Villa Rentals in Tuscany, Rent a Villa in Barberino, Villas in Tuscany.

The centuries-old Palazzetto is typical of Tuscan architecture's subtle elegance. This palace was inhabited by the Corsini family until they relocated to their Florence home, where they currently live. The large wooden front door opens onto an expansive courtyard reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, with a circular stone well at its center, that is filled with sunlight at certain times of day.

This courtyard leads to a stone terrace with pergola, furnished for alfresco dining and relaxation. Please note that 50 steps lead to the private 4 x 10 meter swimming pool and sundeck. The villa features, the handcrafted terracotta floors, exposed wood beam ceilings and original stone fireplaces typical of traditional Tuscan country homes.

A variety of prized antiques, volumes of books and Corsini family heirlooms make this a unique rental opportunity. Warm, red, Mediterranean hues and delicate floral patterns soften the interiors of this magnificent palazzo, while centuries-old oak furniture lends it an aristocratic feel.

The first floor above the entrance courtyard and terrace consists of 2 living rooms, one with fireplace that opens onto a terrace; fully modern kitchen with dishwasher; laundry room with washing machine; 2 double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms; 2 twin bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms and 2 additional bathrooms.

The second floor comprises a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, 2 bathrooms, living room with fireplace and children's bedroom with four bunk beds. The villa includes a telephone and CD stereo. Maid service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is included. Grocery delivery prior to arrival, additional maid service, and crib/high chair for newborns are all available upon request.

Positioned a half-hour's drive from Florence and Siena, guests of the Palazzo property may also easily visit the Etruscan citadel of Volterra, the antique fairs of Arezzo, the walled village of Lucca, the leaning tower of Pisa, the various thermal spa towns settled during the Roman empire and many other destinations.

The Palazzo di Barberino is quite fitting a name - the palace of Barberino, this gem of Renaissance architecture rests on the main street of the medieval village of Barberino Val d'Elsa.

Closed to traffic, this holiday hamlet in Tuscany is seemingly untouched by modern life, affording visitors a true sense of life during a simpler time without sacrificing any modern conveniences. Here in Barberino Val d'Elsa guests can find a post office, bank, restaurants, shops, markets, medical services and a variety of other local conveniences.

It is even possible to rent motor scooters, play tennis at the local club or go horseback riding in town. Princess Giorgiana Corsini, who owns the Palazzo, has compiled a list of recommended activities, excursions and attractions for her guests, including restaurant and shopping recommendations.

Whether you prefer to peruse the village of Montelupo in search of traditional ceramics or visit the nearby designer outlet stores, the whole of Tuscany is at your fingertips. The Chianti countryside is as beloved for its astounding natural beauty as it is for its culinary gifts.

The full-bodied red Chianti Classico wine is this region's celebrity, along with olive oil, pecorino sheep cheese, grains and many other fruits of the fertile land. Silver olive groves and multicolored vineyards pepper the hillsides as far as the eye can see; on a clear day, the exquisite gardens behind the Palazzetto di Barberino look onto an awe-inspiring panorama of San Gimignano, nicknamed the Medieval Manhattan for its 12 remaining towers (the survivors of an original 72).

For the ultimate in luxury and cultural immersion, a local chef is available upon request to prepare typical meals directly at the villa, catering to guests' personal preferences and utilizing traditional recipes and the freshest local ingredients.