In Tuscany, the country hotel scene has changed very rapidly since 1960, when the Michelin guide for Italy did not indicate a single establishment in the Chianti area. Despite the boom in accommodation in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the choice was in any case limited to agritourism, understood as farm holidays, or old-fashioned country villas serving as hotels. Recent years, however, have seen the emergence of some luxury resorts and spas, as well as good mid-range solutions where guests receive personalised and friendly treatment.
BANFI CASTLE THE HAMLET
In the centre of the largest wine estate in Montalcino - founded by a leading US wine importer in the late 1970s - stands a beautiful medieval castle. Just outside its walls is a charming hamlet where the estate's workers used to live, now converted into a 14-room hotel. At first glance it might appear a little too perfect, but perfection can also be very pleasant, and in this Il Borgo succeeds with great elegance.
There are a couple of suites on each side in the renovated houses of the hamlet, facing both sides of a steep lane, as well as one (perfect for a honeymoon) created inside what used to be the hamlet's primary school.
Interior decorator Federico Forquet has opted for a colourful but warm version of the classic, original style typical of houses in the Tuscan countryside, using rich hues and floral textile motifs. The bathrooms (many with bathtub and large rain shower) are very spacious, and equipped with a courtesy line customised by Castello Banfi and produced with Sangiovese grapes from the estate's vineyards.
The outdoor swimming pool, although small, offers an extraordinary view from the lower Val d'Orcia to Monte Amiata.
On La Taverna Restauranttraditional and undeniably refined, it is also open in the evening - a less crowded time than lunchtime. The castle itself is part of the hotel, with a reading room reserved exclusively for guests, where one can enjoy an aperitif as well as relax after dinner, and with a typically Tuscan cloister where one can sit under a lovely pergola. And despite the limited number of rooms, the services on offer - including a small fitness room - are 5-star hotel standards.
Castello Banfi Il Borgo: 00 39 0577 877700
www.castellobanfiwineresort.it
Doubles from €340
