There is a lot to love about these 12 beautifully styled, architect-designed cottages that perch atop a peaceful hill in the heart of Tuscany. Borgo 69 is the brainchild of Philip and Paolo, the duo who brought us Fontelunga and Fontelunga Villas. Here, choose from 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas, each individually and beautifully designed using cool, earthy tones and soothing, natural materials. Whichever option you choose, expect a sleek, fully stocked kitchen and a luxury bathroom for every bedroom. Add to that a private herb-scented outdoor space from which to sip something chilled as you watch those splendid views of the rolling Tuscan hills.
A huge perk is the included breakfast at the onsite restaurant. It’s all about ‘farm to table’ dining here, thanks to the thriving market garden and top notch local suppliers. Expect (reportedly delicious) cicchetti style dishes (small plates), homemade stews and fresh pasta; or get involved with one of their regular supper clubs. When not devouring local fare, hire a bike, practice your backhand on the tennis court or simply while away the day by the heated, saltwater infinity pool. What's more, you’re perfectly positioned between Arezzo and Siena, so there’s plenty of exploring potential nearby. Utter bliss.
Highs
- These are some of the most stylish villas we've found in Tuscany: we think their ‘rustic contemporary’ look is gorgeous
- The hosts are super-helpful, and know the area inside out
- With breakfast and daily maid service included, you get the perks of a hotel in a villa setting. Perfect!
- This is an excellent spot from which to explore southern Tuscany: Cortona, Arezzo and Montepulciano are all 30 mins away
- And lots do on-site – from tennis to cookery to swimming in the divine heated infinity pool, which glimmers from within a herb scented olive grove
Lows
- You’ll need a car to get around
- Children of all ages are welcome, but those who require kids clubs and entertainment should look elsewhere
- Minimum stay of 5 nights in summer (but arrival days are flexible)
- This level of luxury and service doesn't come cheap
Best time to go
Summer (July-August) can get very hot - great for poolside lazing. However, expect crowds when venturing out to see the sights. Visit during May and September for pleasantly warm temperatures and fewer people. Borgo 69 is closed for a few months in winter.
Our top tips
This is an excellent spot for escaping with friends or family without the need to all pile into one abode. Gather your finest companions and book multiple villas. Last one to the pool buys the first bottle of Chianti!
- Boutique Villas
- 12 villas for 2-6
- Self-catering + restaurant on site
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Tennis Court
- Laundry Service
- Linen change every 3 days
- Available for exclusive use
- Safety box
Rooms
All villas are split-level, standalone affairs. Choose from a 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom dwelling - sizes which are notoriously hard to find in Tuscany! Each one is individually, beautifully styled using natural materials and cool, earthy tones. A great deal of care has gone into making each villa feel like a home. Think chic light fittings, reupholstered vintage furniture and on-trend patterned kitchen tiles. Big puicture windows draw the idyllic views inside. All bedrooms have their own luxurious bathroom, with deep tubs and/or power shower, plus aromatic Ortigia products. And all villas have a herb-scented outdoor terrace or garden, offering stunning views of the rolling countryside.
The 2 and 3 bedroom options are great for families or groups (one bedroom can be twinned, and cots are available). The 1 bedroom villas are better suited to couples, although an extra bed or cot can also be included.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
Foodies rejoice! Rumour has it that the onsite restaurant, Emporio di Ines, is something special. It is here that your daily continental breakfast is prepared, using fresh produce sourced from Borgo 69’s very own thriving market garden. There’s also a deli that sells other edible delights from local suppliers. At lunch, deli salads and specials are on offer. For dinner, you get cicchetti (small plates), such as crostone with stracchino cheese and salsiccia, suppli (deep-fried tomato and rice balls filled with mozzarella), or vegetarian pasta. Or join in with one of their supper clubs, where you can sample new dishes before they reach the restaurant menu.
Back at the villas, the sleek, open-plan kitchens are fully stocked with everything you need to create a home cooked feast, from local olive oil to top-spec dishwashers, electric ovens to double fridges with ice machines and wine coolers, fast induction hobs to coffee machines.
Heading out? The owners are more than happy to share their insider knowledge of the local dining scene. In foodie Cortona (25 mins), we hear La Loggetta is a must, while Montepulciano and Arezzo (both 30 mins) buzz with wine bars, cafés and tempting restaurants. Nearer to home, La Cucina Della Lodola (5 mins) offers a small but excellent menu of organic dishes and sulphite-free wines.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Organic produce
- Oven
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Toaster
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Choose from a host of activities - cycling, falconry, hot air ballooning, truffle hunting and more - just ask the staff and they’ll happily make the arrangements
- There are wineries galore nearby: perhaps start with a tour of neighbouring Fattoria Santa Vittoria, and end with glass of Vin Santo at Avignonesi (25 mins' drive)
- Explore pretty local villages: hilltop Montepulciano and Pienza for their rich histories, medieval Cortona and Lucignano for impressive architecture and dining scenes, or Chianciano for mineral-rich thermal baths
- Is a trip to Tuscany complete without seeing Florence or Siena? Both can be reached within the hour
- Water sports enthusiasts will love Italy’s fourth largest lake, Lago Trasimeno (35 mins)
- Stock up on new designer threads at Val Di Chiana Outlet Village (10 mins)
- Or stay home with a chilled Aperol Spritz by the infinity pool; join a yoga class in the wellness space; catch a film in the cinema or take part in a cookery class. Staying in is very tempting here
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boules
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Hot air ballooning
- Private guided tours
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Truffle hunting
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Borgo 69 welcomes children of all ages. Cots and extra beds are available, as are useful additions for little ones such as high chairs. There are no kids clubs here, but babysitters and nannies are on hand if you need them. And the heated infinity pool, tennis court and gardens are lovely to spend time in, whatever your age.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
The two 3-bedroom villas and four 2-bedroom villas are great options for families. One bedroom in each can be set up with twin beds on request.
Kids Activities on site:
- Heated swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Gardens
Families Should Know:
Parents of toddlers be aware that there are currently no stair gates
Distances:
- Airport: 2 hours (Pisa); 2h15m (Rome)
- Hospital: 10 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Borgo 69 is set in Val di Chiana in southern Tuscany, between Arezzo, Siena and Montepulciano. The main A1 (E35) motorway is 15 mins' drive away, meaning both Rome and Pisa are about 2 hours away.
By Air
Perugia and Florence (both 100km) are your closest airports; but for a wider range of flights, try Pisa (165km) or Rome (200km).
By Train
There's a station at Foiano (10 mins' drive), with connections from Arezzo (30 mins) & Florence (2.5-3 hours), as well as Rome (3-4 hours). If coming by train from UK, it's a full day via Paris to Milan or Turin, then a half day to Foiano - see Seat 61.
By Car
A car is essential (and really fun to drive) in these parts. See our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Pisa 165.0 km PSA
- Roma 230.0 km FCO
Other:
- Beach 160.0 km
- Shops 0.8 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape