Deep within verdant rolling hills just 15 miles from Florence, lies Viesca, a storied refuge of refined solitude and rustic grace. Originally commissioned by the Guidi Counts in the 13th century, Viesca fell into the hands of the Medici‑Tornaquinci and later the Martelli lineage. It was not until the 1950s that the estate found new life under Wanda and Salvatore Ferragamo to present a sanctuary of small‑scale luxury hospitality.
Today, Viesca spans 170 acres of sweeping meadows, olive groves, and ancient trees, and is owned by Ferragamo Holding and operated by Il Borro. As part of the distinguished Il Borro Hospitality and in particular Vittoria Ferragamo, who is carrying forward the sustainability in all aspects at Il Borro and Viesca, it is also in the Small Luxury Hotels collection, where luxury is gentle and understated and every detail speaks of Tuscan heritage.
At Viesca’s heart lies a 16th‑century manor, restored with reverence to its Renaissance origins. Its frescoed ceilings, hand‑painted details, and rich antique furniture create a romantic ambiance. Each room is keyed to the Ferragamo legacy and is individually named after one of the iconic shoes. Florence’s golden age of fashion is displayed through original shoe sketches by Salvatore mixed with Wanda’s refined stylistic choices like contemporary furnishings crafted by local artisans.
Offering six private villas, the independent Family Cottage Due Torri and 17 individually styled hotel suites, Viesca offers a retreat tailored to every desire. Villas include pools that gaze upon undulating vineyards and the recently debuted Villa Gelso. Reminiscent of a luxurious Tuscan farmhouse, the newly transformed villa can be booked in full or by suite and comprises eight rooms, a lush private garden, and pool.
At Spa La Corte, natural therapies sourced from Il Borro’s farm bring the land into every treatment and a curated menu of Sensoriali experiences. Antioxidant-rich grape or olive sensory peels leave the skin revived while full‑body olive oil massages soothe and hydrate. Yoga and Pilates are also available on request, alongside the estate’s newest offering: crystal singing‑bowl sound baths for deep, sonic rebalancing.
Led by Executive Chef Andrea Campani, Viesca’s culinary narrative lies in its farm-to-table cuisine at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro. Anchored in Tuscan tradition, the menu highlights the best of seasonal produce from heirloom tomatoes and garden vegetables to ricotta and La Borro flours from Il Borro. Alongside Wanda’s famed formatino (grilled eggplant stuffed with meatballs in tomato sauce) as well as other seasonal dishes, the meals are paired with wine from the prestigious Il Borro vineyard. Weekly events like Gourmet Pizza Night on Thursdays and Sundays along with the new Sunday brunch reflect the estate’s convivial soul.
Through the winding trails across the estate, cypress and oak present stillness and an air of exclusivity while nature lovers may hike, jog, cycle on e‑bikes and mountain bike, or horseback ride in the pastoral beauty of rural Tuscany. A communal pool provides a break under the hot Tuscan sun while the new hot‑air balloon excursion over Chianti’s green domes and Florence’s Renaissance skyline takes the guest experience to new heights. Other curated excursions include truffle hunting, scenic food‑and‑wine trails, and cultural tours of nearby Florence and hill towns, while a private shuttle whisks guests to the sister property at Il Borro to visit the stunning medieval hamlet.
Rooted in history, yet crafted for today, Viesca stands as a testament to the enduring power of place. Timeless elegance amidst the lush countryside, it invites guests to step into a world where tradition meets refined comfort and find a deep connection to the soul of Tuscany.
For more information, visit www.viescatoscana.com.