I Colli
Owned by a couple of cosmopolitan architects who lovingly restored and converted it into their own private residence, the fully staffed I Colli near Siena has been designed, furnished, and fitted to a very high level.
Destination
Siena
Siena, famous for its high-stakes, bareback horse race – the Palio – is Tuscany at its most authentic. With its medieval brick buildings, sweeping countryside and enduring traditions, this historic city offers a slower, more intimate rhythm than Florence.
Siena embodies Tuscany at its most authentic and contemplative. Its medieval streets wind between warm brick façades, converging upon a shell-shaped piazza that has witnessed centuries of civic tradition. Unlike the grandeur of Florence, Siena offers a quieter sophistication, rooted in heritage and framed by the gentle undulation of the surrounding countryside. It is a destination for those who value atmosphere, authenticity and unhurried days beneath expansive skies.
Perched upon three hills, Siena retains a remarkable architectural unity, its Gothic skyline rising above vineyards and olive groves. Life here is shaped by enduring customs, most famously the Palio, yet beyond festival days the rhythm is measured and reflective. Restored farmhouses and private estates in the neighbouring countryside provide commanding views and complete discretion, while remaining within easy reach of the city’s historic heart.
Sienese cuisine is rustic in origin yet refined in execution. Handmade pici, slow-cooked game and nourishing soups draw upon seasonal produce and centuries-old methods. Sweet specialities such as panforte and ricciarelli reflect the city’s medieval trading heritage. The surrounding Chianti and Brunello territories yield wines of notable character and depth, best enjoyed in private cellars or during guided tastings arranged amid the vineyards themselves.
The graceful expanse of Piazza del Campo forms the civic heart of Siena, while the striking façade of Siena Cathedralreveals intricate marble craftsmanship within and without. The biannual Palio di Siena remains a vivid expression of local identity and tradition. Beyond the city, hill towns, cypress-lined avenues and vineyard estates create a landscape of enduring tranquillity, ideally suited to long, restorative stays.
Castello di Vicarello
Castello di Vicarello is a castle hotel in the heart of Tuscany’s Maremma countryside that is surrounded by 40 hectares of organic vineyards, olive groves, and farmland.
Gherardesca
With fabulous views of the Tirreno Sea, in one of the most beautiful parts of the Tuscan countryside, Gherardesca is a newly restored medieval castle.