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Open April 1st to December 31st, 2026

It started with an espresso. Or rather, the threat of not having one. “In 2019, they were closing down the village shop, and we thought it would be a shame if there was no place to get a coffee here. So we bought the shop,” recalls owner John Werich, who has lived near the Tuscan borgo of San Pancrazio, in central Tuscany’s Valdambra valley, for over 15 years. Soon, John went on to acquire the neighboring buildings, and in 2022, opened Palazzo Tiglio.

Today, this grand palazzo from 1691—which boasts nods from Michelin and Small Luxury Hotels of the World—operates as an intimate hotel with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. “For me, luxury is a personal touch and a genuine experience,” John shares. “A smile gets you a long way.”

Along with a communal space on the piano nobile, the palazzo features five guest rooms and one apartment, each with sweeping views of the surrounding Tuscan hills and olive groves and all powered with 100% renewable energy from rooftop solar panels. All are styled by John. “Palazzo Tiglio is a very personal expression of my taste. We didn’t use an interior decorator or stylist, so all choices—from furniture, art, and fabrics, down to plates, glassware, and cutlery—are my own,” he says. “I especially love the beautiful ceramics and tableware by world-renowned ceramist Christiane Perrochon, who also happens to be our neighbor.” 

Situated at the crossroads of the ancient Strada dei Procacci pilgrimage route, the estate has passed through many hands, including, most recently, the noble Scodellini family. Recent restoration work even uncovered a medieval water well and Roman-era grain stores within the cellars.

John’s perfect day at Palazzo Tiglio looks like this: wake up slowly, take a leisurely dip in the pool, and enjoy a long breakfast on the shaded terrace. After a second cappuccino at La Cantinetta—that original village shop John purchased—to watch the village wake up, drive to nearby Renaissance town Monte San Savino. There, you can stroll the main street, explore the medieval water cistern, and wander the rose gardens. Return to the palazzo for a poolside spritz (and dip) before checking out the latest art exhibition at the property’s 13th-century church. Dinner is at their elegant on-site restaurant—or, if it’s Saturday, at the local circolo for a rosticiana dinner—followed by an intimate chamber music concert. 

Much of what you’ll eat on the property is grown in the palazzo’s organic garden or the family’s nearby farm, Poggio all’Olmo. The fine-dining restaurant, helmed by executive chef Mattia Parlanti, offers tasting and à la carte menus with refined takes on classic Italian dishes—think agnolotti del plin served with peposo, or insalata caprese with sweetbreads. Pair your meal with something sommelier Danilo Salvi recommends from their 400+ label cellar, which was recently awarded a red star by Star Wine List as one of the best in Tuscany.

At La Cantinetta—now a lively village delicatessen serving coffee, pastries, panini, and aperitivo—is where you’ll often find John. “Since Palazzo Tiglio is in the heart of our small village, the Cantinetta is frequented by locals, tourists, and guests alike,” John says. “It’s why staying here immediately makes you feel part of the community, experiencing our slice of Tuscany as if you actually lived here, too.”

A few segreti (secrets) from John:

La Bottega di Duddova – Head to this cozy trattoria in a tiny nearby village for one of the best local dining experiences. Grab a table along the street and order the fried eggs with truffle or the delicious fried chicken with wild fennel seeds.

Arezzo Antique Market – On the first weekend of every month, the entire center of this city transforms into an open-air antique market. It’s a wonderful place to hunt for everything from quirky bric-a-brac to high-end artwork, followed by lunch at Le Chiavi d’Oro in Piazza San Francesco.

Podere Il Carnasciale – For a chic wine tasting (by appointment only), visit this estate on the opposite side of the valley. Here you can taste their iconic Caberlot wine—a grape variety grown exclusively by the Rogosky family—while taking in sweeping views over the Valdarno.