This Exclusive Tuscan Villa in Italy's Chianti Wine Region Embodies La Dolce Vita - Hotels Above Par - Boutique Hotels & Travel

"Set in the heart of Chianti, this elegantly restored 16th-century stone farmhouse sits on a three-acre estate and was lovingly converted by California-based attorney Christian Scali and screenwriter Stephen Lewis; its name was inspired by the owners’ ancestral village and the Italian idea of “to live with passion,” a sentiment they encourage guests to embrace. The property comprises two buildings with eight ensuite guest rooms (plus an office suite that can become a ninth) and grand communal areas—an art-filled living room with a traditional fireplace, a dining room seating 18, and a reclaimed antique Parisian bar—meticulously curated by the owners. The main villa preserves rustic architectural details like exposed stone walls, wood beams, vintage armoires, and terracotta floors while offering contemporary comforts such as deluxe king beds, plush duvets, and marble-slabbed rain showers; the converted barn adds two rooms with modern Tuscan farmhouse styling, white-washed beams, shag rugs, and large sunlit windows, and even features reclaimed hardwood from an Indian schoolhouse with hand-carved sketches. Culinary offerings highlight Italy and the region: mornings begin with a buffet of freshly baked pastries, meats and cheeses, and eggs from the on-site chicken coop, while dinners can be private chef–prepared al fresco—ranging from wood-fired pizza from the outdoor oven to multi-course Tuscan menus (think beef braised 12 hours in Chianti wine with sautéed black cabbage). Outdoors the property is memorable for a saltwater infinity-edge pool lined with cypress trees that overlooks rolling vineyards, plus a private spa with a jacuzzi, dry sauna, sensory shower, and Turkish steam bath. With five-star service and warm hosts—including Villa Manager Francesco and the owners—the property feels like a high-design private home in the Tuscan countryside, sleeps up to 18 guests, and is offered as a full-villa rental (rates from 6,435 EUR/night, five-night minimum) with breakfast and airport transfer included."