Villa Bordoni is the idyllic creation of David and Catherine Gardner, a delightful couple who despite their Scottish roots are the owners of some of Florence’s best trattorias.
This lavender-hued 16th-century villa continues to be a favourite with our clients since opening nearly ten years ago. Sitting above the wine town of Greve in Chianti, the villas is reached via a long, dusty winding track that passes vineyards and farms, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the town below. With only 11 rooms, it feels like a very spoiling house party; every evening guests help themselves to salami, chunks of fresh parmesan and other little tasty morsels in the bar, though there are also plenty of secluded areas in the gardens and hotel to hide away with a good book.
The attention to detail is exceptional; Gardner called on the expertise of renowned decorator Riccardo Barthel in Florence and each bedroom has been lovingly thought-out and utterly unique. Some rooms boast four-poster beds, others have mezzanine floors with stylish day beds, and all are equipped with plasma screens, wireless internet and DVD players. The bathrooms are stunning with brightly coloured hand painted tiles from Vietri, vast showers and delicious orange-scented products.
The hotel works beautifully in all seasons; during the summer months you can relax by the pool and enjoy dinner in the walled garden listening to the sounds of the cicadas and watching the fireflies dance among the olive trees. In the autumn and winter curl up in front of the open fire in the library and enjoy a glass of Chianti, or take part in one of the cooking classes that culminate in a very jolly lunch.
