40
HOTEL VILLA OLMI
WWW.THEHOTELGUIDE.COM
peaceful oasis minutes from florence by: Linda Beach
ave you ever wanted to stay in a place that is just steps from the hustle and bustle of one of the most amazing cities in the world, yet has the calming essence of a country retreat? Hotel Villa Olmi delivers just that! This 62-room upscale property is nestled just on the outskirts of the vibrant streets of Florence in the residential suburb of Bagno a Ripoli. Surrounded by acres of lush greenery, the expansive grounds are composed of a main hotel, a historic villa and two delightful country-style homes. To one side of this large estate is rolling hills. Another side is lined with groves of olives. The remaining land is occupied by a charming mixture of manicured lawns, wandering paths, geometric gardens and luscious flowering plants. Aptly named after two giant elms in the garden (olmi means elm in Italian), Villa Olmi has a rich and storied history dating back to the early 1400’s. History Once a sprawling country residence for a wealthy Florentine family, the original farmhouse was destroyed in 1529 when Spanish troops laid siege to Florence. Rebuilt not long after, the land was transferred to the Mozzi family, who also owned the most stately palazzo in all of Florence. It is likely that every visiting cardinal, ambassador and prince was hosted by the Mozzi clan. The Mozzi family was well-known for their massive collection of great artworks, now displayed in museums around the world. It was this love of art that inspired Giulio dei Mozzi to update the property in 1781, when he commissioned artists to create stunning frescoes on the
H
walls and ceilings. Uncovered in 2006, these incredible works of art have been restored for the guests to enjoy. As time marched on, farming was halted on the property and the country villa was abandoned. In 1999, the estate was purchased by the Lotti family who undertook the mammoth task of restoring the buildings and land. Using expert craftsmen employing traditional techniques, the frescoes, vaulted brick wine cellar, secret underground passage and elegant gardens were brought back to life. Now guests can wander the grounds just as they were in their 18th-century glory. The Three Faces of Olmi One of the things I love most about Hotel Villa Olmi is that there are three distinct properties located on the grounds: La Fattoria (the farmhouse), La Colonica (the country house) and La Villa
