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Last updated: 19 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

An intact, beautifully-restored medieval borgo (hamlet) owned and run by the Ferragamo family, Il Borro lies at the centre of a working organic farm estate.

Much of what goes onto the plate in the estate’s three restaurants comes from the farm; chickens, Chianina beef, vegetables, fruit and the estate wines and olive oil. Sustainability is at the heart of the project.

The country-chic rooms and suites occupy the village houses, giving guests a taste of what life in a Tuscan hamlet may have been like, albeit with 5-star luxuries including two infinity pools and an excellent spa.

The village lies in its own 750-hectare estate in the Val d’Arno, east of the A1 autostrada in a totally rural setting. Florence and Siena are both 40 miles away and Arezzo is only 12 miles.

Surrounding area

The setting, in 750 hectares of park and farmland, is totally peaceful, a true rural escape from the world. Most of the bedrooms and suites are housed within the medieval stone village buildings, so you walk along cobbled streets to get to the restaurants, spa and so on.

The village buildings are not just given over to hospitality; mass is held in the church every Sunday and local artisans produce shoes, ceramics, hats and jewellery in their studios in the village.

While you're there

There are some enticing ‘experiences’ you can sign up for – vineyard and wine cellar tours, horse riding in the Tuscan countryside, and even workshops with local artisans (weaving, jewellery making and pottery painting and more). The latter are brilliant for kids.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

A day in Siena

Siena, Tuscany, Italy[39.5 miles]

Arguably the most perfect medieval city in the world, Siena is a glorious ensemble of red brick buildings and exquisite monuments, famous for its fan-shaped Campo and Il Palio horse race.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >

Palio di Siena

Siena, Tuscany, Italy[39.7 miles]

The most famous bareback horserace in the world, Il Palio is an extraordinary spectacle that sees horses and riders gallop three times round Siena’s glorious, medieval Piazza del Campo.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours

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Galileo Museum

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[44.7 miles]

Named after one of the most famous scientists in history, this fascinating museum holds a collection of more than 1,000 scientific instruments and related objects inherited from the Medici family and Lorraine dynasty – including two fingers belonging to Galileo.

Best for ages: 8+ | £9

Bargello Museum

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[44.7 miles]

An eclectic, world-class collection of sculpture, decorative arts and Renaissance masterpieces, housed in a former fortified prison.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

The Legend of the True Cross Fresco Cycle
Experience

The Legend of the True Cross Fresco Cycle

Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy[15.9 miles]

One of the greatest of all Italian fresco cycles is housed in the barnlike church of San Francesco in central Arezzo. Piero della Francesca’s Legend of the True Cross decorates the choir, taking fourteen years from 1452-1466. Recent restoration works mean the frescoes are in superb condition.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Arezzo Antique Market
Experience

Arezzo Antique Market

Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy[16 miles]

Held on the first weekend of each month, this huge market with stalls selling everything from vintage postcards to Renaissance paintings is laid out in and around Piazza Grande, attracting vendors and buyers from all over Italy.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Overview >
Garden of Villa La Foce
Experience

Garden of Villa La Foce

Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy[28.1 miles]

Villa La Foce was once home to Marchese Antonio Origo and his Anglo-American biographer wife Iris who, in 1925, commissioned renowned English architect Cecil Pinsent to make a garden. The glorious result overlooks the Val d’Orcia and Monte Amiata and is open to visitors.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

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Overview >
Greve
Experience

Greve

Greve, Tuscany, Italy[32.5 miles]

Medieval Greve-in-Chianti lies at the northern end of the Chianti Classico area and is a bustling market town with pretty arcaded central piazza. Generally considered the centre of Chianti wine-making, it hosts a huge, annual Festa del Vino, usually on the second weekend of September.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

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