Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort

With great finesse and determination, Lucia and Paolo, an editor and art collector, managed to purchase Villa Campestri, a magnificent Renaissance villa—no easy feat, considering the 400-acre property had been in one family for 700 years. The cream-colored villa with handsome lawns and surrounding cypress woods commands a spectacular view over the immense valley and Mugello mountain range in an area north of Florence known for its concentration of Medici villas. The guestrooms in the villa have been restored to their original splendor, with high Florentine woodworked ceilings, carefully selected antiques, and delightful blue-and-white-tiled bathrooms. The honeymoon suite features a grand, gold-crowned, red canopy bed. Equally characteristic rooms are located in the side wing and small independent house. A sitting room adorned with rich paintings leads to the elegant, stencil-painted dining rooms where original combinations of fresh local produce are served with great attention to detail, accompanied by an excellent selection of wines. They have created Italy’s first “Oleoteca” devoted to the culture of olive oil, offering courses in its history, science, and cuisine. Villa Campestri offers refined, romantic accommodations with professionalism and hospitality given by daughter, Viola.