8 Bedroom Villa in Villa Donna Elena, Arezzo

Some places really do slow you down before you even realize it. That is exactly what happened to me at Villa Donna Elena in Arezzo. There is this quiet that just settles around you as soon as you walk up the path and if you get there in the late afternoon you might only hear a few birds or the wind moving through the olive trees at the edge of the garden. The house itself is this beautiful old stone villa that honestly just makes you feel like you are part of the history of Tuscany. Even before you walk inside you can almost picture families gathering on the grass for a long summer dinner or kids playing under the old orchard trees while the sun sets.

Inside Villa Donna Elena you notice pretty quickly that it is not just about the old world charm. Yes there are exposed brick archways and real Tuscan floor tiles that feel good to walk on even without shoes but you also find proper spaces for modern life. You get this big living room with enough space for everyone to just settle in and you still have that feeling you are in an easy family home. The fireplace really works and it just brings everyone together when the nights are cool. Something I liked about the kitchen is that it does not just look Italian it actually feels like someone would cook real meals there. Two ovens loads of counter space and big windows that look out at the hills. Sometimes you get kitchens that are only for show but this one feels lived in. The shelves already look like they are waiting for market day and the outdoor pizza oven is just off the covered loggia so you find yourself just hanging out there even if you are not serving food yet.

One thing I noticed is you are always drawn outside. The garden veranda pulls you out for breakfast or just a cup of coffee while the hills wake up. The pool is close enough so the whole day drifts between swimming and relaxing on the grass. Honestly you might see a little lizard warming up on the stones just by the water. The barbecue area is tucked nearby which makes gatherings easy and relaxed and you might find yourself still out there as the light changes across the countryside. In the morning sometimes there is a bit of mist in the orchard and if you get up early you might even see a deer or two while everyone else is still asleep.

Upstairs feels like a whole different part of the house. There are five bedrooms on the main floor up there and it stays pretty quiet all day which is great if you have family or friends staying. Big windows let you wake up to soft light and a couple of the rooms have their own bathroom which feels private without being cut off from the rest of the house. You get this extra sitting room up here with its own fireplace and comfortable chairs so even if the weather gets cold you just want to settle in for the night. And if you feel adventurous take the stairs to the top of the tower for the bedroom with windows all around. Sunsets and sunrises out there just fill the space and honestly you might find yourself forgetting to even turn the lights on.

There is also a proper wine cellar that connects right to the kitchen which is a nice touch if you like a glass with dinner or just want to store finds from the local vineyards. The villa was renovated recently so you have air conditioning throughout solar panels for energy and even an automatic gate out front. Storage and laundry spaces are tucked out of the way downstairs so the living areas just stay open and peaceful.

On the grounds you get over a hectare so there is plenty of room for walks under the olive trees or to just sit and watch the sky change. There is also a separate barn that has been made into its own home with a proper kitchen living area and a bedroom upstairs. Perfect for guests or for someone to help if you want to rent out the villa for holiday lets. Speaking of rentals Villa Donna Elena always seems to draw interest during the tourist season. With Florence about forty minutes away by car or train you are never too far from the best of Tuscany plus the local coffee shop is always nearby and sometimes you even hear the church bells in the distance which honestly just helps you pause for a minute.

If you have only seen Tuscany in pictures you really owe it to yourself to stand in that golden light at least once. And the way Villa Donna Elena feels it is just something else. If you are thinking about a home with real heart here in Arezzo let me know. The only way to know if it fits is to actually walk through. At LuxuryProperty.com we want you to feel comfortable with every step. Reach out any time if you want to see it for yourself.