Livia Puccinelli Sannini, the descendant of a famed 19th-century Florentine hotelier, and her husband have turned her family's former country villa (documented in the 15th century) into a serene hotel outside the city limits. It retains the intimate feel of a single-family home with only five high-ceilinged rooms; some have divine views of Brunelleschi's cupola down below, and others have working fireplaces. Simple landscaped gardens are peaceful. Though a daily shuttle service runs to the center of town, a car is vital. Pros: Affordable villa experience, pool is a great advantage in summer. Cons: You need a car.
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