The Place
The Swiss Bertherat family have been producing excellent wine in the Val d’Orcia since 2013; their latest venture is this sophisticated rural bolt hole ten minutes’ drive from the Renaissance town of Pienza in Tuscany.
The deep scarlet-painted 19th century house was once home to Gervasio Newton, a descendent of the celebrated scientist. Architect and interior designer Antonie Bertherat has created a cosy and welcoming home-from (very stylish)-home with a playful 1970s look; warm colours and clashing jazzy patterns on handmade wallpapers, tiles and textiles and a mix of mid-century and bespoke furnishings all of which sits well with the family’s contemporary art collection.
The 11 rooms (named after Mr. Newton’s offspring) are all different: top floor Elisabetta has a bath-with-a-view, Aroldo a pretty private garden and spacious Gervasio occupies a former garage.
From the blousy, English-style gardens and the gorgeous infinity pool with sunbeds shaded by scalloped pink parasols, views over the Val d’Orcia are stunning.
In cooler weather, cocktails are served in the retro, rather glam bar while in summer, guests gather on a panoramic loggia before moving into dinner at Il Cervo where the chef makes good use of the kitchen garden and abundant local produce. Breakfast is a sweet and savoury feast with buffalo milk yoghurt, home made granola and home-baked breads and pastries.
There’s a lot to see and do in the area; vineyard tours and tastings at the Bertherat’s Fabbrica winery, visits to Pienza and other nearby hilltowns, walking and biking.
Photograph credits: ©Alessandro Moggi