At Home in The Hills of Tuscany
So much of travel depends on the people we meet along the way. At Fontelunga, a chic villa in the rolling hills between Florence and Siena, owners Philip and Paolo ensure that guests experience authentic culture and community that has made Tuscany a favorite destination.
“We wanted to create a country house hotel, laid back with informal luxury service,” Paolo said. “We are a hotel that does not want to be a hotel but a home from home for our guests.”
After purchasing Fontelunga in 1999, Paolo and Philip poured their hearts into restoring the property. Philip, a designer from London, supervised all the renovations. Antique furniture and traditional artworks sit beside works by Starck and Arne Jacobsen.
“Coming from different industries,” Paolo said, “we looked at hospitality with different eyes.”
The result is a warm villa that feels more like a luxury guest home than a traditional hotel. Fontelunga sits atop a hill with views overlooking the beautiful Val di Chiana and the quaint town of Cortona. Rolling hills and serene olive groves provide an understated experience and lend a sense of quiet to the experience that travelers who follow more traditional routes will miss.
“We desire that all our guests have a wonderful Tuscan experience with us and our aim is for them to go home with great memories and of course,” Paolo said, “to come back and see us again!”