Immediately we saw Villa Fontelunga, we knew it was exactly the kind of place we have envisioned getting married in, with our family and friends
in attendance.
It consists of the main property sleeping 18 (b&b), plus 3 nearby villas which are self catering and sleeping 16 in total.
Here are a few things that other people have said about Fontelunga ...
Reviews
"An ultra-stylish retreat in the heart of Tuscany... neither a hotel not a guest house. It's something in between, with a friendly, family-run feel to it... Guests come and go as they please, with the only set meal being breakfast and, twice a week, a mouthwatering five-course meal cooked by Paolo's mum, Ines. On the night we ate in, we were treated to antipasta of bruschetta with roasted peppers and freshly made pesto, followed by homemade spinach and ricotta pasta. Then, a Tuscan dish of beef with shredded truffles, or the vegetarian option of cheeses and salad and roast potatoes cooked in rosemary and garlic, followed by tiramisu. "
One of the great things about Villa Fontelunga - aside from our host and his remarkable ability to make everyone feel at ease - is the company. With so much to explore, it was good to be able to share experiences over breakfast about when best to visit beautiful Florence, parking within Sienna's walls, or whether driving all the way to Prada's factory outlet was worth it." The Scotsman, May 2003
"A 19th-century manor house turned luxury retreat. Divided into nine swanky suites." The Guardian, March 2003
“Villa Fontelunga Tuscany - beautifully positioned outside Cortona with the classic Tuscan landscape framed from every window, this is a sybarite's dream.” Harpers Abroad: Top 100 villas
“Paolo Kastelec, Philip Robinson and Simon Carey have renovated the Villa Fontelunga, a 100 year old padronale (literally, "masters house"), giving it a contemporary twist. Inside the warm terracotta building , nine bedrooms are furnished with Philippe Starck and Arne Jacobsen in lieu of the usual rustic-antique pieces. Tuscan feasts are presented out-doors, under huge white umbrellas that look onto the olive groves and medieval Cortona in the distance. Run like private house parties these dinners are wonderful when Paolo's mother, Ines, is in residence. The Villa even has an honor bar, so you can take whatever you like from the kitchen and enjoy a tipple by the mosaic tie pool.” Conde Nast Traveler (US)
“Overlooking the Val di Chiana near Sienna and Cortona lies the new Villa Fontelunga - a charming guest house featuring nine en-suite rooms and a to-die-for swimming pool amid olive groves.” British Midland In-Flight magazine
"... This is a seriously stylish place to stay, its ethos is all about comfort, indulgence and easy informality... This beautiful resting place is the result of the escape fantasy of Philip Robinson (a production designer for movies such as Howard's End and Four Weddings and a Funeral). Philip knew just how much groups of friends like mine would appreciate everything the villa had to offer - the right level of thoughtful care with all the freedom of a traditional villa holiday. It was up to Paolo Kastelec to run the place, cook fabulous meals and create the chilled, contented atmosphere that the villa imparts... The villa had a stunning view across the lush flat plain of the Chiana valley to Cortona, nestling in the folds of the hills on the other side. The terrace at sunset was going to be as romantic and breathtaking as anyone could desire. And during our stay, we certainly made the most of it." Red Magazine
"Philippe Starck may have designed some of the pieces that give this traditional Tuscan villa its touches of urban cool,
but Philip Robinson is the real interior design talent behind Villa Fontelunga’s concept. He has managed to create a
unique retreat, with help from the co-owners, Paolo Kastelec and Simon Carey, who welcome their guests like old friends
who have dropped in for a visit, a chat and a drink from the honesty bar.
It is a pleasure to relax in the bright and airy lounge, where books and interesting magazines are scattered around
at guests’ disposal. Wi-fi would be a great plus, but the communal laptop with broadband connection does the trick.
Move from the lounge to the riad-style veranda, and the ambient music will follow you via hidden wireless speakers. Walk
across a soft green lawn to the salt water swimming pool, surrounded by olive trees: if you had doubts before, now
you can be sure you are in Tuscany.
Climb the immaculate staircase, past white orchids and Tamara de Lempicka prints, to reach the eight rooms. These
are all decorated with a mix of brocade and silk fabrics and designer furniture. The effect is tranquil and all
comforts are provided, but they won't win your heart in the same way as the hotel's common areas.
Try to book one of the four rooms with view on the valley and your day will have a great start as soon as you open the
pale blue shutters. If you are an early bird you will be able to enjoy the morning mist rising from the Val d'Orcia,
unveiling the beautiful medieval town of Cortona on the horizon.
The three friends’ greatest achievement, though, is located a ten-minute walk away from the main villa. This
is 'Fattoria Scannagallo', a beautiful complex of guest rooms, born from the ashes of an old farmhouse.
This little architectural jewel is composed by the four-bedroom Villa Scannagallo, the two-bedroom Villa Gallo, and
Villa Galletto, a charming one-bedroom cottage, a perfect private retreat. The three villas share the fragrance
coming from the lavender gardens and two pools: one of them is a stunning infinity pool with a view over the valley
and, in mid-June, of the sunflower fields.
All bedrooms are lovely, but – again – the real pieces de resistance are the living areas, with kitchens opening into
spacious and comfortable sitting rooms. Despite the modern open-plan layout, these manage to maintain the
traditional Tuscan feel; they are also a perfect setting for dinner parties (a giant clock painted on one of the
lounge walls with the hour hand set on 5pm reminds you its cocktail time!)
The contemporary bathrooms - decorated with grey stone mosaics - deserve a special mention: they feature sunken
bathtubs and open showers with full-length windows, offering great views, and a kinky sense of freedom while
you stand there facing the valley au naturel… " Travel Intelligence
"Central Italy’s strongest suit is local charm. Villa Fontelunga commands spectacular views over a valley towards the hilltop town of Cortona, combining traditional Tuscan architecture with contemporary interiors. Originally a padronale, or squire’s seat, it has been discreetly updated with air conditioning, tennis court and 14.5m swimming pool set in olive groves. An outdoor living room with chairs, cushions and a bar looks onto the Val di Chiana, allowing for lazy living and the contemplation of expeditions to Florence and Perugia. Eight bedrooms and one cottage accommodate up to 18, making it ideal for celebration or family reunion." How to Spend It Magazine (Financial Times)
"If I had, say, a million bucks sitting around, I think I’d restore an old villa in Tuscany. Except that, even with double that much, I fear I’d never recreate a place as dazzling as the nine-room Villa Fontelunga, an oasis of high style amid the rugged landscape of Arezzo.
Fontelunga is no Tuscan cliché. Yes, the place waxes lyrical with a traditionally Tuscan, terracotta-pink exterior and pool with views over the olive groves. But head out back to find a modernist’s dream: slipcovered chairs; Moroccan lanterns; the clean, white lines of canvas umbrellas; and a Middle Eastern-inspired lounge area with a fireplace, billowing curtains, and fluffy pillows.
Set outside the town of Fioano, which is not particularly convenient (Cortona is a half hour away, Siena an hour, and the popular Prada and Gucci outlets about 45 minutes), this restored villa on a hill overlooking a delightful valley marries minimalist chic with old-world class in a surprisingly successful way.
The white-walled hallways, spiky gladiolas, black-and-white photos, in-room CD players, and sparkling bathrooms reminded me of Ian Schrager. But unlike many hotels boasting cutting-edge style, this one doesn’t do it at the expense of comfort.
The staff at Fontelunga simply can’t contain their love for the place—or their desire for you to love it—and, as a result, it offers a friendly, personal service that makes you feel as if they’re devoted friends rather than servants. Beyond the wildly entertaining Paolo (who runs the place), I could hardly tell the staff and guests apart. Conversation flows as freely as wine, especially at the “dinner party,” a twice-weekly event involving good food, during which the villa’s guests mingle with the three affable owners. Simon, Philip, and the above-mentioned Paolo first met in London, and then each put forth their own skills in creating this magical place. Philip is the brain behind the interior design, Simon the lush landscapes. And Paolo left a career in investment banking to run Fontelunga, a position that allows him to take jogs around the olive groves and play tennis as the sun goes down.
Despite the almost too-hip surroundings, Fontelunga accomplishes the mission of a “home away from home” better than most. Little touches—like free Internet, pool bonuses like diving privileges and plenty of chairs for everyone, an “honor” bar, and spectacularly detailed driving directions to area attractions and authentic restaurants—reflect the significant thought the three founders put into every detail.
Simply put, this villa is close to perfect--perhaps the best place I've ever stayed in Tuscany. "
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