Villa Lena in Tuscany by Hesselbrand Set in Former Horse Stable.

It’s Tuscany. What’s not to love? The place of romance, healing restoration, good vibes and the very best of rustic Italian architecture. But apparently, there’s more. Hesselbrand, an international architecture studio with offices in London and Oslo, have redesigned the former horse stables, Fattoria, at Villa Lena, transforming them into drop-dead gorgeous accommodation.

“The design concept emphasises the playful meeting of traditional and contemporary in the redeveloped Fattoria building which is already a trademark of Villa Lena’s rustic aesthetic,” said the architects.

A carefully curated palette of organic materials and forms is combined to enhance and amplify the beauty between old and new, both in the guest rooms and surrounding social spaces.

The former stables have been adapted to include a new large entrance with a prominent double staircase, allowing a walkway through the building while creating a new setting for events and ceremonies. New guest room have been synced with this design on either side of the pathway, each facing outwards, simultaneously creating privacy and improved access.

Guest rooms feature oak floors and wood panelling, created by local, highly skilled artisans using traditional Italian modernist and post-war joinery design and architecture. The ensuite bathrooms reflect the contemporary classical mix of the rooms, finished with local Carrara marble and custom-made ornamental stainless-steel vanity units. Sliding doors allow for easy interaction between guests in the bathroom and in the bedroom, enhancing the feeling of intimacy.

Fattoria’s ground floor has kept the original features of the stables in the new design, opening up each room and creating flow through to the multifunctional spaces. The new layout allows the building to accommodate a more diverse range of events such as weddings or talks, with the main hall providing seating for up to seventy guests.

Other new areas include an art library, light and rain pavilion and a yoga studio as well as a wine cellar. The communal art library has the feel of a gallery and an artist’s studio, displaying many of the works that have been obtained on a continuous rotation, as well as newly commissioned pieces from past residents. The light and rain pavilion, an open-air cabana, allows guests to engage with the stunning surroundings and provide a space for quiet contemplation and relaxation.

Continuing with Villa Lena’s commitment to sustainability, the newly renovated Fattoria is powered by solar panels, already in use throughout the hotel. In addition, Villa Lena has continued to advance its water collection systems increasing the hotel’s water sustainability, and as of 2019, the newly expanded 2,000sqm vegetable garden will use a completely sustainable water system.

The renovated Fattoria building also features Villa Lena’s first Honeymoon suite, Casetta del’Amore, a secluded and semi standalone house, offering a luxurious hideaway for couples. It features a living room, a large bathtub and a private garden with seating area for al-fresco drinks.

It is a stunning re-invention of space, from the timeless oak floors to the white stucco Tuscan walls. Hesselbrand has shown not simply a respect for the existing structure, but they have echoed the cultural aesthetic of the rustic traditions of Tuscan ways. There is a timeless elegance to this design, one that will gracefully take Villa Lena into the next incarnation of the thriving agri-tourism business.