Villa Ardore
At Villa Ardore in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Californian couple Christian Scali and Stephen Lewis have created the ultimate destination for those looking for an exceptional experience. The approach by car is nothing short of enchanting. After driving through a tunnel of trees in a forest, the views open to reveal the villa and a breathtaking vista of the surrounding hillsides and vineyards.
A renowned lawyer in the high-end automotive sector in the US, Christian shares his passion for cars with guests, often incorporating luxury, classic or motor sport events, such as Le Mans, La Dolce Vita, the Monaco Grand Prix and Cavallino Classic Modena, into the villa’s offering. “In addition to attending these events, our guests can tour the region in beautiful cars, visit iconic locations and enjoy food prepared by Michelin-starred chefs,” he says.
Christian and Stephen opened the exquisite 16th-century villa in 2023 after extensive renovation, having lavished it with the same meticulous attention to detail, craft and design that one would find in a luxury marque. The result is a private, peaceful, home-from-home retreat, with sumptuous furnishings, modern amenities, and beautiful indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces. “We have created this level of luxury that is extremely high, but without in any way sacrificing the authenticity of the location,” says Christian. It has all the comforts of a resort but the privacy of a private home.
The villa offers exclusive stays, with eight guest suites, but it is also perfect for wedding parties of up to 60 people. It is a 50-minute drive from Florence airport and only 15 minutes from Castellina-in-Chianti, famous for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, fine dining restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and surrounding vineyards. The area is a popular holiday destination, but those who stay at the villa get a much deeper experience than most, with a warm welcome from the local community. “Because we both have Italian heritage and live locally during the winter, the community is important to us, and our embrace by the community extends to our guests,” says Stephen.
The local relationships Christian and Stephen have developed are evidenced throughout the villa, in the design by Florentine architect Massimo Pierattelli and in the impeccable finishes and furniture crafted by local artisans. Meanwhile, car and racing enthusiasts benefit from partnerships with Italian car dealers. Itineraries such as La Dolce Vita include touring through the scenic countryside in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, high-performing Abarth designed by Lapo Elkann, or a funky vintage Fiat 500. As well as gourmet meals from head chefs, there are visits to vineyards and olive oil tastings. The Cavallino Modena offering is another means of immersing guests in Italy’s rich automative heritage and food, with a visit to the hometown of motoring legend Enzo Ferrari.
Villa Ardore is deeply connected to the local environment, too. Water comes from a well, solar power is being installed, and rainwater is collected for the gardens, where the villa’s own produce is grown.
Facilities include a heated infinity pool and poolside bar, fire pit and luxurious Roman spa, complete with sunken Whirlpool, sauna, steam room, sensory shower and rejuvenating treatments. A 500-bottle wine cellar, individually curated cuisine and an expert concierge service complete the picture. The love the owners have lavished on Villa Ardore endures throughout, and transcends to restore the wellbeing of guests.