Tenuta Bichi Borghesi

I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding here last year, and the place took my breath away. There are so many lovely spots for wedding portraits, and the setup is wonderful. The people are great and friendly too. I can’t wait to come back!

A lovely, traditional farmhouse stay in beautiful Tuscan surroundings. Tenuta Bichi Borghesi is a special family-run place, tucked away among the hills. We ate breakfast outdoors and felt lucky to have the grounds as our garden while we were there.

Paola runs the estate with warmth, grace, and a good sense of humor, and speaks better than average English. She and her staff were glad to help us find local restaurants and get reservations, and seemed to enjoy making our stay comfortable. The wine they produce is amazingly good, so drink it and buy some! My wife and I spent four days in the “cocchiere,” and there was room for another couple too. The kitchen isn’t huge by American standards, but it was more than enough for the little cooking we did. We were pleasantly surprised by the full bathrooms and shower-baths, having encountered some cramped places and quirky bathrooms in Italy. It felt more like staying with a good friend than being a hotel guest, with a comfortable blend of old-world hominess and modern touches. The estate is an operating winery and farm, and the ancient, stately grounds have vineyards, gardens, topiary, and fields that are breathtakingly beautiful. It has the feel of a noble place from the past, while still being cozy. Tenuta Bichi Borghese had everything we came to Tuscany for, and Volterre and Siena are within easy reach. Don’t hesitate to book it.

There’s no place like home? There is, and more, at Tenuta di Bichi Borghesi. We’ve stayed here several times, for a month each visit, and it’s the closest thing to Heaven we know. The place brings the very old together with comfortable modern life. Rooms are spacious, inviting, and comfortable. From the kitchen, you look across farmland dotted with vineyards and olive trees, with contented sheep sounds in the background. It’s wonderfully soothing. You’ll meet Gigliola, the lovely grande dame matriarch, whose family line goes back to Uncle Bonico around 900, along with her sons Niccolo. and Vittorio, and Vittorio’s wife Paola, who manages the estate with charm and devoted efficiency. Barbara and Ed Gazich Laguna Beach, CA