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Vignamaggio is an ancient estate, located between Florence and Siena, surrounded by clear streams, lush forests, and movie-like Italian villages scattered around the hills. This estate is comprised of well over 400 hectares and adorned with beautiful gardens and farmland between Greve and Panzano in Chianti. At the heart of Vignamaggio is a Renaissance villa built in 1300 by the Gherardini family, also delightfully surrounded by cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves.
Although the villa and gardens are still being refurbished, the farmhouses and La Pensione Hotel have been newly renovated and are ready to welcome guests. The team responsible for the renovation is comprised of lead designer Giulia Favaro, architect Patrice Taravella, and interior designer Emmanuelle Sebillet, all of whom are responsible for the estate’s fresh décor. For guests, the beauty inside of the accommodations is complemented by colourful countryside walks and the fragrant forest air, making the whole estate feel peaceful and rejuvenating.
La Pensione Hotel in Panzano
La Pensione sounds like a traditional Italian hotel, but it’s actually quite unique. This dreamy retreat features a panoramic swimming pool surrounded by olive trees and lavender bushes, where, far from the bustle of the nearby Italian cities, guests can relax. The hotel’s 21 rooms are decorated in soft colours and calm styles, each inspired by one of Boccaccio’s great love stories.
La Pensione also has welcoming lounges that lead to a small library where guests can find the perfect holiday book to enjoy a warm afternoon by the pool, no matter the language they speak. The garden, with its air filled with the rich scents of rosemary, roses, and jasmine, is the perfect background for a scenic stay. A courtyard among the gardens welcomes guests each morning to an enriching breakfast, after which they can just follow the many stone paths found around the estate to find the swimming pool or little nooks of Italian magic in the form of lavender flowers and wind-moved olive tree foliage.
Other Accommodations at Vignamaggio
- The Pink Villa: Built in the 14th century and overlooking the valley, the Pink Villa has been the centrepiece of the estate for over 600 years. It’s currently closed for major renovations and is set to reopen in 2025, so tours of the gardens, cellars, and tastings are not available this year.
- Private Villas: If you’re looking for more privacy, you can rent one of the private villas like Il Prato, L’Orto, or Il Casolese on a weekly basis. These are perfect for those who want to enjoy nature and relax in peace, either alone, with a special someone, or with the laughs of children.
- Charming Flats: L’Orto di Vignamaggio offers four charming flats surrounded by greenery, ideal for couples and families looking for a cosy and scenic place to stay.