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Villa Lena in Tuscany: A Remodelista Favorite, Revisited for 2023

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ItalyIssue 26 — A Week in Italy

Villa Lena in Tuscany: A Remodelista Favorite, Revisited for 2023

June 30, 2023

Years ago, Alexa wrote about what would become the destination of all of our (collective) desire: Villa Lena, a “new kind of retreat”, hotel, and not-for-profit art foundation tucked within acres of olive groves and vineyards in Tuscany. (You can read Alexa’s original post, penned almost a decade ago, at A New Creative Hub (and Hotel) in Tuscany.)

Recently, we were reminded of Villa Lena when our friend, the Maine-based architect Jocie Dickson, mentioned she’d done an artist residency there. The rambling villa’s many old outbuildings, stables, and lodgings are constantly being rehabbed and redone, she reported—and we decided it was high time for a second glance.

Ready for an updated tour? Read on.

Photography via Villa Lena.

villa lena is located &#8\2\20;in the heart of tuscany, between pisa and fl 17
Above: Villa Lena is located “in the heart of Tuscany, between Pisa and Florence”, with a hotel, a bar and restaurants, creative workshops and retreats, and “sustainable agritourismo.” Photograph by David Kaliga.
among the delights: numerous farm to table eateries, and olive oil and wine mad 18
Above: Among the delights: numerous farm-to-table eateries, and olive oil and wine made on the grounds.
the bright and art filled lobby. the creative residency has a &#8\2\20;leav 19
Above: The bright and art-filled lobby. The creative residency has a “leave a trace” policy, asking visiting artists to leave behind a piece of their work. Photograph by Marina Denisova.
the grounds and buildings are in a state of perpetual renovation. among the mos 20
Above: The grounds and buildings are in a state of perpetual renovation. Among the most recent rehabs is the Fattoria, formerly crumbling stables, now guest rooms. Photograph by Wavy.
villa lena in tuscany, photo by marina denisova 21
villa lena in tuscany, photo by wavy 22
Above: The Fattoria rooms feature luxe baths with dramatic tile work. Photographs by Marina Denisova (left) and Wavy (right).
guest rooms—like this one, in fattoria—include views out over the 23
Above: Guest rooms—like this one, in Fattoria—include views out over the cypress trees. Photograph by Wavy.
villa lena in tuscany, photo by daniele civetta 24
villa lena in tuscany, photo by daniele civetta 25
Above: Guest room vignettes. Photographs by Daniele Civetta.
the tucked away maison stento is a private house, complete with open kitchen an 26
Above: The tucked-away Maison Stento is a private house, complete with open kitchen and four double bedrooms with ensuites.
the sprawling property was originally built for an aristocratic family. now, ma 27
Above: The sprawling property was originally built for an aristocratic family. Now, many guest lodgings include kitchens and dining rooms, for quiet breakfasts and evenings. Photograph by Daniele Civetta.
the san michele rooms are done with &#8\2\20;a traditional tuscan feel and 28
Above: The San Michele rooms are done with “a traditional Tuscan feel and vibrant Italian color palette,” according to Villa Lena. “The character of each room is embedded in the use of local materials, antiques, and meticulous craftsmanship, from hand painted frescoes by previous artist in residence Jay One Ramier to hand-made Sicilian dragon-scale tiles, a nod to the building’s namesake San Michele who slaughtered the dragon.” Photograph by Daniele Civetta.
painted sayings by jay one ramier adorn the walls—the artist&#8\2\17 29
Above: Painted sayings by Jay One Ramier adorn the walls—the artist’s leave-behind. Photograph by Daniele Civetta.
creativity is one of the villa&#8\2\17;s founding tenets, and there are amp 30
Above: Creativity is one of the Villa’s founding tenets, and there are ample spaces to reflect or write. Photograph by Daniele Civetta.
a san michele bath features pink hued plaster walls. photograph by daniele cive 31
Above: A San Michele bath features pink-hued plaster walls. Photograph by Daniele Civetta.
the grounds are dotted with olive groves and organic gardens. photograph by pas 32
Above: The grounds are dotted with olive groves and organic gardens. Photograph by Pascal Wettstein.
fresh picked produce, for dinner. photograph by lottie hampson. 33
Above: Fresh-picked produce, for dinner. Photograph by Lottie Hampson.
&#8\2\20;guests can spend their days exploring the woodlands or visiting ne 34
Above: “Guests can spend their days exploring the woodlands or visiting nearby legendary towns and cities such as Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, or Florence,” according to the Villa Lena site. “They can also learn to make fresh pasta, forage for truffles, socialize over cocktails, or simply relax poolside. Each evening guests and artists gather in the restaurant for a communal dining experience based on a seasonal organic menu that is rooted in Italian cuisine.” Photograph by Matt Sundin.

For much more, head to Villa Lena, and for info on the artist residency, see The Villa Lena Foundation.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Villa Lena located?

Villa Lena is located in Tuscany, Italy.

What is Villa Lena known for?

Villa Lena is known for being a beautifully designed hotel and artist residency.

Can I book a room at Villa Lena?

Yes, you can book a room at Villa Lena by visiting their website or contacting them directly.

Are there any special amenities at Villa Lena?

Yes, Villa Lena offers amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and an on-site restaurant.

Is Villa Lena accessible for people with disabilities?

Villa Lena is wheelchair accessible, and they strive to accommodate all guests with special needs.

What activities can I do while staying at Villa Lena?

While staying at Villa Lena, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, yoga, cooking classes, and art workshops.

Are pets allowed at Villa Lena?

Yes, pets are allowed at Villa Lena, but it is advised to check their pet policy beforehand.

Is Wi-Fi available at Villa Lena?

Yes, Villa Lena offers free Wi-Fi access to all guests.

Can I host events or weddings at Villa Lena?

Yes, Villa Lena can accommodate events and weddings. It is recommended to contact them for more information and availability.

What is the best way to reach Villa Lena?

The best way to reach Villa Lena is by car or taxi. Buses and trains are also available but may require transfers.

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