Essential Italy

Borgo Colleoli is a recently restored hamlet with all the facilities one could hope for – 2 swimming pools (one heated), a wine bar serving meals, a restaurant, also just a short drive from some of Tuscany’s most visited sites – Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano. In the beautiful Tuscany countryside between Florence and Pisa, a 15th century village perches on a hill covered with ancient olive groves, from which the old village of Colleoli takes its name. Borgo di Colleoli was formerly a working manor and estate, purchased in 1494 by the aristocratic Agostini family, whose crest can still be seen above the estate’s central villa – which itself has now been restored to its former glory as a small and exclusive palazzo hotel.

In the 20 acre grounds of the Borgo are a series of traditional farm buildings, now lovingly restored into 60 individual apartments. These have taken into account the requirements of modern living with air-conditioning throughout, comfortable furnishings, satellite TV and DVD, hairdryer and well-equipped kitchenettes. However, priority has been given to the retention of the rustic charm of these beautiful old buildings from exposed beams to terracotta floors and even the occasional restored fresco. Tucked away at either end of the estate are two large swimming pools, one heated with an adjacent children’s pool. The pools are surrounded with plenty of sun loungers and pool towels are provided.

Borgo Colleoli Tre

This apartment has a small grassed garden in front of the house and is equipped with table and chairs. Entry is into the living room / kitchen, well furnished with sofa, dining table and sat TV/DVD player. Beyond here there is the comfortable double bedroom and bathroom with shower. All the fixtures and fittings are new.  

At the heart of the Borgo is the wine bar, the former wine cellers with its original vaulted ceilings, now converted into an indoor and outdoor café offering an excellent wine selection, alongside coffees, cocktails and an informal lunch or dinner menu – and an opportunity to just relax while watching the leisurely activity of the Borgo. The highlight of any stay at Borgo di Colleoli must be dinner at the award-winning I Secoli restaurant, with its exceptional Italian menu complemented by a range of specially selected wines. Just 5 minutes walk from the gates of the Borgo, in the hamlet of Colleoli, is a local restaurant and pizzeria and in the picturesque medieval village of Palaia (2kms) there are several other restaurants and small shops.

Guests at Il Borgo are spoilt for choice for day trips. High on the list will be Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano. However other places not to be missed are Volterra, Vinci and the little visited San Vivaldo. All in all Borgo Colleoli offers considerable style and comfort in a classic Tuscan setting.