Villa Petrolo – Historic Tuscan Manor for 33 with Private Chef, Tennis Court & Estate Winery

Villa Petrolo is a magnificent 18th-century Tuscan manor house, built by the celebrated architect, sculptor, and medallist Massimiliano Soldani Benzi as his personal residence. Today, it stands as the historic heart of the renowned Tenuta di Petrolo, available for exclusive holidays, weddings, and private events, offering an exceptional setting for large groups seeking space, service, and authentic Tuscan grandeur.

The villa can accommodate from 17 up to 33 guests, with 16 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, arranged across three floors and more than 800 sqm of interior space. Rental prices are calculated for 33 guests, while reduced rates are available for groups of up to 17 guests — please enquire for tailored pricing.

Villa Petrolo is surrounded by over one hectare of private gardens, with formal lawns, an ancient stone fountain, centuries-old cypress trees, and woodland, all set within the wider Petrolo estate of vineyards and olive groves. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming, with interiors that retain the traditional “Tuscan landed gentry” character, featuring antique furnishings alongside both historic and contemporary artworks. Often described as “the Downton Abbey of Tuscany,” the villa has hosted international figures including former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and is also known to welcome renowned chef Jamie Oliver.

The villa includes a private swimming pool (6 × 12 metres), a private tennis court, billiard room, table tennis, Sky TV, Wi-Fi, multiple fireplaces for cooler months, and extensive reception spaces, making it equally suited to relaxed family stays or elegant celebrations.

Villa Petrolo can be rented in two flexible configurations, depending on group size and requirements.

For up to 17 guests, the rental includes the ground floor and the Piano Nobile (the noble floor), which house the villa’s most elegant and historic rooms.

On the Piano Nobile:

- 1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bathtub
- 2 twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with bathtub
- 2 twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with shower
- 1 suite comprising a double bedroom and a single bedroom sharing a bathroom with bathtub
- A grand ballroom suitable for concerts, celebrations, or gatherings

On the ground floor:

- 1 twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bathtub
- Three large living rooms
- Dining room
- Games room with billiard table
- Two kitchens (one domestic and one professional catering kitchen).
- Guest bathroom
- Laundry room

For 18 to 33 guests, the upper floor of the villa is added, providing simpler but comfortable additional accommodation, arranged into two independent apartments:

Apartment for 9 guests:

- 1 triple bedroom
- 1 double bedroom
- 2 twin bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms (one with shower, one with bathtub)

Apartment for 7 guests:

- 1 triple bedroom
- 2 twin bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms (one with shower, one with bathtub)

The villa features two fully equipped kitchens, including a professional stainless-steel catering kitchen ideal for large groups and events, as well as a traditional wood-fired bread and pizza oven in the grounds — perfect for informal outdoor evenings. Guests may dine indoors in the formal dining room, under the shaded pergola, or beneath the stars in the gardens.

A much-appreciated feature of Villa Petrolo is the daily housekeeping service, with 4 hours of domestic help included every day, ensuring a relaxed and well-looked-after stay. On request and subject to availability, private cooks or chefs can be arranged to prepare meals at the villa, from breakfasts and casual lunches to elegant dinners. The service is charged at €18 per hour plus the cost of ingredients and wine (price subject to change), offering a wonderfully authentic and economical way to experience Tuscan cuisine at home.

Beyond the villa itself, guests are immersed in the wider Petrolo estate, with award-winning wines and organic extra virgin olive oil produced on site using low-yield, quality-driven methods. Winery visits and guided tastings can be arranged during your stay, with the opportunity to purchase estate wines and olive oil directly on site. Three small private fishing lakes, woodland walks, and views stretching across Val d’Arno di Sopra complete the experience. A short stroll through the olive groves leads to the picture-perfect parish church of Galatrona, home to Renaissance ceramics by Giovanni della Robbia, while the ancient Tower of Galatrona, with origins dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, dominates the surrounding landscape and lends its name to some of Petrolo’s most celebrated wines.

The estate accommodates guests across six properties in total — the historic Villa Petrolo and five independent farmhouses — hosting up to 79 guests altogether. Villa Petrolo sleeps 33 guests, Bòggina sleeps 9, La Vigna sleeps 10, La Costa sleeps 8, Feriale I sleeps up to 10, and Feriale II sleeps up to 6 guests including the sofa bed. This flexible layout makes Petrolo particularly well suited to large family gatherings, milestone celebrations, weddings, and private events.

A distinctive feature of the estate is its private chapel, where guests may also choose to celebrate weddings and blessing ceremonies in a truly atmospheric and historic setting. All events, guest services, and experiences — including private chef services on request — can be fully organised on site with the support of the experienced and very helpful estate manager, Marco, ensuring a smooth and memorable stay.

Whether rented for 17 guests or the full 33, Villa Petrolo offers a rare opportunity to live like Tuscan nobility, combining historic elegance, generous service, and the pleasures of one of Tuscany’s most respected wine estates — a truly exceptional setting for a very special stay.

Note: Private pool open May 2 - October 3

CIN: IT051005B5875DULM2