What does a family friendly villa actually mean – it may have ac cot and a high chair but is it actually suitable for the whole family – not just young kids? Margherita Piliero, owner of La Pratola a stunning, classic Tuscan villa, has been anticipating the needs of families for years and has perfected the art of a stress free, relaxing home away from home.
Margherita makes sure that in addition to groceries on arrival, breakfast delivery each day and in house chefs, they can pre-make organic baby food in individual portions, so you don’t have to bring a whole suitcase full of shop bought pouches (and therefore avoid your baby becoming addicted to them – yes that has happened to me after a holiday!)
The villa is fully kitted out for all ages so children and adults are entertained from the moment they arrive. There is a heated pool, full sized pool table, football table, outdoor toys and games (badminton, cricket etc) plus jigsaw puzzles, board games, colouring books, lots films via Netflix and an extensive video library. There is also a gym and most of the villa is fully air conditioned, so you can keep up your fitness (or get fit!) whilst on holiday.
Even though we try not to work on holiday, these days it is unrealistic not to have to check the odd email or document and you really don’t want to be standing on top of a hill waving your phone around trying to find a signal!
The Wifi at La Pratola is as good as you can find anywhere in Tuscany throughout the property and by the pool, plus there is an Apple Mac printer provided if you need it. For those wanting to give work a miss, the wifi enables you to stream music and dvds throughout.
Safety is crucial especially for younger children so the property has locks on all windows and gated pool.
Margherita says they can also make dinner in the evening so the parents can put kids to bed and relax in peace on terrace, and then be served food and wine by their accomplished chefs. Alternatively there is a babysitting service if you wish to go out.
From the villa there is so much to do for all ages, here is Margherita’s guide to venturing out around La Pratola.
BABIES & TODDLERS
There is a lovely park in Radda in Chianti about 20 minutes away, where you can grab an ice-cream and watch the kids play whilst having a drink at the Colle Bereto wine bar opposite.
5-8 YEARS
There are wonderful woods nearby to explore and build dens in or visit the lake.
At the villa, guests can make their own pasta or pizza – the chefs will fire up the pizza oven.
9 – 12 YEARS
Visit the Armoury Museum in Monteriggioni (about an hour away). Try on metal helmets and play with real swords.
TEENS
There are fantastic guided cycling tours suitable for the whole family. You can take bikes onto the quiet ‘white roads’ of Chianti, with a support vehicle as back up.
Horse riding and go-karting is also very popular with their guests and can be easily arranged.
The museums in Florence are notorious and well worth a day trip (it is about an hour and a half’s drive). She would suggest seeing the statue of David (can be done in under one hour), for a fashion oriented visit go to the very modern Gucci Garden Museum, or for the more academic visit the extensive map room in Palazzo Vecchio.
For more information or to book please go to www.lepratola.com or you can contact Margharita on direttore@lepratola.com or 07543 648271.
If you quote The London Mummy on booking you will receive a complimentary bottles of Chianti wine and Franciacorta Champagne on arrival!
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