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Chianti
A restored 1684 estate in the Chianti Classico hills, run as a private luxury relais.
Castellina in Chianti is the oldest of the Chianti towns and one of the quieter ones, set on a ridge with vineyards falling away in three directions. Villa Amarika — known on its deeds as Tenuta Ceccatelli — sits a short drive from the town walls. The estate dates to 1684: restored stone, terracotta floors, arched ceilings, and the original Granary now reborn as a two-bedroom guesthouse linked to the main house by a wisteria-draped pergola. Seven en-suite bedrooms across the two buildings, a mix of king and queen, accommodate couples and families without forcing anyone to share.
The garden has a heated saltwater pool at its centre and a long outdoor table that seats twelve under a pergola, which becomes the dining room from June to September. Via delle Volte, the medieval covered passage that runs under the town, is five minutes by car; the closest cantina is closer than that. The villa works best for a group that wants Chianti at its slowest, with Siena or Florence as an optional day trip rather than the main event.
Main House, first floor: Queen/Twin bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
Main House, first floor: Queen bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
Main House, ground floor: Queen/Twin bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
Main House, ground floor: Queen/Twin bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
Main House, ground floor: King bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
Granary, first floor: King bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
Granary, first floor: Queen bedroom with en-suite shower bathroom
If we had to pick one as the Capital of Chianti, it would be Castellina, which is the oldest among them. The charming cobble stone streets, tranquil pace, picturesque views and amazing wine tastings are few of the reasons why Castellina is not to be missed. And do not forget to explore Via delle Volte, an underground tunnel that runs across the town, a refreshing place to escape from the summer sun while still visiting many shops, artisans and restaurants.
Less than a 15-minute drive from Castellina, Amarika, a newly restored and restyled beautiful property is ready to welcome you while you and your loved ones experience a true Tuscan escape.
Everybody will love the soothing feel of the villa interiors, a winning combination between elegance and casual vibe that invites to grab a seat and relax.
While a formal dining room is located on the first floor, together with a comfy sitting room, complete with a large smart TV, a generous chef eat-in kitchen is where the guests can dine when the weather outside does not cooperate.
Equipped with the necessary for dishing out gourmet meals, the main kitchen is also the perfect place to experience a cooking class to master the secrets of Tuscan cuisine.
The kitchen has outdoor access to facilitate alfresco dining. A guest bathroom completes this floor.
The villa is set on a three-acre estate with olive grove. A furnished patio overlooks the stone pool for a calm and serene backdrop to any meal served alfresco.
An outdoor stone kitchen with BBQ grill makes it easy to enjoy the company and cook for a crowd at the same time.
Heritage & sustainability
The estate was built in 1684 and restored to preserve its 17th-century stone walls, arched ceilings, fireplaces and terracotta floors. The Main House is the principal residence; the original Granary, restored alongside it, now functions as a separate two-bedroom guesthouse connected to the Main House by a wisteria-draped pergola. The property is powered in part by on-site solar, with EV charging at the parking area, and is run under organic principles that include responsible water and waste stewardship.
Five generations of the Ceccatelli family farm wine and olive oil at Casa Ceccatelli in nearby Greve in Chianti; their estate-produced bottles are part of every stay, with guided tastings led on the property when guests want them.
On request
Pre-arrival grocery provisioning, in-villa massage and wellness, guided wine and olive oil tastings, hands-on Tuscan cooking classes in the main kitchen, and seasonal art workshops can all be arranged through your travel advisor before you arrive.
Utilities including A/C, heating, pool heating, and final cleaning
Welcome dinner on arrival (beverages not included)
Daily light housekeeping (Mon–Fri)
Daily breakfast table setting (groceries extra)
Unlimited Wi-Fi indoor and outdoor
Garden and pool maintenance
On request: pre-arrival grocery provisioning · in-villa massage and wellness · guided estate wine and olive oil tastings · hands-on Tuscan cooking classes · seasonal art workshops
The Italian government might require the payment of a Visitor’s Tax (approximately €1.50 – €5.00 per person, per day, depending on the location) and may be applied for the first seven days in the destination. This tax is payable locally, in Euro cash.
All extra services must be paid locally, prior to departure, unless otherwise arranged
Your concierge can help arrange unforgettable experiences tailored to your stay.
Chianti
A morning at a small Chianti Classico producer — Castello di Ama, Felsina, Fontodi, or a family estate without a sign on the road. Cellar tour, four wines, and lunch with the winemaker.
Chianti
A nonna and a long wooden table. Fresh pici, ribollita, tiramisu, and a bottle of the house red. Half a day, ending with the meal you made.
Chianti
An hour east toward Casentino with a truffaio and his Lagotto Romagnolo. Two hours of slow walking in the woods, then truffle pasta for lunch at the farm.
Chianti
The two-lane road from Florence to Siena that threads through every postcard view of Chianti. Sixty kilometres, half a day if you stop for lunch, a whole day if you stop for tastings.
Chianti
Late October and early November. Pick olives in the morning, watch them go into the press in the afternoon, taste the green-gold oil within hours of pressing.
Chianti
Saturday and Tuesday mornings in Piazza Matteotti. Cheeses, cured meats, fresh ricotta, vegetables from the surrounding farms — the building block of every great Tuscan dinner.
Pricing is per week, Saturday to Saturday. Diagonal cells mark changeover Saturdays — morning departure / afternoon arrival.
Available Booked Changeover (Saturday)
Villa Amarika sits in the Chianti Classico hills, a 15-minute drive from Castellina in Chianti, 48 minutes from Florence and 44 from Siena.
Travel Advisor
From the right villa to private chefs, boat charters, and bespoke experiences, we take care of every detail.
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