Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, cradled between olive groves and vineyards, lies the magnificent estate of “Il Borghino”. The views are intoxicating – by day the rolling hills of Pieve Santo Stefano and by night, the beautiful lights overlooking the plains towards the medieval walled city of Lucca. Ideally located 15 minutes from Lucca, 35 minutes from Pisa, 1.5 hrs from Florence and 1.5 hrs from the breathtaking Cinque Terre region, Il Borghino is the perfect base to explore Tuscany and Liguria. With its sunny hilltop position and a dry, mild climate (due to its proximity to the sea), Il Borghino is enjoyable all year round.
The Estate
IL BORGHINO consists of four separate buildings: Il Melograno, I Nespoli, Il Gelso and L’Olivo – each one meticulously restored to maintain the original character of the village. Constructed with energy efficiency and a concern for the environment in mind, Il Borghino uses a mix of natural materials such as wood, marble and terracotta. The houses are furnished in local Tuscan style offering elegant living as well as being both comfortable and modern.
Each of the houses are all fully self-contained and can be rented separately or all together, in which case the customers will have exclusive use of the property including the swimming pool and L’Olivo – the separate large communal area with a large kitchen, functions room, wood-fired pizza oven, built in barbeque, gymnasium and sauna.
The garden is irrigated with rain water from an artificial lake connected to the garden. When there isn’t enough water, depurated drain water is used. Natural fertilizer is produced from organic waste and flying insects are trapped with wine and sugar.
The surrounding agricultural area (Podere Tomasino) produces about 140 ql of “Controlled Designation of Origin”(DOC) wine (one red; two whites) from organic vineyards and 20ql of “Lucca Protected Designation of Origin” (DOP) olive oil from organic olive groves.
Adding to the beauty of it all is the owner, Emilia Da Prato and her family. They live on the premises, and are around if you need them for anything, anytime. (Of course, if you want your privacy, you will not see them!)
Facilities
The center of the Il Borghino complex features a communal area called “L’Olivo” – a place where people can gather together. There is a huge patio area that is perfect for alfresco dining overlooking the enormous swimming pool, landscaped gardens and with panoramic views over historic Lucca and towards Pisa and the sea.
Facilities included within the communal area are a large functions / conference room with an open fireplace and large kitchen, BBQ, wood fired pizza oven, gymnasium and a Turkish sauna / steam room. There is also plenty of parking inside the property for cars.
The outdoor swimming pool does not use chlorine, opting for the more natural saltwater, like seawater. Drinking water comes directly from a spring. The toilets operate on two level capacities to save water, and the majority of lighting is with energy savings in mind. Wherever possible, cleaning products and personal cleansing soaps and shampoos are all natural, locally produced with a fresh fragrance.
Il Melograno
I Nespoli
Il Gelso
L’Olivo
This post is also available in: Italian