Picture a tranquil Tuscan retreat and it's likely to look a lot like Castello di Fighine, which rests on a hilltop among manicured gardens of roses and wisteria and enjoys lush views over quintessential Tuscan countryside. This ancient settlement dates back to the 11th Century and comprises a historic castle, a church, a theatre, and an old hamlet with a clutch of houses that have been transformed into gorgeous holiday homes: five villas for 4-8 and two apartments for 2, ideal for families or couples. Completing the Tuscan dream is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet tasting menus and delicious wines from the region. It's a destination in itself, and people travel from afar to experience the food here.
Internationally renowned interior designers, David Mlinaric and Hugh Henry, were called upon to transform the houses. They sourced antiques, four-poster beds, claw-foot bathtubs, beautifully woven rugs and soft linens to create classically elegant spaces that perfectly capture the essence of this historic site. Original features and fireplaces were carefully restored, and for added indulgence, two of the villas have private swimming pools. There's little to do other than spend your days reclining here, appreciating the uninterrupted peace, or you can head into the nearby spa village of San Casciano dei Bagni, famous for its 42 thermal springs - Fighine guests get an exclusive discount at the renowned Fonteverde Spa. It's all fabulously classy.
Highs
- Beautiful location on a leafy hilltop that gazes over southern Tuscany, with lots of historic towns to explore nearby
- Fighine brims with history dating back to the 11th Century, and each of its ancient buildings have been carefully restored to retain their character
- Outstanding food at the restaurant - the Michelin Star is well-deserved
- The 5 houses and 2 apartments have each been classically styled to create elegant bedrooms and living spaces that work for groups of varying sizes (from 2-8)
- We found the setting, among beautifully manicured gardens of cypresses, fruit trees, roses and box hedges, unbelievably peaceful and removed from the outside world
Lows
- The restaurant is closed on Mondays and there's no lunch service on Tuesdays. It also closes over winter, from early January - Easter
- There’s no communal area or main swimming pool, but Villa Melissa and Casa Janine have their own pools (heated on request for an additional fee)
- A steep security deposit is required when booking, but it's fully refundable
- Other than being greeted on arrival, you're left to your own devices; no formal reception, but there's a Whatsapp concierge service
- The last few km to the property is uphill via a gravel road, but it's well maintained and our hire car had no issues
Best time to go
Southern Tuscany is a good destination all year round, but we think the weather is at its best in late spring and late summer. Spring offers blue skies, flowers and vivid green vegetation; late summer and autumn have crisp, warm sunshine. We think the large fireplaces (and central heating) in the houses would make autumn and winter stays a cosy option.
Our top tips
There are lots of stunning Tuscan towns within day-trip distance. Don't miss Montepulciano (45km), famous for its Vino Nobile wines; striking Orvieto (43km), which stands atop a near-vertical cliff-face; and Città della Pieve (17km), a pretty town with churches and palaces dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Restored Hamlet
- 7 houses for 2-8
- Restaurant (not open daily); self-catering facilities in houses
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Large houses (for 6-8)
Castello di Fighine has four large houses - three sleeping 6 and one sleeping 8. Each is individual, but all incorporate original features and are elegantly styled throughout.
Villa Melissa (sleeps 8) is the largest house and arguably the grandest, with its beautiful frescoed ceilings, a dramatic spiral staircase and original stone floors. There are two double bedrooms and two twins, each with wrought-iron bed frames (one four-poster). Note that three out of the four bedrooms are located on the lower-ground floor, and the master suite, which has two separate dressing rooms, is two floors up. You get ensuites in all rooms. On the middle floor is an elegant lounge with a restored open fireplace, and a big kitchen that opens onto a patio with a dining table for alfresco meals. To reach your private pool it's a short walk through the hamlet to the Upper Terrace Gardens, so be sure to take your book and suncream with you!
We thought Casa Janine (sleeps 6) was the star of the show. It’s a semi-circular-shaped building with a bell tower on the edge of the hamlet and comes with far-reaching views of fields and hill towns. The terraced gardens are scented with rosemary and lavender, and lead to the swimming pool which gazes over leafy surroundings. Inside, you get two double bedrooms and one twin, an enormous open fireplace in the living room, a Victorian bath and marble-topped basins in the bathrooms, a small wine cellar downstairs, and even a mini gym. This one felt like the Italian dream - definitely our top pick.
Casa Teatro and Casa Vittoria also sleep 6 in three bedrooms. These houses come without a pool, but you still get a smart living room with a restored fireplace, a kitchen, and a small garden. White beamed ceilings and stone floors run throughout. Teatro, as its name suggests, is located near the old theatre and has 3 double bedrooms (all ensuites) – one with a lovely four-poster with white linen drapes. Vittoria has two doubles and one twin (all ensuites), and is accessed via a sweet little patio garden.
Small houses (for 2-4)
Smaller parties can opt for a two-bedroom villa or one of the one-bed apartments. Italian designer Federico Forquet decorated these spaces; he’s retained the classical look and feel of Fighine, incorporating antique furniture and bold fabrics.
Casa Rossa sleeps 4 and comes with all the features of the larger houses. It spans three floors, with all the living spaces at ground level – full kitchen, cottage-style lounge with fireplace, dining room. Each of the bedrooms (both doubles) gets its own floor and its own ensuite bathroom, and the bedroom on the first floor has a little terrace too. We think this house would work well for two couples travelling together.
Couples coming for a short stay might prefer to book one of the two Parretti apartments, which share the same building. Each has plenty of space for two, with a bedroom, a bathroom, a dressing room and a living room, but we felt they lacked natural light (the old buildings have small windows). Apartment 1, where we stayed, has a little patio which we really appreciated. You don’t get a kitchen – though there is a fridge – so you’ll probably eat dinners at Fighine’s restaurant, or elsewhere if you prefer.
Most people opt to stay in the apartments if coming just for one night (in order to dine at the restaurant). In these instances, you get a continental breakfast included too, which is delivered fresh to your door: coffee, juice, croissants, cake, boiled eggs, yoghurt and nuts, fruit, cheese and hams. It’s an excellent spread elegantly presented on a huge silver tray.
Eating
People travel from far and wide to visit Fighine’s destination restaurant, which is open for lunch Wed-Sun and dinner Tue-Sun. The head chef has three Michelin Stars under his belt; the restaurant has one too, and deservedly so. This has to be one of the best meals I've ever had. It starts with the magical setting: within the castle grounds among vine-covered terraces and fragrant gardens. You'll dine outside on warm evenings but on our autumn visit, we were inside in the traditional dining room.
Dishes are inspired by the seasons, each a creative take on traditional Tuscan cooking and immaculately presented. Our highlights included the veal sweetbread (utter perfection), smoked wood pigeon, herby wild mushrooms and delicate Cappalletti Genovese (a pasta so thin it's almost translucent). There are options of 5- or 7-course tasting menus, with wine pairing possible too - local tipples are favoured, like Podernuovo or Ravazzi from nearby Palazzone. It’s not cheap but we felt it's worth the splurge, and you’ll need to book in advance.
For eating elsewhere there are other restaurants within 5km – head into San Casciano dei Bagni for a choice of places. Daniela, Fonteverde, and La Fontanella all come recommended. You’ll also find grocery shops here for stocking up on supplies and then self-catering back in your house – all have full kitchens bar the Parretti apartments. The closest grocery shop is a lovely deli in Palazzone, 2kms from Fighine, stocked with local cheeses, charcuterie, pasta and veg.
Kids
All ages are welcome at Castello di Fighine, and the houses are substantial in size, so they'll work well for families. But there is a sophisticated vibe to Fighine, with lots of antiques in the houses - not a great mix with curious toddlers. Villa Melissa (4 bedrooms) or Casa Janine (3 bedrooms) would be the best choices for families with kids, as they have private swimming pools.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Most of the three- and four-bedroom houses (not Teatro) have at least one twin room and some outside space. Janine and Melissa have the biggest gardens and their own private pools - though note that Melissa's pool is a short walk from the house. Casa Rossa has two double bedrooms so is fine for one child, or two if they don't mind sharing a bed.
Families Should Know:
There are lots of antiques, and the fireplaces are open, so if using them keep an eye on younger ones. There's no children's menu at the restaurant and kids might struggle with the fine dining dishes.
Distances:
- Airport: 90-minute drive
- Hospital: 40-minute drive
- Supermarket: 5-minute drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Castello di Fighine sits on a hilltop in southern Tuscany, near the spa village of San Casciano dei Bagni (8km) and the border with Umbria. Florence and Rome are both 1.5 hours away by train.
By Air
Fly into Perugia (73km), Florence (161km), Rome Ciampino (164km) or Rome Fiumicino (182km).
From the airport:
Airport transfers from Rome and Florence are available, but we'd recommend hiring a car for reaching the property and exploring the area - see our car rental recommendations. The nearest railway station is in Chiusi, 22km from Castello di Fighine.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Perugia 73.0 km PEG
- Florence 161.0 km FLR
Other:
- Beach 151.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 5.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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