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Open March 31st to November 2nd, 2025

Just a 20-minute drive from the Renaissance town of Lucca, 40 minutes from the sparkling Mediterranean and an hour from Florence is Tenuta di Tramonte, a charming countryside retreat that offers a stunning, yet lesser-known slice of the region. This idyllic estate is the brainchild of couple Lorenzo and Laurence who left their fast-paced careers in finance and entrepreneurship to pursue a more meaningful connection with nature. The couple discovered their passion for agriculture during an olive harvest, inspiring them to buy the ancient convent behind their historic family property Villa Trenta and to bring the estate back to life through farming and hospitality. Guests can stay in the seven-room Villa  Volpi, now a boutique hotel available by individual bright room, each with a sprawling view of the countryside, or by renting the whole villa; the twelve-room Villa Trenta, a 15th-century wonder full of antiques, frescoes and beautiful ancient stones is also available as a whole villa rental. Thanks to the little details that dot the estate, you can really feel that it has lived through so many centuries.

Lorenzo (whose grandparents are from Lucca) and Laurence (from Belgium) are the type of cool, international couple you would be ecstatic to be invited over for dinner by, and, here at Tenuta di Tramonte, it really does feel like you’re at their stylish house and they’ve welcomed you with the most open of arms. The duo allow the natural heritage of their villas and land to shine, without forcing the estate to fit the stereotypical mold of Tuscany. These values are apparent in their philosophy of hospitality: to offer guests more than just a place to stay. Lorenzo happily spends time with guests, explaining his concept of design and the history of the tenuta and offering personalized recommendations. The couple’s passion for their region is infectious, and they take pride in directing visitors to off-the-beaten-path gems, such as the hidden lakes of Garfagnana and the quaint villages dotted throughout the countryside. They also have an extended network of local producers, whom you can visit for a taste of local delicacies. Their insider know-how allows guests to truly feel the essence of Tuscany. And Tuscany’s essence is pretty good all right at Tenuta di Tramonte. 

Lorenzo and Laurence’s commitment to sustainably respecting the Tuscan earth is evident in every aspect of the estate, from the organic farming practices to the farm-to-table cuisine. The estate produces its own wine, olive oil, vegetables, and eggs. In the summer, their homegrown, juicy tomatoes are not to be missed, and the homemade limoncello is a fan favorite all year round. Breakfast is included, and as of 2024, lunch and dinner service is also offered for guests; Tenuta di Tramonte’s chef crafts cuisine inspired by Tuscan tradition but with a modern touch, using primarily the produce of the tenuta and that of other local producers. Don’t forget to enquire about wine tasting and chef workshops to further taste the flavors of Tenuta di Tramonte’s terroir. (The couple also enjoys foraging: ask if you can tag along on a foraging walk!) 

Although there’s much to explore in Lucca and nearby, don’t miss spending some time surrounded by the lush gardens and orchards of Tenuta di Tramonte. After farm-style breakfast at the Tenuta, we recommend exploring in the morning, having lunch in the shaded garden at Erasmo and then returning to the Tenuta for a lazy afternoon by the pool, lulled by the sound of water and birds in the trees. As the sun begins to set, gather on the terrace for an aperitivo, and enjoy a pizza prepared on the spot by an expert pizzaiolo.

But, no matter how you spend your day, Lorenzo and Laurence hope they’ve shared their dream with you so that you may too create wonderful memories and connect with nature in this little paradise.

A few segreti (secrets) from Lorenzo and Laurence:

Antica Locanda di Sesto – Just outside the village, this restaurant offers traditional dishes prepared to perfection. They produce their own wine and olive oil and are famous for their wood grilled Bistecca Fiorentina!

Da Erasmo – One of the oldest restaurants in Italy, Erasmo has been managed by the same family for more than 250 years. The restaurant has a large, shaded terrace overlooking the Serchio river and is only a 10-minute walk from the estate. Try their homemade tordelli, Lucca’s most famous pasta.

Norcineria La Vinchiana – This little general grocery store produces their own delicious ham and sausages and has a great selection of local cheese and wine, as well as vegetables from local producers!