The Great Family Getaway: Choosing a Villa that Works for Everyone
The holidays are over, and the conversations have begun: "Let's get the whole family together next year!"
A Tuscan villa is the ultimate backdrop for a multi-generational reunion. It offers the space, privacy, and shared experience that hotels simply cannot match. But planning a holiday for 10, 15, or 20 people—ranging from toddlers to grandparents—presents unique challenges.
The biggest hurdle is choosing a house that satisfies everyone’s needs. As experts in large-group villa rentals, we act as the family mediator. Here are the three non-negotiable points to discuss before you book your perfect family house.
1. Prioritise Privacy: The Bedroom & Bathroom Ratio
When travelling with adult siblings, in-laws, and multiple couples, the feeling of "being on top of each other" can quickly sour a holiday. A successful multi-generational villa is designed to allow guests to be together, but also to easily retreat.
What to look for in a large villa:
- Equal or Near-Equal Bedroom Suites: Ideally, every couple or smaller family unit should have its own private bathroom. Look for villas with a high bathroom-to-bedroom ratio (ideally 1:1, or 1:2 at worst).
- Separated Living Quarters: Houses where the bedrooms are split across two or three separate but connected units (e.g., a main villa and a detached guest annex) are excellent. This means one family can stay up late talking, while another with young children can go to bed early undisturbed.
- Multiple Social Spaces: The villa shouldn't just have one large dining room. Look for extra TV rooms, a covered loggia, or multiple terraces where smaller groups can gather away from the crowd.
Docciole for 12
Docciole, near Radda in Chianti, has a variety of large gathering spaces as well as separate apartments downstairs to give a little more privacy. And you can walk into town for ice-creams!
2. Safety First: The Toddler & Kids Check
While the adults are dreaming of wine-soaked evenings, the parents are worried about safety. Addressing this concern upfront is key to landing on a consensus.
- Fenced or Gated Pools: This is the number one safety feature for families with young children. A dedicated fence or barrier around the pool offers essential peace of mind.
- Safe Grounds: Look at the exterior photos. Are there steep, unfenced drop-offs or terraces? We personally inspect our villas and can advise you on the suitability of the grounds for little explorers.
- Kitchen & Dining Logistics: Does the house offer high chairs (often available upon request)? Is the kitchen large enough for two or three adults to manage meal prep without bumping into each other?
Borgo Castello
A fenced pool, AC, a Jacuzzi and a Yoga room, as well as plenty of space for everybody to rub along in the collection of three Tuscan villas, sleeping 20 altogether.
3. Accessibility & Comfort for Seniors
The grandparents often finance these reunions, and their comfort is paramount. Tuscan villas, while charming, can often be multi-storey homes with steep stairs.
- Ground Floor Bedrooms: If mobility is a concern, a dedicated bedroom (and ideally a bathroom) on the main floor is essential. This eliminates the daily struggle of climbing steep, stone steps typical of historic farmhouses.
- Walking Distance to Village: While beautiful, remote villas require a car for everything. If the seniors want the freedom to walk for a morning coffee or an evening aperitivo without relying on the family driver, look for a villa within Walking Distance of a Village.
- Temperature Control: In the shoulder seasons (Spring/Autumn), ensure the villa has effective, easily controllable heating. For summer, confirm air conditioning is available in the bedrooms, as cool nights are vital for a good night's rest.
Valdera
Valdera sleeps 12 and has ground floor bedrooms for those with limited mobility, a fenced pool and a bar and restaurant within walking distance.
Ready to Plan Your Own Reunion?
Booking the right villa is about finding the sweet spot between location, price, and logistics. Let our experienced team help you narrow down the choices based on the specific needs of your family tree - from the most independent teenager to the most revered senior.
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Author: Dan Wrightson
Dan Wrightson grew up in Tuscany, Italy and has been writing about, sketching and exploring Tuscany and Italy since 1983.
30th Nov 2025 30th Nov 2025