The platonic ideal of a Tuscan villa, Poggio Alla Sala was built in the 18th century on high ground near the vineyards of Montepulciano. But not even the Bonci-Casuccini family, the original noble residents, could have lived quite as well as today’s guests. The refurbished manor house recently opened to the public under the care of boutique hotelier Precise Tale, showcasing hand-restored frescoes and aged chestnut beams. But improvements like an Ayurvedic healing spa and three outdoor pools give it a generous edge.
The interior design of the improved space tends toward quiet luxury, as not to compete with friezes, frescoes and classic vaulted ceilings—not to mention countryside views from all of the 71 rooms and suites. The communal spaces are decorated with bentwood furnishings and antiques befitting the agricultural prosperity that defined the estate for years.
In places where the old ruin was irreparable, artisans added carved travertine, coffered ceilings and wrought iron. The colour palette echoes the natural hues and raw beauty synonymous with the region’s architectural heritage.
Credit: Precise Hotels
Credit: Precise Hotels
Credit: Precise Hotels
Credit: Precise Hotels
Credit: Precise Hotels
Credit: Precise Hotels
Credit: Precise Hotels
The aforementioned spa sits next to a state-of-the-art gym with a panoramic view and its own indoor heated pool. Families can enjoy a kids’ club on the property.
Chef Ronen Dovrat Bloch, a Le Cordon Bleu Master, cooks Asian-Tuscan fusion at the La Via Della Seta restaurant. Specialities include slow-cooked octopus with spicy harissa sauce and vegetable ragout and Acquerello Risotto with porcini powder, portobello mushroom, and Parmigiano. There’s a cocktail bar in the main pool area.
A plastic-free hotel, Poggio Alla Sala offers electric car chargers and eschews plastic. Water from the well is diverted to the gardens, and solar panels contribute to the property’s self-sufficiency.
