After a beautiful but hectic week in Venice, the rolling hills and verdant vineyards of Tuscany provided the perfect contrast to the Venetian hustle and bustle, with Borgo 69 serving as the ideal retreat.
We arrived in the early evening and were treated to an amazing sunset, a glass of Vernaccia, the gentle barks of the owner’s three charming little dogs and a sublime 80s soundtrack (specifically, dinner party 80s music).
It felt like ‘coming home,’ even though we had never stepped foot inside the place before!
Borgo 69 is instantly welcoming, radiating a delightful energy – I think they call it a ‘vibe’ these days.
Owners Paolo Kastelec and Philip Robinson (the latter an award-winning designer) have spent years lovingly transforming this picturesque estate into a property featuring 12 modern villas, while respecting the rustic Tuscan charm of the original buildings.
Upcycled furniture, wood and luxurious local materials, such as travertine and marble, blend elegantly with terracotta tiles, rough stone walls and beamed ceilings.
Our one-bedroom apartment is split-level, spacious (especially after spending a week in a small ship cabin) and luxuriously homely.
It features a full kitchen with a welcome bottle of Chianti, a very comfortable lounge area with a modern sofa perfect for sprawling, a fireplace and French doors opening to a delightful private terrace/aromatic herb garden with outdoor seating.
There is a small desk and a Sonos sound system, pumping the aforementioned vibey dinner party ‘feel-good’ music around the property. Each villa is equipped with a smart TV, air conditioning and super-fast Wi-Fi.
Upstairs there is a very comfortable queen-sized bed, a large bathroom with a massive tub and a walk-in shower. There is ample wardrobe space, and importantly, the villa is as functional as it is comfortable, with loads of power points and USB outlets in all the right places.
The view from the bedroom is dreamy and this space encourages plenty of sweet slumbers.
The property features a fantastic 20-metre infinity pool – you can swim laps amid views of the vineyards and relax on one of the sun loungers with a good book, if you can tear your eyes away from the view.
Daily breakfast is included and can be enjoyed in the restaurant, in the shady courtyard garden, or in your own villa.
Restaurant Emporio di Ines, Borgo 69’s own restaurant, serves typical Tuscan dishes with a modern twist, using local produce from small family farms in the area and fresh seasonal ingredients from their own vegetable garden.
Lunch and dinner are also available at the restaurant. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Emporio shop, where you can buy a selection of local cheeses, pasta and homemade jams as well as handmade gifts.
Borgo 69 is in the heart of Tuscany, within walking distance (500 metres) of the medieval village of Pozzo della Chiana.
The village offers most daily amenities, such as a small supermarket, restaurants, bars, a pharmacy and a bank.
You are surrounded by picturesque towns, including Cortona (22 km), one of the earliest Etruscan settlements; Siena (55 km), famed for its magnificent central square, Piazza del Campo; UNESCO heritage Pienza (37 km); Montepulciano (30 km), known for its ‘Vino Nobile’; and Arezzo (30 km), rich in Renaissance fortresses and beautiful churches.
Nearby, you’ll find various antique markets and farmers’ markets where you can buy many local products. There’s also a designer outlets centre about 20 kilometres away that’s worth a visit.
Borgo 69 is set in the middle of the wine region where world-famous Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile and Brunello wines are produced. I recommend forgetting the shopping and just enjoying the wonderful wine!
We only had two nights here and it was not enough – just about enough time to decide we will definitely be back for a longer stay next year!
