CASTELLO DI VICARELLO, TUSCANY

I first heard about Castello di Vicarello when traveling in Italy a few years ago. A friend called it one of Italy’s most “unpretentious castles.” I remember him saying, “I’ve never felt more at home in a hotel.” This has always stuck with me, because, well, who wouldn't want to feel "at home" in a 12th century Tuscan castle?

Castello di Vicarello - Tuscany

There’s a great story behind Vicarello. The owners are a local married couple, Aurora and Carlos Baccheschi, who bought the property decades ago and saved it from ruin. Apparently, there were cows meandering inside the castle just before renovations started. Since then, they’ve completely revamped the place—adding luxurious suites, two natural swimming pools, as well as over 1,000 rose bushes in the gardens. 

My favorite touch? Aurora herself offers impromptu cooking classes in the castle’s unbelievably gorgeous kitchen. Regional dishes are prepared using produce raised on site—does it get any more local than that?

Even without having stayed there (which is a tragedy soon to be rectified), I can sense the warmth and hominess of Castello di Vicarello. Of course, relaxing in an unpretentious castle doesn’t come cheap. Rooms, of which there are 7, start around $500/night. Clearly Justin and I have a case of Italian-luxury-itis around here--see: sleeping in a lighthouse on Sardinia--, but sometimes these unique, authentic experiences are worth saving for.

Take a look:

Aurora in the Kitchen

Swimming pools and Hillside views

The Castle ground from above

-Lindsey