Is This the Best View in Tuscany?
The most important thing in Tuscany—well, aside from the top-notch Brunello and Chianti, and the fragrant truffles shaved on everything, and the excellent olive oil, and the charming little medieval villages—is the view. Where will you get the best one? That is really the first question worth asking before anything else because, as anyone who has been to the region will tell you, not all Tuscan vistas are created equal. And yes, it's okay to admit having a panoramic perch means a lot to you.
And when it comes to that perfect backdrop—those famous rolling hills dotted with groves and vineyards, the neatly lined cypress trees, maybe even the outlines of faraway ancient village shimmering like a mirage—it's hard to top the one you'll get at Castelfalfi. Especially at sunset on a chaise on the back lawn, a Campari spritz in hand? No contest.
The hotel feels quite new—thanks to a major multimillion-dollar overhaul in recent years that transformed its dated spaces into strikingly modern interiors done up in soothing neutral tones of cream, gray, ochre, and sage—but its prime real estate was claimed a very long time ago, around 700 A.D., when the village of Castelfalfi was founded by a Lombardian king. That original borgo is still around today—and was also restored by the family that purchased the whole estate in 2021—with shops, trattorias, chapels, and an old castle holding court above it all (with a private dining space on the roof). "Even for people that are used to Tuscan nature, the landscape of this particular piece of land is ever surprising," general manager Roberto Protezione tells T&C.
Of course there are more than just ancient charms and fantastic views. Located an easy hour drive from Florence, the 2,700-acre estate has all the requisite trappings of a Tuscan idyll: quality olive oil, honey, and wine harvested in-house, a pristine golf course, verdant forests ripe for truffle hunting, a beautiful new spa, and, of course, comfortable rooms (146 of them, plus 7 sprawling villas for larger groups) to find respite after a long day living out your Under the Tuscan Sun fantasies. Here, we asked Protezione to choose his favorite.
Describe the Castelfalfi vibe.
It's a mix of contemporaneity and sustainability. The atmosphere isn't overly classic, despite the eternity of the surrounding nature.
What do you consider the best room at Castelfalfi, and why?
The Suite Terrace. I think it's the best value for the money—spacious, bright, and overlooks the best view at Castelfalfi.
How much does it cost?
$2,500 per night.
What local activities or hidden spots do you always recommend?
I always recommend exploring the area on our e-bikes, because this is the best way to reach hard-to-find spots and encounter outstanding panoramas. And as for historic towns to visit, I tell guests to go to Volterra, which is much less crowded than San Gimignano yet still stepped in history and artisanal craftsmanship.
Best time of year to be in Tuscany?
Fall, for the foliage and its colors, not to mention the seasonal products and activities: the harvest, hunting for the most prestigious types of truffle, picking olives and then getting to enjoy the freshest extra virgin olive oil.
What sort of feeling do you hope to impart on your guests?
To feel like they are living their most beautiful dream.
You Might Also Like
