With the promise of fresh air, pottery and plenty of pasta, pizza and wine, I jumped on a last-minute trip to Villa Ardore in Tuscany without a second thought. Who wouldn’t, when the lazy, hazy days in the UK were fading and the Tuscan landscape with its burning orange sunsets, cypress-lined roads and endless vineyards was just a short flight away?
It isn’t my first rodeo to Tuscany, so on this September escape I knew I was in for a feast for my palate and was looking forward to homely meals, where I didn’t have to lift a finger – or worry about special dietary requirements, thanks to a private chef – and everyone who knows me knows that my passion for pasta along with almost any version of cheese is the way to my heart.
So I made sure I had packed my gym wear and a couple of bikinis, so I could binge and not feel too guilty about carb-loading, as I made my way to my home away from home: Villa Ardore. Perched in the sublime hills of Chianti, just an hour from Florence airport, the transfer to the property consisted of the typical cliche of Tuscany – picture-perfect vineyards dotting the vista; olives, still green and peppery, promising oil that tastes like grass and sunshine, and the private farms such as “Tartufaia del Fiano” which is just a few kilometers from San Donato in Poggio, where specially trained dogs hunt amongst the ancient oak roots for truffle treasures hidden in the soil.
On our minivan transfer from the airport, we discussed how much we knew about the region – some a lot more knowledgeable than others, but the good thing about staying in our Villa was that we were all on the same page: no one intended rush around the museums and galleries or tick off historical landmarks, we were looking forward to a break where we could take it at a slow pace, and get a little bit more familiar with real life in Tuscany in our home from home.
With the intention to enjoy a wholesome week, reconnecting with my friends with late-night chats around the fire pit, homemade (and probably long, boozy) lunches, fun game nights and a farmhouse kitchen where we were welcome to grab a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise, Villa Ardore did not disappoint.
Inside the villa, I was immediately impressed with the cosy lounge and eclectic furniture, which has been carefully curated to make guests feel at ease; also worth a mention is the impressive art collection, which consisted of modern pieces by Amissao Lima, Gabriele Mauro, Giorgio Sangiorgi and Massimo Vinattieri, which added a distinct style and exceedingly personal touch.
The property felt like home, but a perfectly designed one. Luxurious suites with en-suite bathrooms blended Tuscan charm with modern elegance; expect wooden beams, heated floors, air conditioning, designer bedding and sublime bathroom products and you’ll be someway close to realising the meticulous planning behind the scenes- plus each bedroom in the main house, boasted panoramic views of rolling vineyards, some with private balconies, and all with lots of comfy furniture if you wanted some down time.
What made Villa Ardore even more delightful, though, is the story behind it. Owners Christian Scali and Stephen Lewis have poured heart, history and personality into every corner of the property, which is inspired by Christian’s family roots. The pair spent nearly two years renovating this 16th-century farmhouse, not just to restore its beauty, but to create a sanctuary.
Purchased in 2021, the couple hired a prominent architect from Florence, Massimo Pierattelli, to realise their vision, which consisted of keeping the original Tuscan charm yet adding complementary modern flourishes to create more than a bog standard rental, for international travellers, but a rental with soul. The result is a home which is just as cosy for a family of four or a group of sixteen.
I loved the freedom that staying at the villa delivered, with the assistance of Villa Manager, Francesco Goracci, and his partner, Massimo, who were on hand to answer any questions and serve up a mean Martini. They could also arrange curated itineraries, introductions to local artisans, wine tastings, cooking classes, pottery workshops, massages and seamless transportation. The villa also provided a magician (in the form of Chef Roberto) who created masterpieces at every meal – even with wonky dietary requirements, and the last supper was something I will never forget!
One afternoon, we set off to Poggio Amorelli for a private wine experience, tasting Chianti and Super Tuscans paired with pecorino, prosciutto and honey while overlooking the vines. Another night, we treated ourselves to dinner at a local taverna, La Locanda di Pietracupa, where refined yet hearty dishes, especially the homemade pasta, and some say the pigeon, captured the essence of the region, and the staff treated us like old friends.
Back at the villa, we tapped into Tuscany’s artistic spirit during a morning with Nicoletta, a local ceramicist, who guided us in hand-painting our own plates. They may not have been perfect, but the experience was highly therapeutic, and the resulting dish is winging its way to me as I type.
After days of exploring, long lunches and lingering in the jacuzzi, Massi even arranged for a pair of massage therapists to visit the property to work their magic on our achy bones, as if the Roman Spa wasn’t enough!. Drawing inspiration from ancient wellness traditions, the spacious spa opens with a giant hot tub overlooking the mountains, and boasts a soothing steam room and sauna, plus hot and cold showers to complete rejuvenation; and if I weren’t there, you could find me at the infinity pool.
Evenings were the kind you wish you could bottle. September’s warmth lingered as we sipped drinks under the pagoda by the pool and watched the sky turn molten gold. We made pizzas in the villa’s outdoor oven – using simple goat’s cheese, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil, which, for me, summed up Tuscany one bite at a time. Whilst the 500-bottle wine-cellar (including a custom-made Villa Ardore wine from a small local producer) was the icing on the cake!
Looking back, what made Villa Ardore so unforgettable wasn’t just the beautiful rooms, the infinity pool overlooking the vines or even the incredible meals. It was how effortless everything felt. It was the perfect vacation spot for friends as it offered the perfect balance of tranquillity and access; Florence and Siena were close enough for day trips, yet the villa itself felt worlds away in its serene setting. Every drive revealed another postcard-perfect view, every meal delectable and every sunset perfect!
Villa Ardore isn’t just a place to stay. It’s the Tuscany you dream of – brought to life, made effortless, and shared with the people you love most.
The starting rate for a week, inclusive of VAT in accommodation only, is EUR 33,784. The stay for a week, including VAT, Chef and Transfers, starts at EUR 43,784.
Villa Ardore
Localita Marciano, 1
50028 Barberino Val D’elsa
Florence
Italy
