Travel: Villa Lena, Tuscany, Italia

Striped parasols in ice cream colours, the soft light of Tuscany, the shimmering heat and cracking ice cubes in a glass of Negroni – this is the perfect place for un estate italiana. Situated in the heart of Tuscany on a hill with vineyards and olive groves Villa Lena is much more than just a hotel – it is a unique agriturismo combining holiday accommodation, a farm-to-table restaurant and a not-for-profit art foundation that offers an artist-in-residence scheme. Guests are invited to stay with Villa Lena’s creative family celebrating local Tuscan history, culture and food within an environment that offers international artists, writers, designers, filmmakers, musicians, chefs and agricultural experts space to explore and hone their respective crafts.

A 19th-century villa sits at the heart of the property, originally built for an Italian aristocratic family. It now houses the Villa Lena Foundation and artist-in-residence programme. Surrounding the villa, converted historic agricultural buildings house self-contained guest apartments and shared facilities.

Creativity and collaboration underscore life at Villa Lena with a program of events ranging from artists’ talks to children’s activities, al fresco film screenings to cooking workshops and candlelit concerts to poolside DJ sets. Guests can spend their days exploring the woodlands or visiting nearby cities Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena or Florence. They can also learn how to make fresh pasta, forage for truffles, socialisze over cocktails or simply relax at the poolside. In the evening guests and artists gather in the restaurant for a communal dining experience based on a seasonal organic menu that is rooted in Italian cuisine.

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Villa Lena
Strada Comunale di Toiano, 42
Toiano, Palaia PI, Italy
Phone +39 0587 083111
host@villa-lena.it