There should be a sign on the door of Villa di Maiano at Fattoria di Maiano: Warning entering this villa may make your heart stop. It certainly caused mine to skip a beat. The first thing that I noticed were the magnificent chandeliers. If I owned a Tuscan villa every single room would have one (even the bathrooms).
The villa features all original furniture from the 17 and 18th Centuries. The rooms are filled with richly colored frescoes, elegantly refined tapestries, and furniture fit for royalty. Can you imagine getting married in such a grand place? Count Francesco Miari Fulcis’ wife is in charge of organizing all of the events on the property.
The history of Villa di Maiano is incredibly fascinating, in fact I hope that someone writes a book about it one day, since I would be the first person to buy a copy. The details are what make it so special and are which I chose to photograph.
Our walk through the villa was brief, as we had a tour of the olive oil factory and a Trafalgar Tours Be My Guest lunch awaiting us. But first, I took a moment to stop and smell the roses olives.
Of course, I had to pick one, so that I could now say in the future: I remember that time that I picked an olive from a Count’s olive grove in Tuscany. . .
The photos didn’t just make my heart skip a beat, they also took my breath away! I love the chandelier shots. The beads beautifully reflect the soft light from the candles(bulbs?).
Couldn’t agree more! I had so many awesome chandelier shots, but only picked a couple of to show. Delighted that your breath was taken away too!
Looks like a lovely place and the chandeliers are pretty cool.
It’s SUCH a lovely place! 🙂
This place looks incredible! You’ve really captured the beauty and grandeur in your photos.
Thank you SO much!!!
Looks beautiful, Andi! And it looks like you were lucky with the weather as well – is there anything better than Tuscany on a sunny day?
I think not! I had the most gorgeous weather, I really lucked out because it had been raining for days.
Wow, that place is absolutely breathtaking! Love the picture of you! You look adorable! Miss you. xo
I wish I could go there with you today! Miss you too!!! Besos!
Absolutely beautiful photos. I think I could spend a little bit of time in that place 😉
Thank you sooo much! I wish that I could have spent more time!!!
Wow, those photos are amazing, Andi!
Thank you!!!!!!!!
I always love your photographs Andi, but these are particularly gorgeous – so romantic and decadent. You have such an eye for detail 🙂
Awww I’m REALLY touched by your comment, thanks from the bottom of my heart! I’m OBSESSED with details.
I love your self-portrait in the mirror!! You have such a mischievous look on your face!
Muahahaha because I’m contemplating never leaving! 😉
I love chateaus like this that are well kept up keeping the traditions alive, it is so special.
So so so special!!!
Beautiful as always!!
Thank you!!!
Stunning Andi!
Thanks Diane!
Wow – gorgeous villa! I love exploring houses and places like this
Me too! Wish we had more places like this in the States!!!
Wow, how beautiful! Great pictures, you must have had a blast. I once stayed in a hotel in Venice that was done up similarly and it was out of this world!
Oh wow I can only imagine a villa in Venice!!! Thank you for your kind words.
Are you sure that was a villa and not a museum? Wow! Trafalgar really does take you off the beaten path. I love what you captured there. How much did they want for the olive oil there?
It definitely deserves to be classified as a museum, you’re SO right!!! And yes Trafalgar totally takes you off the beaten path and shatters ALL stereotypes about tour companies.
Did you also go to Siena? I think that is one place where I’d love to be taken off the beaten path as well.
Sadly no, but it’s on the dream destination list!
God I want to live there!
Lets run away there together!!!
That place looks seriously impressive! And I love your self-portrait – looks like you’re a total pro with the new camera already.
I still need to take some classes and I desperately need new lenses. You and R would LOVE that place!!!
Beautiful pics Andi!
Thank you so much Marian!
I love the self-portrait in the faded old mirror. What a fabulous villa – the lap of luxury, I’d say!
Haha, thank you! And yes, you’re so right, the lap of luxury!!!
Awesome pics Andi!
Thanks Paul!
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THANKS!!! 🙂
A chandelier in your bathroom, if it looked like those…then YES! LOL:-) Simply breath taking!
Hahaha, let’s start a chandelier in every bathroom revolution!!! 🙂
Wow, everything’s so elegant and rich. A real piece of history there. Incredible.
Truly a piece of history!!! I will no doubt return one day.