With the Ferragamos, it’s always been a family affair. And at their Tuscan estate, Il Borro, you could say that they’re taking it to a whole new level for the kids. Of course, there’s the working farm and horses, but their activities are like camp for the fam.
From one family to another, the Il Borro estate has passed through the hands of high nobility. This is not an exaggeration as dukes, counts, and princes owned the property—first a castle in the 17th century— before it reached the Ferragamos. In 1993, the Ferragamo legacy began, and three years later, the discovery of EVO oil-rich and wine-producing terrain officially put the family in business. Sustainability and respect for nature were the pillars of the winery estate. First, they started with solar-powered facilities and zero-bill homes, then transitioned into a completely organic farm shortly after. The commitment to natural practices has trickled down to modern-day Il Borro, as the children of the first Ferragamo generation continue its legacy.
The property in central Tuscany is a thousand-year-old hamlet. The village-like estate dedicates 85 hectares to its vineyards, and olive groves make up another 33. Forage and crop production take up an additional 272 hectares, with 3 reserved for gardens, and the rest left as natural forest. Il Borro’s dedication to an authentic medieval village experience didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2012, the property joined the Relais & Châteaux association.
Accommodations
“This bed is too hard! This bed is too soft! But, this bed is just right.” When your problems include which villa in which estate is best for the family, you know you’ve done right by your children. The accommodations are so plentiful that they fall into three categories:
Il Borro Relais & Châteaux
The medieval village has 40 suites and follows a farm-chic approach. Suites offer two bedrooms and private bathrooms. Some have fireplaces, and a couple of the family suites include private gardens with panoramic views. Prestige suites feature a Turkish bath in the shower, while classic rooms look over romantic cobblestone alleys and house cozy reading nooks. If the plan is to go big, the mansion is where to flaunt. The 10-room accommodation is central to the village and is often rented by VIPs or large families. Residential staff are always available during a mansion stay.
For a more private option, gardens and Merlot vineyards surround Villa Casetta. Your infinity pool looks over the greenery, and to keep things ultra-private, breakfast is served directly in your home. For ultimate privacy, 2 km from the main estate within the Tuscan woods is Oggi Mulino. Contractors created the building from the remains of an ancient water mill. Other highlights include a nearby river, a solarium, and oak trees that act as a fence for the safety of your youngins.
I Borrigiani
Scouting something in between a suite and a villa? The farmhouses in I Borrigiani accommodates up to six guests. These homes take inspiration from the Tuscan Grand Ducal era—exposed stone walls, terracotta floors, and timeworn wood beams set the tone. Floor-length linen curtains, deep-seated armchairs, and country air spill through double-hung windows. The Pratomagno mountainscape will be your view. If you’ve chosen the urban lifestyle for the kids, this is where you come to play house and live out your countryside fantasies.
Viesca Toscana
For the true historic Tuscany experience, Villa Viesca is your obvious choice. The property has been a villa since its onset, once the private home of Salvatore and Wanda Ferragamo. The manor is filled with large fireplaces and frescoes. Also within Viesca Toscana is a family cottage and the three suites of Roseto, set in a rose garden.
From Vineyard to Glass
L’Orto del Borro is the source of all seasonal organic produce. In the hills, staff grow traditional crops and seeds like Florentine Costoluto tomatoes and Fiesole zucchini. Beehives on the property allow for fresh honey and abundant flora, while Sardinian sheep roaming the land produce pecorino. The self-sustaining system also extends to wine production, with Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, and now Brunello di Montalcino served straight from the source.
There are four restaurants in Il Borro. Osteria del Borro is where you’ll go for fine dining with contemporary Tuscan fare. The dinner spot offers dishes like saffron seafood risotto and roasted pigeon in a cherry reduction. Pomario – Aie has a casual atmosphere for pizza poolside by the infinity pool. Then there’s Tuscan Bistro Il Borro for an elegant but still relaxed lunch and dinner. For aperitifs, morning coffee, or a nightcap, the Borro Bar and VinCafè are your spots.
Family Fun
Not a second will go by where you’ll hear, “I’m bored” from your posse. Guided walks and forest bathing are for all ages. You can roam the premises, but if directions aren’t your strong suit and you’d like to avoid the dreaded “Where are we?” questions, tours will help get you acquainted with the expansive grounds. Cooking classes are available for all ages, and the same goes for horseback riding. You can also watch a local artisan craft textiles or jewelry (gift your wife a handcrafted Tuscan ring and thank us later). The kids can create puppets with an on-site babysitter or get a tennis lesson while you craft your own cocktail. Turns out the Mediterranean summer is still going strong.
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FAQs
Q: What are Osteria del Borro’s hours of operation?
A: The restaurant is open every day from 7:15 pm to 10 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays, and a reservation is highly recommended.
Q: Is parental supervision necessary for cooking classes?
A: For a standard cooking class, a parent must be present for children younger than 11.
Q: Where is Il Borro located?
A: Via dell’Oreno, 1, 52024 San Giustino Valdarno AR, Italy
