Villa Lena Agriturismo
Creatively charged slow-living retreat. Think biodynamic farm meets contemporary art world, with a poolside aperitivo soundtrack. Laid-back but not rustic — there's real design intent throughout, from Ettore Sottsass pieces in the lobby to artist-painted frescoes on bedroom walls.
Book a San Michele room if you want to be in the thick of the social scene; choose Renacchi apartments for peace and quiet with your own pool
Why It Matters
The only property in Tuscany where your neighbors might be a Berlin sculptor, a Toronto novelist, and a Swedish ceramist — all working on residency, giving talks, running workshops, and generally sharing their creative energy with paying guests. The farm-to-table Osteria San Michele is a genuine destination restaurant, and the estate produces its own biodynamic wine and olive oil from over 2,000 ancient trees.
A 19th-century hilltop estate spread across 500 hectares of Tuscan woodland, Villa Lena is part agriturismo, part artist colony, part organic farm — and wholly unlike anything else in the region. The neo-Renaissance villa houses an active non-profit arts foundation, where international artists do month-long residencies in exchange for leading workshops and leaving work behind. Guests stay in the converted outbuildings: former stables, hunting lodges, and farmhouses renovated with oak floors, marble bathrooms, and art from the Foundation's collection.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Casa Margherita
One of the estate's oldest buildings, now a maximalist 5-bedroom villa on a private gated compound shared with Casetta Bella. Two stories, five air-conditioned double bedrooms, five bathrooms, and generous communal spaces. Vibrant interiors designed for group gatherings. Shared backyard pool with Casetta Bella and views across the landscape. Can be rented alone or combined with Casetta Bella for up to 16 guests.
250 sqmCasetta Bella
A contemporary 3-bedroom home on the same private compound as Casa Margherita, surrounded by cypress trees, olive groves, and woodland. Compact and intimate compared to its neighbor, but with the same shared backyard pool and access to the full Villa Lena estate. Perfect for a family or small group wanting the privacy of a villa with the social options of an agriturismo.
90 sqmCasetta dell'Amore
The honeymoon cottage. A private, semi-independent house converted from an adjacent farmhouse. Purpose-built for couples, with a living room for intimate dinners, a large bathtub, and a private garden with outdoor seating. A sandstone sculpture by artist Rory Menage anchors the garden. The most secluded and romantic option on the estate.
39 sqmFattoria Large Superior
The larger category within the Fattoria stable block. Same contemporary-meets-historic aesthetic as the Superior, with more space. High-beamed ceilings, beautiful oak floors, and opulent marble bathrooms. Designed by Hesselbrand studio with the brand's signature restrained luxury.
39 sqmFattoria Superior
In the estate's converted stable block, the Fattoria building. Twelve rooms total across two size categories. These Superior rooms are the entry point — compact but well-designed, with grooved timber-panelled walls, oak floors, and pale grey Carrara and red Levanto marble bathrooms. Standalone bathtubs sit under shuttered windows with views of the Tuscan landscape.
24 sqmRenacchi Family Apartments
Five apartments in a restored farmhouse with original wood and stone elements, about 10 minutes' walk from the main hub. Surrounded by Tuscan woodland, they share a large grassy lawn and a secluded pool. Fully equipped kitchens and private outdoor spaces. Ideal for families or anyone who wants more distance from the social activity of the main estate. Available in 2 or 3 bedroom configurations.
70 sqmSan Michele Large Superior
Six king-size bedrooms in the San Michele building, immediately next to the Osteria restaurant and main pool. These are the most social rooms on the estate — great for guests who want to be at the center of the action. Each is a one-of-a-kind space styled by Fred Rigby, featuring blush pink en-suite bathrooms, freestanding soaking tubs, and French windows opening onto views of the Tuscan hills and the 19th-century Villa. Colourful, eclectic, with iconic pieces of Italian design including Ettore Sottsass works.
King · 30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Outdoor film screenings on the estate during summer. The indoor screening room (with Bose surround sound) is also available for guests to use freely — select from a collection of foreign films.
During the residency season, artists open their studios, give talks about their work, and present the piece they'll leave behind for the estate collection. The end-of-residency Artist Aperitivo is a seasonal highlight. Foundation Open Days also happen for curators, collectors, and guests.
Weekly program of workshops led by the current artists-in-residence. Disciplines rotate with each residency cohort and have included painting, ceramics, sculpture, flower-arranging, poetry writing, bookmaking, natural dye work, and more. Included in room rate for scheduled sessions; specialist workshops may cost extra.
Signposted walking trails through the 500 hectares lead to Toiano Vecchio, a 2,000-year-old Etruscan medieval park and one of the highest viewpoints in the region. The estate has a firepit here, plus Sunrise and Sunset Terraces. Historically, this was a peace-talk meeting point between opposing villages.
Mountain bikes available at reception. The downhill ride to Palaia village (about 30 minutes) is manageable for most fitness levels. Getting back up is a different story — a genuine workout. Good for exploring the surrounding hills independently.
The estate's organic orto (vegetable garden) and flower garden are a five-minute walk from the main hub and open to guests. Gardener Paul tends the seasonal blooms; farmer Gigi looks after rows of lettuces, tomatoes, and local vegetables. A good way to understand the farm-to-table chain.
Hands-on pasta-making sessions run by the kitchen team. Popular with families and food lovers. Schedule varies — book in advance as spots fill quickly.
Guided truffle hunts in the estate's 500-hectare woodland with trained dogs. White truffle season peaks October–November, but hunts run throughout the season. One of the most memorable things to do on the property.
The estate manages 2 hectares of biodynamic, organic Sangiovese vineyards. Tours and tastings of the estate's own Tutti I Giorni and Da Occasioni reds, plus the sparkling rosé, are available. A popular option for hen parties and group stays.
Classes on the panoramic wooden yoga deck designed by artist Fred Rigby, shaded by a sail canopy overlooking olive groves and the Apennines, or in the airy indoor studio in the Fattoria building. Yoga mats available to borrow.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Dedicated co-working area in the Fattoria building with air conditioning, desks, excellent WiFi, and countryside views. Next to the yoga studio.
Free WiFi throughout the property, including rooms and common areas.
Private home cinema with Bose surround sound, used for film screenings, artist talks, and events. Available to guests for free use. Adjacent library with art books and a piano.
Dedicated toddler pool and outdoor playground area. Children's library corner with books and colouring materials in the Fattoria.
Biodynamic orto supplying produce directly to the Osteria. Guests can visit. No pesticides; irrigated by rainwater; closed-loop nutrient system.
Dogs welcome in all rooms at no extra charge. Water bowls provided.
Bikes available at reception for guests to use on the estate trails or to ride to Palaia village.
Main heated pool next to the San Michele building with panoramic Tuscan views and a poolside bar. A second, more secluded pool at the Renacchi building with a grassy lawn. A private pool shared by Casa Margherita and Casetta Bella villas. Plus a dedicated toddler pool.
Air conditioning available in all rooms and villas.
Small shop in the Fattoria reception area selling estate olive oil, wine, and artistic collaborations. Also features limited-edition prints by past Foundation artists-in-residence made with Florentine etching studio Il Bisonte.
Villa Lena holds the Green Key certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable and responsible hospitality including biodynamic farming, rainwater irrigation, and circular resource use.
Electric vehicle charging station on site.
Shaded wooden deck designed by artist Fred Rigby, overlooking olive groves and the Apennine mountains. Used for outdoor yoga and meditation.
Airy studio in the Fattoria building, filled with natural light. Used for retreats, private classes, and the regular yoga program.
BUILD YOUR VILLA LENA AGRITURISMO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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