Villa Gamberaia, Florence

This is an exceptional example of an Italian-style garden, carefully tended by the Capponi family, who came into possession of it in the seventeenth century. The family completely renovated this old country home which had previously belonged (in the 15th century) to the father of the celebrated sculptor, Rossellino. In the twentieth century, the garden was enriched with fountains and statues under the careful guidance of skilled gardeners, at a time when the villa belonged to a princess. Restoration works were also carried out to repair Second World War damage. This private villa only allows visitors to its external gardens by prior arrangement.