Travel Tuscan Treasure
Travel Tuscan Treasure Revisiting a Classic Seclusion doesn’t get much more splendid than at Borgo Santo Pietro, which remains a paragon of slow living. By Sara Magro A bird’s-eye view of the estate, the hills rising behing the main villa The story of Jeanette and Claus Thottrup’s past two decades is not without irony. Having fled the frenetic pace of London for a simpler, more rooted life in the Tuscan countryside in 2001, they’ve now built a mini-empire of ambitious projects that include a Michelin-starred restaurant in Florence, a bespoke yacht design firm, a home decor and construction brand and an ever-expanding line of beauty products. It certainly sounds like a whirlwind, but for the Thottrups each step has been a logical extension of what came before – and their original project, the majestic, wonderful Borgo Santo Pietro, which sits on a 121ha estate 45 minutes southwest of Siena, retains that peaceful, harmonious spirit the Danish couple sought all those years ago. The centuries-old property had been all but forgotten by the time they purchased it in 2001, when they planned to live there themselves. It took seven years to transform the derelict estate into what it is today: not only the dreamy family retreat they had originally imagined, but one of Italy’s true 34 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
gems, a 20-key destination that’s home to its own Michelin-star eatery, holistic spa and vast gardens – a self-contained haven that has consciously evolved to be in harmony with the land and its history. Once a lazzaretto for medieval pilgrims making their way from Canterbury to the Holy Land along the Via Francigena, the restive, calming atmosphere has been written into Borgo Santo Pietro’s DNA. The accommodations – which include suites in the main villa, standalone garden houses and ultra-private pool villas – are equally informed by contemporary touches that ensure indulgent comfort as by periodinspired features such as floor-to-ceiling frescoes or crackling marble fireplaces. The common areas are no less magical: there’s Meo Modo restaurant for aweinspiring farm-to-fork fare under the soft glow of a chandelier, or there is the magisterial panorama from a wicker sunbed set along the swimming pool. Why not try lunch in the rustic Trattoria sull’Albero built around a living oak tree, where views of the property’s vineyards complement the wild-boar pappardelle and a glass of Rosso di Montepulciano? Every evening, the soft shimmer of flames is everywhere: more than 150 candles are lit, offering a Nordic touch (and a reminder of the behind-the-scenes seriousness and efficiency) to this otherwise relaxed paradise. A stroll through the gardens is a guaranteed way to forget all stress – in part because they are so large you could be walking all day. There are Renaissance flower beds, avenues of cypresses and lavender, fountains and pergolas – and a little lake with an artist’s studio for painting lessons. Beyond the sculpted hedges, there is an organic farm producing not only the majority of ingredients used in the kitchens, but also the botanicals and oils for Seed to Skin, the Thottrups’ beauty line. The next development will be the creation of a space where Jeanette, guests and locals can come to turn alpaca wool into knitwear – a sort of community centre with beautiful byproducts. For now, the sweaters, scarves and hats made from the softest wool of the Borgo’s camelids are still just an idea, but given the Thottrups’ penchant for turning inspiration into reality, there’s a good chance I’ll see them next time I’m here. borgosantopietro.com • Above: cycling across the estate; below, from left: the chandeliered living room of La Casa dei Fiori Bianchi; the sunny terrace of its private pool house PHOTOS © BORGO SANTO PIETRO (3), HEATHER SHUKER (TOP RIGHT) PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE BEFORE BOOKING TRAVEL OR DEPARTING ON ANY TRIP CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 35
