Casa del Forno

Donnini, a Tuscan village just 29kms South East of Florence,

overlooks the fascinating Valley of Vicano and slopes down to the distant offshoots of Pontassieve.

Here, just off the main square, is the Casa del Forno - a stunning location for a beautiful,elegant and charming villa, owned by local baker, talented tenor and true Renaissance man, Sandro Benini.

Sandro's warm and generous hospitality will provide you
with an authentic and unforgettable experience
of the best of Tuscan living.

He has created in Casa del Forno a unique combination
of comfort and sophistication.
It is exquisitely furnished in traditional Florentine style;
the frescoes, antique furniture, superbly landscaped gardens, terraces and panoramic swimming pool all blend sublimely into the beauty of the surroundings.


Here guests can find among statues, cypresses and flowers a place in the sun or in the shade to read,talk,relax and enjoy a glass,or two,of local Chianti wine.

For guests who book for two weeks or more Sandro will provide an evening of Tuscan food and "bel canto" in the villa.
Otherwise this is available on request.

Guests can also have, on request, a half day's demonstration of Tuscan cooking.

Tickets for museums, theatres and concerts in Florence, Verona and Arezzo can be booked in advance

Among the other services offered in the Casa del Forno are a laundry room with two washing machines, a clothes dryer and ironing equipment.
Cots and high chairs can be rented at a small extra cost;

Your Host

Your host, Sandro Benini , is a fourth generation baker who, every morning,
produces an array of freshly baked breads, cakes, pizzas and biscotti.

He is also a tenor of 'bel canto' and he has recently produced a CD of well-known and well-loved Italian songs.

He likes to provide his guests at the villa with an authentic Tuscan experience by combining these two passions in a Tuscan evening of food and song , which he offers to guests who book two or more weeks,or which can be otherwise arranged on request.

With a booking of two weeks minimum we offer guests a complimentary Gala Tuscan supper cooked and served in Villa (or on terrace depending on weather)with lyrical concert by pianist and tenor between courses.

Accommodations

Rental Conditions

Map

From this page, through the use of GPS in conjunction with Google Maps, you can see the geographic location .

Location

Testimonials

Sandro, You, your villa, your village and the Tuscan scenery have made me want to be Italian! Words cannot thank you enough for your warmth and welcome Thank you SO much" Patricia O. Belfast Northern Ireland

"Here with friends, and two babies under two, we had the most incredible week.... Great relaxation, particularly lucky with the weather, fresh warm bread every morning, chilled white wine on the terrace every evening....and an evening of fine food and 'bel canto' which we will remember for a long time. The experience has totally surpassed our high expectations and met our anticipation head-on...Grazie Sandro per un'esperienza straordinaria che non dimenticheremo mai!" Ado L. Dublin Ireland

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for making us feel welcome and at home. Italy is very beautiful but you truly brought out the beauty of the Tuscan people and its countryside by your hospitality and kindness. You extend a warmth to everyone! Your concert was bravissimo and the highlight of the trip. How lucky we were to have found this villa...Thank you again for a memorable vacation..we hope we can return" Daniele E. Philadelphia USA

We have searched, we have hoped, we have found!....What a great place, what great people - a perfect mix! From the bottom of our Chianti-soaked hearts we thank you for an experience that exceeded even the best parts of our wildest dreams. The villa, the wonderful banquet, the food,..... sublime but when Sandro illuminated the warm Tuscan evening with his voice we truly knew we were somewhere special.....you made our holiday one to treasure! Marc H. Wellington New Zealand

Sandro you must be the happiest and most fulfilled man in Italy..your talents include making so many people happy. You made US happy (and a bit heavier!) with the marvelous creations from the Forno. We shall miss your walnut bread (but my doctor will be happy that you are in Italy and I'm in America!) You thrilled us with your magnificent talent for singing. You are a Bel Canto Tenor Supremo! The dinner and concert was the ultimate highlight of our six weeks in Italy. You made us feel welcome and you gave us your friendship...How can we say "Thank You"? Grazie mille,mille. Carol L. Miami USA

Sitting here on the wonderful terrace … watching the sunset over the Tuscan hills, a glass of Chianti and a bowl of Sandro's cantucci by my side - who could ask for more? Kenneth W. Cheshire England

Over the years we have stayed in villas all over Europe. Casa del Forno is, without doubt, the most comfortable, elegant and tasteful we have ever stayed in. Sandro's hospitality only added to our pleasure - and a special highlight was to hear him sing … a memorable evening. Many Thanks. Maureen W. Northumbria England

Thank you Sandro for providing us with a wonderful holiday in your exquisite villa and for your friendliness that we have not experienced elsewhere. You have obviously gone to a great deal of trouble in the design and furnishing of Casa del Forno. The result is everything that anyone could desire. Lisa M. Berkshire England

We highly recommend the Casa as a Winter holiday location - a beautiful home and a comfortable retreat on the crisp cold days. Sandro's welcoming gifts and lovely Christmas decorations got us in the mood for the festive season. Mary D. Brisbane Australia

Thank you Sandro for a vacation to remember. The Villa, the bread and the evening of food and music - Magic!! Dave P. Toronto Canada

This wonderful villa has been a delightful retreat at the end of the day - and what a wonderful view at daybreak … the mist rising up the valley as you breathe in the freshest air. This is January - it must be even more breathtaking in Summertime… Jill D. London England

Casa del Forno is my favourite Tuscan retreat and still as beautiful and relaxing in the height of Winter as in the Summer! Highly memorable and so well positioned for Gucci and Prada too!! Yasmin S. London England

Photogallery