Antica Villa Merelli 9BR, Restored 16th Century Manor in Arezzo

Antica Villa Merelli 9BR is the sort of Tuscan house that has earned its grandeur honestly: built at the end of the 16th century, set on a small hill around 250 metres above sea level, and surrounded by a park of centuries-old holm oaks. It feels stately, yes, but not stiff. The current owners have restored the property with a careful hand, preserving the original architecture and working with noble materials such as marble floors and pietra serena, the grey Tuscan stone used for details, bathrooms and the imposing staircase linking the villa’s three floors.

The estate is generous in scale, with an approximately 800 sq m main villa and an annex divided into two apartments of around 100 sq m each. Across the property are nine double bedrooms and eight bathrooms, giving up to 18 guests the rare pleasure of gathering under one historic roof while still having room to drift off with a book, a coffee, or an entirely defensible afternoon nap.

Outside, the mood turns leisurely. A large rectangular pool stretches 25 metres, with an infinity side, salt purification and relaxation areas arranged for long, unhurried days. There is also a synthetic-grass tennis court, outdoor dining spaces, a barbecue, and a gazebo dressed with scented climbing jasmine between the villa and the pool. It is easy to imagine late dinners here, with glasses moving slowly across the table and the Tuscan countryside going dusky around the edges.

Inside, the villa balances old bones with modern comforts. Smart TV, Wi-Fi, a sound system and a game console keep the contemporary world within reach, while the library, fireplace and warm interiors remind you that this is, first and foremost, a house made for lingering. Families are well considered too, with baby facilities, laundry appliances and a kitchen equipped for proper group stays.

Key amenities include:

• 9 double bedrooms and 8 bathrooms for up to 18 guests
• 25 metre infinity-side swimming pool with salt purification
• Synthetic-grass tennis court, football and table tennis
• Wi-Fi Internet, Smart TV, sound system and game console
• Library, fireplace and fans
• Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, oven, kettle, coffee machine, toaster, blender and ice maker
• Barbecue and outdoor relaxation areas
• Baby facilities, washing machine, dryer, iron and hair dryers

For a large group wanting a historic villa near Arezzo with space, privacy and a little Renaissance gravitas in the stairwell, Antica Villa Merelli 18 lands beautifully. Marble underfoot, jasmine by the pool, tennis before lunch. Tuscany does have a flair for making the practical look rather poetic.