Locanda al Colle

An Intimate Tuscan B&B

This traditional Tuscan guesthouse was created to be an intimate private inn by its fashion industry veteran owner, and guests at Locanda are considered part of the family. The property has been thoroughly updated, with the addition of a new wing, while its original structure features ancient chestnut beams and classic stone floors. Both buildings’ suites are creatively furnished with a curated mixture of 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s furniture from the owner’s private collection.

A design magazine darling, the B&B’s 12 suites sleep two to three guests and have been featured by Condé Nast Traveler, AD, Marie Claire Maison, The Telegraph, Elle Decoration and Wallpaper*, as well as others for their soft, soulful décor in a saturated natural palette accented by the owner’s personal art collection as well as unique antique-fair finds. Contemporary art by regional artists also features prominently at the inn. Outdoor spaces are serene and relaxing, with views across the Tuscan hills and out to the sea of Versilia. There’s a swimming pool, a self-help bar and multiple outdoor dining and lounging pergolas. Guests are also granted access to a beach club about 15 minutes’ drive away, with private cabanas, pedal boats, SUPs, and a solarium.

All rooms feature a king-sized bed, and floors have cozy living rooms and peaceful terraces.

Additional features

Experiences include half-day or full-day wine tastings, visits to marble quarries, shoe design workshops, bike and Vespa hire, and guided bike tours, boat trips, trekking and yoga workshops, as well as drawing and boxing instruction, and body sculpting services.

Breakfast is from 9:00AM to 11:00AM, but coffee is always ready for early birds. Every item is made in-house, and each day you will taste something different, both sweet and savory, along with coffee, cappuccino, tea, hot water with ginger, freshly squeezed citrus juices, and both hot and cold milk. 

Around

Located in the hills inland from the coastal resort town of Viareggio, the property is close to Carrara, the world’s leading marble-producing region that’s long been home to sculptors and stone artisans. The area is also home to bronze artists who work in the foundries in and around Pietrasanta. The latter is a town in the final foothills of the Apuan Alps about three kilometers from the coast of northern Tuscany. A lovely medieval town, Pietrasanta is known as the “Little Athens of Italy” for its wealth of international artists who have chosen to settle there. In the town’s tight, alley-like streets, artists’ studio spaces and workshops are open for visiting and small galleries host temporary exhibitions.

The promenade in the nearby town of Viareggio is worth a wander, and the beaches of Marina di Pietrasanta are known for their romantic bays, rocky coves, and sandy stretches. The northern part of the Tuscan coastline extends from Marina di Carrara to Torre del Lago Puccini, and offers beachfront amenities such as sunbeds and umbrella rentals, showers, bars and restaurants. During the 1960s, the area was famed for its glamour and nightlife, welcoming JFK, Edith Piaf, Paul Anka and others who frequented its beach clubs. Today, Forte dei Marmi is home to the luxe crowd with its exclusive boutiques and beach clubs, Michelin-quality restaurants, and dressed up nightlife.

Folks seeking wilder sands should head to the beach of Lecciona between Viareggio and Torre del Lago Puccini. Part of the natural park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli, the beach is reached by a 10-15 minute walk through the piney woods and dunes. The city of Pisa is 20+ miles to the north, and the walled town of Lucca is about 30 minutes away. The Tuscan coastline is renowned for fantastic restaurants, great art, and unspoiled beaches. Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi, and Viareggio are a few of the most popular towns. In July and August, Torre del Lago celebrates Puccini with an open-air opera festival.

Florence can be reached in one hour. It should be noted that the medieval pilgrim route of Via Francigena passes the property's doorstep.

Location

Versilia, Italy. Nearest airport: Pisa (37.9km)

Best time to visit

February to September