Villa Gamberaia, Renaissance villa in Settignano, Italy
Villa Gamberaia is a hilltop estate near Florence with several residential buildings and formal gardens featuring geometric pools and fountains. The property accommodates multiple guests and overlooks the Arno Valley.
A Florentine merchant built the estate in the early 1600s and installed a water system that operates to this day. The gardens were later fundamentally redesigned and given a contemporary interpretation.
The gardens reflect a specific design philosophy that uses lines and water to frame the surrounding landscape. Visitors can observe how the geometric pools guide the eye toward the valley while bringing nature into the design.
The property sits on a hillside in Settignano and requires some physical activity when visiting. Comfortable shoes are recommended and time should be set aside for exploring the gardens.
The water system at the property dates back to its original construction and has been kept in operation continuously. This technical heritage demonstrates the engineering skills of early builders.
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