent
Arno valley. The estate produces the exceptionally high
quality Laudemio olive oil.
This
eccentric villa with it’s 17th century church
was originally a defensive manor house of a wealthy
 Florentine family but was extensively re done using
a lot of imagination in the early 19th century.
The tone and ambiance of the villa
are perfectly encapsulated by the old olive press dating
back to the 16th century which is now a suggestive room
with a large fireplace used for receptions and special
events. The gardens of the villa are also romantically
landscaped in keeping with the architecture and a perfect
spot for celebration dinners.
Very child friendly, well catered
for the disabled and also welcoming pets, this villa
really has some thing for every one. The concierge can
organize cooking courses (subject to availability),
mountain bike rentals, wine tasting and of course, an
education in the production of the famous Laudemio I
Bonsi 100% extra virgin olive oil of which the estate
is so justifiably proud.
ACCOMODATION: There are 6 apartments all decorated with typical Tuscan
furnishings. The apartments are located in two farmhouses
 which are situated next to the main villa. Two of the
apartments can accommodate up to 7 persons each while
others are smaller accommodating from 2 to 5 persons.
Some of the apartments have a fireplace
and all have open plan kitchens as well as an outside
areas for barbecuing and dining al fresco. All have
satellite television, hair dryers and heating. An extra
bed for a child can be added for a small extra fee in
any apartment.
Please note that there is no telephone
in the apartments but good reception for guests own
cell phones. The maid will do laundry upon request for
an additional fee.
CENCIO: this house dates back to the 18th century and was
once part of the convent.
BICOCCHI: This part of the property was built in the 19th century
entirely in stone in the Neo Gothic style. It was used
as a hunting lodge in the past and is  surrounded by
a large park. It has it’s own private courtyard.
Divided into two parts Bicocchi maintains it’s
original structure with vaulted ceilings on the ground
floor and massive chestnut beamed ceilings on the upper
floor.
THE GARDEN AND SURROUNDING
ENVIRONMENT: The garden is a beautiful setting
for all kinds of events. The pool is large (18 x 8 meters
or about 59 x 26 ft) and tranquil with a beautiful setting.
It is well furnished with umbrellas and sun lounges
and also has a toddlers wading pool.
Next to the mountains, on terraces
built with dry stone walling, 18000 olive trees are
nurtured with care and dedication, producing an exquisite
olive oil with an intense perfume and a fruity, slightly
sharp flavour. The estate’s main product is “
I Bonsi extra virgin olive oil”, available in
small sample bottles and bulk quantities.
Laudemio,
literally the best part of the harvest, is selected
and certified after being thoroughly tested and tasted
by a board of experts,  from the oil extracted in the
first two weeks of the pressing and is only sold in
small quantities. This oil is internationally acclaimed
and has won many prizes.
The Farm also produces honey, white
and red wine, as well as the famous Vin Santo, a sweet
wine served after dinner with Italian sweet biscuits.
The red wine produced on the estate is a Chianti of
the Colli Fiorentini. From the surrounding forests a
pure honey is obtained gathering all the flavors of
this unique and splendid region.
The concierge is happy to arrange
guided tours of the antique wine cellars, the old oil
store and the historical olive press accompanied with
oil tasting. Included in the tour is the garden which
is well worth the attention.
HISTORY: Built In 1400 as turreted manor house to defend the
Florentine family Bonsi della Ruota, it was transformed
during the 17th century into a convent with ownership
passing to the Carmelite Friars of Florence.
 In the course of the 19th century
it was sold to the Budini Gattai family who decided
to make it their country residence, rebuilding the villa
in neo gothic taste that reflected the current vogue
of the time and the projects of Raffaelo Sorbi, well
known architect and sculptor.
Today I Bonsi, where the proprietors
still live, remains intact a wonderful example of eccentric
early 19th century architecture, although some of the
works remain unfinished. This can be seen not only in
the Villa, the towers, the park, the tree lined pathway,
the garden and the 17th century Church, but also by
a system of terraces that embrace a grand view of the
valley.
Halls of the Villa are available for
conventions, meetings and receptions. up to 150 persons
can be seated in the dining room where the original
16th century oil mills are located.
LOCATION: Agriturismo I Bonsi is near to Reggello as
well as with easy reach of most important Tuscan places
of interest.  The nearest airport is Florence (less than
an hour), Pisa is about an hour and a half and Rome
under three hours.
OTHER FACILITIES AVAILABLE
NEAR BY: There are wonderful restaurants, bars
and shops in the nearby Reggello. Antique abbeys are
scattered around this area. Outlet shopping is just
a few minutes drive making this property perfect for
fashionistas. The city of Florence is about 35 km.
You can also find tennis, golf, the
beach (one hour), horse riding, bike riding, hiking,
wine tasting, fabulous dining, thermal spas, Hot air
balloon flying, Renaissance and medieval art and architecture
all nearby.
Please note: This property does not
have air conditioning. Air conditioning is rarely necessary
in Tuscany due to the lack of humidity and the temperate
climate. Almost all of our properties at InTuscany are
in remodeled medieval or renaissance buildings. They
generally have very thick walls and high ceilings, most
are built on the tops of our gently rolling hills where
they catch the breezes that spring up at mid day and
in the evenings.
Generally air conditioning is only
found by the sea side or in the city centers where noise
and/or humidity make it necessary. We do not have air
conditioning in our offices or in any of our own homes.
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