Enjoy the best of both worlds at Torre Di Bellosguardo, a 13th-century villa, where the serenity and space of a countryside retreat are just a short drive from Florence’s bustling center. A unique experience for those who love beauty and history.
Torre di Bellosguardo offers a rare kind of escape that feels both grand and quietly personal. This historical villa sits on a gentle hillside with sweeping views over the city’s domes and towers, yet it remains just a few minutes from the historic centre. Inside, frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and carved stone fireplaces recall a noble past, while outside, terraced gardens and a peaceful pool invite slow mornings and golden-hour strolls. Privately owned for generations, the hotel balances character with comfort, authenticity, and soul. Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic property, perfect for a peaceful retreat, romantic stays, and intimate wedding celebrations.
A Historic Hideaway
Torre di Bellosguardo is a historical villa dating back to the 1200s when the tower’s owner was the poet Guido Cavalcanti, a friend of Dante. The name itself—”beautiful view”—is no exaggeration: it’s surrounded by a wonderful garden with sweeping views of the Florentine skyline stretching out beneath you, from the Duomo to the Arno. “The property’s exterior is grand, with a historic charm and the signature charity décor crowning the structure,” says destination wedding planner Nicole Blair. Staying here feels like being welcomed into a private Medieval and Renaissance villa rather than a hotel. With a limited number of rooms and suites, guests rarely encounter others, creating an atmosphere of true privacy and exclusivity.
Today, it remains a private and independently run hotel and is still home to owners Amerigo and Ana Amaretti. The hotel was purchased by Amerigo’s grandmother in 1913 and has retained its timeless, old-world charm ever since. It proudly stands apart from international chains. For over 25 years, the hotel has stayed true to its philosophy: that true luxury lies not in excess but in silence and serenity in the generous space of its rooms, the homely charm of its decor, and the fragrant beauty of its lush gardens.
Intimate and Luxurious Accommodation
With sixteen historic, elegant rooms and suites, the hotel maintains a sense of intimacy and quiet sophistication. Each room is uniquely decorated in traditional Florentine style, many with original artwork and antique pieces that speak to the building’s rich heritage. “Each room feels unique and private, enhancing the sense of personal luxury. My room felt like a portal back in time – grand, atmospheric, and beautifully preserved,” shares Nicole Blair. “Bathrooms are decent sized and also very authentic in their feel.”
While Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo invites guests to step back in time, it hasn’t sacrificed the modern comforts expected of a 4-star stay in Florence. Every room is equipped to suit today’s lifestyles, featuring private bathrooms with a shower or bathtub, hairdryer, telephone, LCD TV, mini-bar, and safe—ensuring that timeless charm and contemporary convenience go hand in hand.
"Ideal for travelers looking for a serene, romantic, and historic experience rather than a modern or trendy stay."
Peace and Proximity
Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo invites guests to step away from the fast pace and constant noise of modern life, to slow down, breathe in the scent of nature, take in the beauty around them, and truly unwind. Its philosophy may feel old-fashioned in an age obsessed with piling luxury on top of luxury—but that’s exactly what sets the hotel apart.
"We strive hard to welcome our guests with a more informal and warm atmosphere. Luxury in Bellosguardo is essential and cozy, a great place to savor nature and simplicity and first come into contact with art and history and even cooking, without the distractions of the cyber-world to remove them to another planet. Bellosguardo is about slow life."
Though surrounded by peaceful gardens and birdsong, Torre di Bellosguardo is just a short drive from Florence’s bustling center. Guests enjoy the best of both worlds: the tranquility of a countryside retreat with the city’s cultural riches within easy reach. It’s an ideal base for those seeking to explore Florence without sacrificing serenity or space. Moreover, the venue is deemed by many to have the best view over the jewel of the Renaissance.
Interiors
Furnished with impeccable Tuscan taste, Torre di Bellosguardo offers its guests the privileged feeling of being king or queen of the castle, comfortably settled in a place of rare beauty. The interiors maintain a deep sense of history, with frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and centuries-old details lovingly preserved. The halls are adorned with stone-carved fireplaces. Every corner of the hotel tells a story.
“It feels like stepping into a 13th-century Tuscan villa,” says wedding planner Nicole Blair. “The interiors are untouched, elegant, and true to Florence’s heritage. No modern finishes. Metal keys, creaky floors, original frescoes. It all adds to the immersive, historic feel, perfect for couples who want a timeless, authentic experience.”
Grounds & Amenities
While steeped in history, Torre di Bellosguardo offers thoughtful, modern comfort. Guests can unwind by the hillside swimming pool, which opens in May and offers breathtaking views over Florence—you might just find it hard to leave. The hotel is surrounded by expansive gardens perfect for meditation or a peaceful stroll among blooming flowers through the secret passages and hidden corners. Cypress trees and fragrant lemon trees add to the timeless charm of this serene retreat. Whether you’re exploring its secret corners or simply finding a quiet spot to read or reflect, the estate offers a rare sense of stillness and beauty.
As in the past, Torre di Bellosguardo maintains a small farm with an organic vegetable garden that supplies fresh fruits and vegetables for breakfast and light snacks. Three donkeys, a pony, ducks, and hens bring joy to children exploring the grounds and add a whimsical, rustic elegance to the estate. Wandering freely around the property, eight affectionate house cats complete the picture, adding a touch of warmth and homely charm to this timeless Florentine retreat.
Food & Dining
Mornings begin with a simple but elegant breakfast served on the terrace or the frescoed dining room—homemade pastries, Tuscan cheeses, tasty meats, seasonal fruits, and great Italian coffee. “The terrace setting and morning light make breakfast feel like a dream,” says Nicole Blair. While the hotel does not operate a formal restaurant or lunch/dinner options, the staff will gladly arrange private dining or recommend exceptional nearby trattorias.
A Setting for Weddings
If you’re dreaming of a fairytale wedding in Florence, Torre di Bellosguardo offers a setting straight out of a Renaissance painting—where every corner feels like a love story waiting to be told. Wedding planner Nicole Blair shares her insight on the venue, noting that it may not be the best fit for large or high-energy celebrations due to music restrictions (in place to protect its historic frescoes) and limited event availability during peak season (no weddings from Easter through November). That said, Nicole sees it as an ideal choice for:
◦ Pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners or welcome drinks.
◦ Post-wedding brunches or farewell gatherings.
◦ Honeymoons or romantic stays before or after the wedding.
◦ Elopements or intimate celebrations, especially off-season.
◦ Guest accommodations for couples seeking exclusivity and charm.
A Place to Linger
Whether sipping wine on a terrace overlooking Florence, wandering through fragrant gardens, or simply curling up with a book in a sun-drenched salon, the rhythm of Torre di Bellosguardo encourages you to slow down and savor the moment. It’s a place that inspires contemplation, creativity, and connection—where every visit feels like coming home to something beautifully eternal.
“My stay was magical—like living in a storybook villa filled with character and soul. It’s not about modern amenities here—the property itself is the experience. I left feeling inspired, refreshed, and already dreaming of my return,” Nicole recalls. “I believe that for couples looking to slow down, soak in Tuscany’s beauty, and escape the world for a bit, Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo is pure romance.”
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo and Nicole Blair
