About us: Creative Agriturismo in Tuscany

About Us

Situated on a hilltop in the wild woods of Tuscany, Villa Lena is a genuine agriturismo where untouched nature, carefree creativity, and magical stories meet.

Originally called San Michele, our estate has an ancient history spanning from the prehistoric ages to medieval times and the Renaissance. The land initially lay under a sea, leaving fossilized shells scattered throughout the soil to this day. Along came the Etruscans 2,000 years ago, establishing a park in the sacred forest just a five-minute walk from our central hub. This spot was later used as a passageway for ancient Roman colonies, and then as the site of the strategic Toiano castle built for powerful Italian families in the year 570.

A terrible earthquake destroyed the medieval castle in the 1700s, but its history lives on: Its stones were used to build the 19th-century terracotta-hued villa that is now the centerpiece of our estate.

With 500 hectares of land—mostly covered by undisturbed woodlands, an abundance of wildflowers and herbs, and roaming deer and wild boar—Villa Lena is a unique place where thoughtful hospitality merges with creative residencies and food is grown or foraged on site. Creativity and collaboration underscore life at Villa Lena, exemplifying a totally new holiday experience.

Something for everyone ...

Friends

GATHER YOUR FRIENDS AND ESCAPE THE CITY

Families

A COUNTRYSIDE ADVENTURE FOR YOUR FAMILY

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Adventurers

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCES IN RURAL TUSCANY

EXPERIENCE

Our Cultural and Artistic Offerings

Combining creatively designed rooms and amenities, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a not-for-profit art foundation, Villa Lena is far more than just a place to stay in rural Tuscany. Each season, the Villa Lena Art Foundation hosts a group of international creatives, whose more than 1,000 original works now hang on our walls. Guests are always welcome to visit their studios or join their workshops in painting, ceramics, and more, and their sunset artists’ aperitivo is open to all. Inspired by the Renaissance, this welcoming environment of creative exchange is, in our eyes, the most genuine way to experience Tuscany’s rich artistic heritage first-hand. And if you’re inspired by our region’s food, wine, and nature? Our events calendar is constantly packed with cooking classes, wine tastings, and outdoor foraging experiences. Make pasta with our chefs, learn about sustainable farming at our organic vegetable garden, or go truffle hunting in our peaceful woodlands—there is something for everyone at Villa Lena.

STAY

In One-of-a-Kind Rooms Amid Breathtaking Nature

No two Villa Lena rooms, apartments, or private villas are exactly alike, but each combines a strong sense of Tuscan character with a contemporary edge. With sustainability at the heart of our design, rooms are uniquely furnished with locally sourced vintage furniture, antiques, recycled hand-painted fabrics, and, of course, works by our artists in residence. Most of our estate is run on green energy, and we recycle all rainwater for agricultural irrigation. You may never want to leave your famously soft Villa Lena pillows or relaxing soaking tub, but when you do step outside, you’ll be greeted by fantastic views of Tuscan hills, olive groves, and vineyards.

EAT

Slow Tuscan Cuisine, Reinvented

At Villa Lena, we serve organic Tuscan cuisine with an updated approach and “slow food” ethos. Our 0-kilometer menu is always seasonal, responding to what we grow in our organic vegetable garden and forage on site. Nodding to honest Tuscan cooking traditions while looking toward the future, our chefs serve house-made pastas, freshly grown vegetables, and locally sourced wines, making the most of the natural larder at our fingertips in the rolling hills of rural Tuscany.

CELEBRATE

The Dream Spot to Tie the Knot

Why not celebrate your wedding day in the stunning Italian countryside? Whether you want an intimate ceremony or an all-night pool party, we offer bespoke wedding planning for every kind of occasion. Dance, feast, and celebrate your love with the backdrop of seasonal floral arrangements and our orange-colored 19th-century Villa. After your party, Casetta dell’Amore—our suite designed specifically for honeymooning couples—has a cozy fireplace, its own private sculpture garden, and the perfect ambiance for a romantic getaway.