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An Old Bishop's House, Now a Charming Holiday Villa for 10/14 Guests in a Mosquito Free Area between Florence and Lucca

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Traditional architecture meets serene surroundings at this picturesque entrance.
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Relax by the pool surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy a game of ping pong or unwind in the covered seating area.
Explore a serene park setting with a swing set and slide, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Enter a serene oasis surrounded by lush greenery and a beautifully designed gate.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 14340 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Pistoia, Tuscany
  • Corno alle Scale
  • Sanctuary of the Madonna of Valdibrana
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Pistoia Zoo
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Florence (FLR-Peretola)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

An Old Bishop's House, Now a Charming Holiday Villa for 10/14 Guests in a Mosquito Free Area between Florence and Lucca

'Villa Le Panche' was built in 1718 as a summer retreat for the Bishop of Pistoia. It has been recently refurbished and it is now a very comfortable mansion with wide common areas such as two living rooms, one of which with pool table and sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen, large indoor and outdoor dining areas and a wellness room with a 4 place sauna and a 7 place hydro massage.
The villa can accommodate up to 14 guests in 5 double bedrooms ensuite, a twin bedroom with bunk beds and a supplementary king size sofa bed in the mansard lounge near the pool table.
Outside the Villa, our guests can enjoy the heated swimming pool, relax in a 2000sq.m private garden with apple and maple trees and walk along the shady banks of the Reno River.
'Villa Le Panche' is in fact located in a mosquito-free lush valley, at a distance of just 15 minutes from downtown Pistoia and 40 minutes by car from Florence and Lucca. Our area is also close to Abetone, a famous Tuscan winter resort with some 80 km of ski slopes.
For those who are interested in visiting Tuscany's art cities or the beaches of Versilia, Pistoia stands in a central position and is very well connected via highway and railway with all potential destinations.
During your stay at this villa, you'll be within walking distance of SMI Shelters Museum. Features include a gym, 1 hot tub and laundry facilities. This property offers pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a private pool in the villa.
  • The villa offers a private pool, a kitchen and a washing machine
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities and a car charging station
  • On-site recreation includes a gym, a sauna and a playground
  • Just a 2-minute drive from SMI Shelters Museum and 12 minutes from Suspension Bridge of San Marcello Pistoiese
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls
An Old Bishop's House, Now a Charming Holiday Villa for 10/14 Guests in a Mosquito Free Area between Florence and Lucca offers its guests Access to hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness centre. The family-friendly An Old Bishop's House, Now a Charming Holiday Villa for 10/14 Guests in a Mosquito Free Area between Florence and Lucca also features barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Pistoia villa.

Property manager

Mr. Davide Ferrari

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Massage
  • Private pool
  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car recommended
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total
  • Food and water bowls

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible parking space
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Smoking is permitted in all OUTDOOR areas

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the bay
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Gym
  • Heated pool
  • Table tennis
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Soundproofing
  • Unit size: 3,660 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number IT047014B44FDM9XDR, 047014CAV0003
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • All guests (including children) need to be present at check-in to show their government-issued photo ID or passport.
  • On-site cash transactions can't exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations. For more details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.
  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

An Old Bishop's House, Now a Charming Holiday Villa for 10/14 Guests in a Mosquito Free Area between Florence and Lucca Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

andrew m., Hampshire, England

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely house, relaxing week.

We have just returned from a very pleasant and relaxing week at the Old Bishop's House, despite the weather not being great every day! The house is very comfortable, with a lot of character reflecting its age and history. It has everything needed as a holiday home for a relaxing break, in extensive grounds. The pool is a good size, though there is no deep end for diving. There is also some slight noise from the road and car wash at the garage next door. However, these aren't big issues.Davide and his father are great hosts, with much useful information about the area. The Restaurante la Panche next door has fantastic food, and like the local people in the villages, they are lovely and friendly. The scenery in the area and in the mountains is superb and spectacular. Great co-op in Maresca which is close and also beautiful.This is a wonderful area and lovely house. (But one suggestion - if you can get here by avoiding Pisa airport, you would be doing yourself a favour. It's a shambles, especially departures).
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

The L.

Liked: Cleanliness

A charming home run by a wonderful host

This place has all the charm and character described in the listing and more. Nestled in the mountains above Pistoia, it offers a great getaway with a degree of isolation. Yet it was easy to get down to Pistoia to catch a train, or just drive into Florence or Pisa or mountain villages or wherever we chose to explore in the region. Davide, the host, will do everything in his power to ensure you are well accommodated and knowledgable during your stay, and he is readily available for questions and assistance whenever needed. A terrific find!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

George E., Williamsburg VA

Liked: Cleanliness

Mountain Retreat

A comfortable house with all the amenities. Excellent hosts (Davide and his father) who are always available, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Locals prepared dinner two nights - excellent. Mid-stay cleaning was thorough. And the house cat provided warm welcomes every morning. The 30-minute drive from Pistoia is exciting. A very winding, curvy assent. At night, one needs to be very careful. There are few good restaurants nearby which means preparing evening meals at home or traveling the mountain at night to/from Pistoia. Weather limited our use of the expansive pool -- but the grounds are quite nice and well cared for. Had a great time. Highly recommend this rural location.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Tuscan Mountain Villa

Beautiful 300 year old villa in the hills above Pistoia, very well equipped. Clean, very comfortable and cool nights meant a very restful two weeks in the height of summer. Davide and Dad Neto are wonderful hosts and are on hand for all concerns and give great advice on things to do locally The Villa is perfect for large families with a range of ages, and the pool has sunshine all day, so great for sunbathing. There is a sauna, gym and hot tub plus pool and table tennis tables. A wonderful relaxing villa, great hosts and close for dav trips to Pistoia, Firenze, Lucca, Montecatini and Pisa. We even took in the opera at the Puccini Festival
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Villa in Tuscany

The villa and grounds were very beautiful. Davide and his dad were very responsive and helpful to us. They could not have been nicer. My only problem was not being able to walk to any of the nearby towns as there were no sidewalks and it was very hilly and lots of traffic. I would not recommend this location for elderly guests. My family loved it and it suited all of their needs.
Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elena D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great vacation with family at this beautiful villa.

We had a wonderful stay at the villa. Davide and his father Nedo were great hosts and were readily available to help with any small issues and with great information about the area and activities. The villa is very inviting, lovely and spacious and had everything we needed. The location is great with lovely views and close to amenities and the train station in Pistoia. Highly recommend this property. Thank you Davide.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melaney J., Grove City, OH USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property!

Our group of ten friends had a wonderful week here. Many thanks to Davide for his insights and information on the area. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gareth B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very enjoyable week

My family and friends, 9 adults, had a really great week at the Old Bishop's House. Our host Davide could not have been more welcoming and helpful. From recommending places to visit, eat, drink, shop, down to even arranging for a home meal to be cooked by a chef called Claudia, which was a fantastic evening. All in all we had a really great holiday supported by a brilliant host!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B., Cosby, Leicestershire, England

Liked: Cleanliness

Villa Le Panche - August 2023

The property more than met our expectations. It is comfortable and everything we needed was present. The outside space is spacious, secure and safe for a family with young children. The property is historically interesting and has been renovated to preserve its features whilst providing accommodation meeting our requirements. Davide spent time with us on arrival to guide us round the accommodation explaining important details. He also provided us with considerable local information with recommendations on places to visit. There are many local information leaflets in the property. The local climate avoids the need for air con at night. The family enjoyed the pool which has a powered cover to keep the heat in at night but keeps debris out. Davide and his father regularly visit to maintain the pool. Location is good for exploring the area. Pistoia is about 20 minutes away with excellent train services that we used to visit Florence and Pisa. We also visited Vinci and Lucca and toured the locality by car. The local supermarket in Campo Tezzoro is only a few minutes away and is large enough to provide most provisions backed up with a local butcher in Pontepetri. In conclusion we all very much enjoyed our stay at villa Le Panche.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynne W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful House and Owners

We had such a great holiday - Davide and his Dad were excellent hosts, so helpful with local knowledge and suggestions which really made a difference [tios on car parks to use/ roads which made a journey more interesting /supermarkets etc] The house itself was perfect for us as a large family group of 7 adults and 4 children - the pool was perfect and the hot tub, gym equipment, sauna, table tennis and kids play area were the icing on the cake! as previously mentioned in reviews the first staircase is original stone and as such needed concentration but me [hip replacement] and my husband [ankle replacement] managed fine. The ensuite bathrooms are excellent and we had no issues with water pressure etc no matter how many people were showering at the same time! The kitchen is well equipped with a fantastic fridge freezer with water and ice "on tap" - hob and oven were great too. The house location up in the hills means that a car is essential - we visited Florence, Lucca, Pistoia zoo, Prato - all lovely visits! I would highly recommend Villa le Planche!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

saffron b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous stay!

Our stay at the Bishop's House was incredible! We were a group of nine and the house had lots of space for us to be together and apart. The central location was amazing. We did day trips to Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia; all with in easy reach. However the best feature of the rental was Davide. We have stayed in many VRBO's and have never had a host as exceptional as Davide. He was super helpful and quick to respond. There aren't enough stars for Davide and the Bishop's House!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Superb Villa in the hills

We had a fantastic week at this villa. Everything was exactly as in the photos and description. Davide and his father Nedo were great hosts and on hand to fix any minor issues as well as offer advice about things to do in the local area. This villa has everything you need to relax and enjoy time with the family. Great base to visit the main towns of Tuscany, although as it is up in the hills, you need to allow time to drive most places (about 25 mins to Pistoia). There are some small local shops and supermarket a few mins drive away. For those with accessibility needs, please note that there are 3 double bedrooms (plus the bunkbed room) on the first floor. These are up 1 flight of stairs which are the original in the property, so a bit steep and uneven. The older members of our group with more limited mobility managed them fine though - just take care. There are a further 2 double bedrooms on the top floor (plus the pool table with sofa bed in an open area) - stairs are new and much easier from here.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Easter break with the whole family

A fantastic base for our whole family to enjoy the easter break spacious and comfortable for all. Beautiful countryside setting and close to a number of villages with shops bars and restaurants. Davide is a grate host and takes time to explain things in detail to get the most from your stay. Recommended
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ammon P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic week with family at the Villa La Panche

We were a group of 14 (3 siblings with partners and adult/teen children) staying for a week at the Villa La Panche. Not only were the house, pool, and grounds fantastic, but it was the perfect base for us to visit Pisa, Lucca, Florence, and Cinque Terre. Out host Davide made us feel most welcome and was very kind and helpful with tips on where to go, what to see, and how to best to get there. He was very knowledgeable about the local area and some of our favourite activities were things he recommended, like the zip lines at Canyon Park and the winery tour at Tenuta di Capezzana. The house has historic character, but is clean and well maintained with all the modern appliances and conveniences you'd expect. Hot days out sight seeing or by the pool turned into evenings which were refreshingly cool. There is some noise from the nearby road, but it never bothered us and it means the house has very good access. The property is surrounded by tree-covered hills and there are many walking paths if you're interested in getting out and exploring. The nearby villages are small and quaint, but have the necessary facilities and you're not far from even more dramatic mountain scenery. We all had a wonderful time at Villa La Panche and we would not hesitate to come and stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Simon S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very clean and nice house in the hills.

The house is very clean and tidy, and as in the photos. The owners were very informative and offered advice on the local area. They are very close at hand should you need anything and pop in to check everything is ok from time to time. There was a fault with the front door lock that I was told about at check in. We had some problems with it and I really think it should have been fixed properly before we arrived. But other than that the house was great.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stuart H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful week in Tuscan villa.

Great place for large families or groups of friends, Davide is a fantastic host very helpful with information about Tuscany & the local area, we all loved the privacy, the pool and the giant hot tub!

10/10 Excellent

Sheri O O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun and authentic villa! We couldn't have been more pleased! Owner Davide and his father were awes

Great villa, pool and owners! We will have friends for life! They made our stay so perfect and the house, pool, and accommodations were awesome!

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

Sensational house

Enjoyed a family Christmas in this wonderful home. Top quality accommodation which easily accommodated the 10 of us. Great location and wonderful grounds. Very safe location for the four children in the party
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ken B., Carlsbad, CA USA

Charming, historic place with tons of character

Both Nedo and Davide were extremely warm and welcoming. It was a perfect place for our family’s time in Tuscany. Our four and a half year old grandson loved the play equipment outside, but most of all enjoyed time in the large spa every evening before dinner. The kitchen was well equipped. There were many picturesque villages near by which we got to explore. It was also well situated for spending days in Florence, Pisa, and Lucca. There are great hiking trails across a quaint stream that were also enjoyed. Next time we’ll have to come in the summer to enjoy the beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jocelyn H., Oakland

Impeccable

Our time spent at the villa is one we will all cherish. We had extra people join our group last minute and since the villa was at capacity, Davide and his father graciously accommodated them at their adorable Inn just next door. The villa was extremely well appointed even according to the most discriminating in our bunch. Everything from the bedrooms, the kitchen (which was well tested, believe me), the dining and outdoor spaces, were all top notch. Davide and Nedo were also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful both before and during our stay, directing us to dining, shopping, hiking and hidden gems we never would have known about otherwise. Thank you!! We will be back and will highly recommend to others!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Grace N., San Francisco

Fabulous Villa

We had an absolutely fabulous time at the villa. We were a group of 9 retired individuals (4 couples and 1 single) - this place was perfect for us. It was in a great location to visit the many cities and towns in this area. Davide recommended a butcher/restaurant close by that we enjoyed so much, we had dinner there 3 times. He also recommended a chef that prepared an absolutely delicious dinner for us one night. Davide and his father were very helpful and made our stay even more enjoyable. Definitely recommend since we are hoping to return again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rita K.

Spectacular location

We had a lovely family stay here this year. There were 11 of us and the villa met all our needs. Facilities were great and location beautiful. We travelled to Florence by train which as very easy and hassle free. The only thing I would recommend is for a fan in the upstairs bedroom as it did get hot al night time. Thank you fDavide for making our stay memorable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Lauren S.

Fabulous family holiday

The villa is beautiful with plenty of space for a large family. It was very clean, large bedrooms and a well equipped kitchen. The outdoor space was great, so the 2 children and dog were well entertained. You definitely need a car to get around but there is a village only a 10 minute walk away with a shop with a butcher which had most of the things we needed and did fresh bread/pastries. We didn’t realise the villa was very close to the road but this wasn’t a problem as it is very secure. It is also next to a garage which could be quite noisy sometimes but those were the only downsides. Davide and his father were extremely helpful, very easy to contact and would get in touch quickly - even coming over if there was a problem, which gave us peace of mind. I would strongly recommend the villa for a relaxing family holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mary G.

Wonderful place. Beautiful Villa. Very comfortable and spacious. Davide and Nedo gracious and helpfu

Would definitely return. Location great for exploring other areas. Beautiful villa. We were 8 adults and 6 children. Hard to say who enjoyed it more
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely Property

We loved our stay in this villa in Tuscany. The property was lovely with lots of history but all the amenities you could want. The grounds were very pretty and the children loved the pool and jacuzzi. I would definitely recommend a stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2018