Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

We are a small family of three: Francesca, Margherita and Alberto. We live between Tuscany and Germany, but our hearts live entirely at Villa Carnicelli. We do everything together: every decision, every detail, every guest experience comes from the three of us as one.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

Our family of three is incredibly close. We share a love for nature, food, design, slow living, music, and deep, meaningful conversations. Cooking, restoring beautiful things, welcoming people with warmth… these are parts of who we are. We love to spend time together, whether it’s working on the house, harvesting olives, or simply sitting on the terrace under the linden tree with a glass of wine and good stories.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Villa Carnicelli came into our life in late 2020. We had just let go of a previous home to follow a bigger dream: to create a place in Tuscany that we could fill with love and share with others. The villa, almost 300 years old, had originally been owned by a noble family and later by warm-hearted local people who tried to restore it for decades, but never fully succeeded. They wished for someone who would continue their vision with heart. We felt that wish deep in our bones and took it on with all our love.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

The renovation became a life project. We approached every decision with care, patience, rationality, selected taste and a deep respect for the soul of this historic villa. We used only natural, ecological materials, such as warm lime paints, natural stone, and reclaimed wood, and integrated systems that respect the environment and well-being: wall heating, in-wall vacuuming, gentle lighting. Every room carries our fingertips and our felt devotion. We didn’t design a place to impress but we created a home to embrace.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

It’s hard to choose one moment. Maybe it’s the evenings we spent together during renovation, covered in dust, exhausted but smiling. Or the first time we opened the doors and saw guests laughing under the pergola. What makes it truly special is that it carries our story, our bond as a family, and now we get to weave other people’s stories into it, too.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

Calm, grounded, warm. The villa has an ancient soul, but feels very light and alive. Earthy tones, natural textures, nothing over-designed. It feels real, honest, and timeless, like it’s always been waiting for you.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

The loggia. It’s where mornings begin and evenings gently fade. It opens to the garden and the hills, and somehow, no matter the season, it always brings peace.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

The villa sits gently on a hillside near Lucca, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards and stillness. It’s close enough to the city and the coast, yet it feels like a hidden world. You wake up to birdsong, not traffic. You see stars at night. It’s that rare kind of quiet that makes you breathe deeper.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

Yes! Sustainability was the foundation of every choice. We worked with traditional techniques and ecological systems: breathable natural paints, healthy heating and air systems, dust-free living through integrated vacuuming, organic fabrics, and chemical-free maintenance. We try to live in harmony with the place, not just in it.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

We’ve always believed that homes are meant to be shared. We want others to feel what we feel here: safety, calm, beauty, connection. Inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, we go beyond expectations because true hospitality is not about luxury, it’s about making people feel seen and cared for!

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

From the moment guests arrive, we want to make sure they feel welcomed and supported. You arrive through a row of cypress trees. The gate opens to olive groves and soft hills. We welcome you in person, not just with keys, but with warmth. You sleep in rooms filled with light and quiet. You cook in a kitchen made for stories and laughter. Mornings might start with birdsong and local breakfast on the terrace, days filled with wine tastings, olive oil tours, or simply lounging by the pool. You rest, you breathe and you reconnect. It’s not just a stay but it’s a feeling. Every experience is tailored, slow-paced, and filled with soul. Our goal is for guests to feel like they’ve found a home away from home. A slow, deep breath of Tuscany. “La dolce vita” and “il dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing)!

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

This is not a vacation rental managed by someone far away. We are here in person, we do care and our guests will feel the difference. The villa has history, but what’s most important, it has a beating heart. Everything, from the architecture to the smallest welcome gesture, reflects thought and intention. We and the villa are real and nothing is “for show.” It’s a place where people say: this feels like coming home.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

One guest told us: “I’ve never felt so gently held by a place before.” That meant everything to us and stays with us.

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

That they felt genuinely cared for. That they felt peace. That they laughed. That they slept well. That they relaxed. That something in them softened and opened. That they felt the love we spread into every corner. That their experience was more than a holiday: it was meaningful, grounding, and full of warmth.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?