LA VILLA GAMBERAIA

Non ho soggiornato a Villa Gamberaia ma vi sono stato in visita perché segnalatomi dal FAI. Sono salito a Settignano tra gli ulivi e, giunto alla Villa, ho scoperto di essere su una terrazza naturale con sguardo su Firenze ... se hai la fortuna di trovare una giornata soleggiata e limpida. Uno spettacolo suggestivo. Ho visitato il giardinino all'italiana; bello e tenuto veramente bene. Da segnalare il Parterre d'acqua, l'Emiciclo, il Ninfeo, il Gabinetto rustico e la Limonaia. So che è una struttura apprezzata da chi intende, e si può permettere, una struttura di rilievo per la propria cerimonia (nel mentre che ero in visita due giovani, tra l'altro stranieri, stavano effettuando un "sopralluogo"). La Villa è visitabile ma, almeno in questa occasione, ho preferito limitare al Giardino il mio tempo. Il perché è presto detto ... il biglietto d'ingresso non è economico. La Villa, è bene segnalare, fu gravemente danneggiata nel corso della 2a Guerra Mondiale e, successivamente, restaurata dalla proprietà con grande rispetto per la storia dei luoghi. Pentito della visita? No! Almeno una volta nella vita vale la pena di ammirare un Giardino all'Italiana ben curato, tra i più belli che abbia avuto modo di visitare in Toscana.

Back in June we scheduled a visit at Villa Gamberaia on August 29 at 2 PM to tour the property for our wedding. We came all the way from New York. Villa Gamberaia was at the very top of our list for venues and we were very excited to tour the property and potentially book our wedding here.

On August 29 at 2 PM we showed up at the property (which is situated amongst the most narrow and difficult roads in Tuscany we experienced after touring a dozen venues). We waited outside the gate for 45 minutes, buzzed the intercom twice, called the number of our contact (Antonietta) twice, and sent two emails to Antonietta letting her know we were there. After 45 minutes of no responses, and multiple emails later, I only received a response from Antonietta in the early hours of Thursday morning (two days later) saying that someone should have let us in, and that she tried to confirm the date with us. This was demonstrably false. I searched my emails and voicemails comprehensively and Antonietta refused to send me any evidence that she tried to contact me. What happened is clear: Antonietta booked our visit, forgot about it, and then scrambled to make an excuse. I'm not surprised given the number of negative reviews online about Villa Gamberaia's management and lack of professionalism. With only two days left in Italy we asked if we could come see the property a different date but Antonietta said the venue was booked up.

We travelled all the way from New York largely to tour this property. The unprofessionalism of the management at Villa Gamberaia is truly concerning and we're happy we didn't book such a place for our wedding. Compare this to the 10+ other venues we visited in Tuscany (Villa Valentini, Castello di Celsa, La Foce, Villa Cetinale, the Medici Lilliano wine estate, Castello di Bibbione, etc.) which have all been nothing but communicative, professional, and extremely helpful. We are excited to spend our special day (and money) at one of those professional businesses.

Bellissima villa, dove è possibile affittare per eventi e matrimoni, ha un bellissimo giardino sul retro della villa visitabile previo pagamento di un biglietto, consigliata

Fermé jusqu'au 14 août. Ils pourraient faire les travaux en hiver...

As a wedding photographer and filmmaker. I have had the immense pleasure of documenting love stories at some of the most exquisite venues worldwide. Yet, my recent experience at Villa Gamberaia has truly surpassed all expectations, leaving an everlasting impression on both myself and the couples whose special day I had the privilege to capture.

Villa Gamberaia, nestled in the enchanting hills of Tuscany, is a hidden gem that effortlessly combines elegance, romance, and natural beauty. From the moment I arrived at the villa, I was immediately struck by its timeless allure and the breathtaking surroundings that seemed to be plucked straight from a fairy tale.

As a wedding photographer and filmmaker, finding the perfect setting is paramount, and Villa Gamberaia delivered in every aspect. The meticulously manicured gardens, adorned with vibrant flowers, fragrant lemon trees, and gracefully sculpted hedges, provided an exquisite backdrop for capturing moments of pure joy and intimacy. Every frame I captured exuded a sense of serenity and romance that perfectly reflected the love between the couples.

The staff at Villa Gamberaia went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was flawlessly executed. Their warm hospitality and attention to detail made both the couples and myself feel truly cared for. From coordinating logistics to assisting with any requests, they seamlessly blended into the background, allowing us to focus on the beauty of the day while knowing that every aspect was being taken care of.

One of the highlights of working at Villa Gamberaia was the versatility it offered for both photography and filmmaking. From the elegant terraces and scenic overlooks to the intimate courtyards and enchanting interiors, every space within the villa seemed designed with a filmmaker's eye in mind. Each frame captured was imbued with a sense of grandeur and intimacy that perfectly complemented the love and emotion of the couples.

Villa Gamberaia not only provided a stunning backdrop but also evoked a sense of timelessness and enchantment. The resulting photographs and films transported viewers to a world where love blossomed against a backdrop of Tuscan beauty and timeless elegance.

In conclusion, Villa Gamberaia is an absolute gem for wedding photographers and filmmakers seeking a location that effortlessly blends romance, natural beauty, and impeccable hospitality. Its charm and versatility make it an ideal choice for capturing unforgettable moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Claudio Grande
Amoregrande Wedding - Photographer and Filmmaker