il bel paese
By Bridget Perry — Andiamo Italy
They say it is always darkest before dawn, and winter is no exception. Snowfall may still be in the forecast for many, and warmer days may feel a lifetime away, but truth be told the young buds of spring are inching their way to daylight as we speak! Massive amounts of energy are at work underground in these waning weeks of winter and the slow, steady rhythm the natural world has been humming along to is on the cusp of changing. A quicker pace is on the horizon, and with it comes a fresh, green spring and a new appetite to witness it firsthand – a perfect excuse for a trip to the wild woods of Tuscany, no?
For those pining after a crisp breath of mountain air, a cool plunge into a nearby river, or a delightful outdoor lunch on a sunny day, then consider Novanta as your home away from home this spring. Rebuilt stone-by-stone from the remnants of the once vibrant town of Borgo di Gello, Novanta is more than a hotel & home rental, it is an escape into nature and a return to community that lends a perfect setting for new beginnings.
While the remaining structures of Borgo di Gello are a far cry from their former glory, their current crumbled state is all but expected for a town with 1,000 years of history. Fortunately, that history is not destined to be lost thanks to the creative ingenuity of Novanta’s three founders Mart Hijmans, Igor Sancisi, & Leonard Crijns who came upon the village in 2014 and saw the potential for renewal. Twelve years on and the project’s reach has spread to include an additional 300 hectares of beautiful landscape and the nearby ruins of Castello di Gello. The end result? A rustic yet elegant lodging rooted firmly in the slope (and history) of the Casentino Valley.
As with all worthwhile adventures, reaching Novanta requires a willingness to stray off the well worn path – literally! It should come as no surprise that abandoned villages rarely have addresses, so GPS coordinates are the primary guide up the winding mountain roads towards this secluded escape. But upon arrival, any expectations of isolation are all but dissolved by a warm welcome, a shared meal, and a few heavy pours from the self-serve Honesty Bar.
Guests of the hotel can book a wide range of accommodations from small studios & large suites to charming cottages and even an adventurous stay in a treehouse or skylodge. Their holiday home rentals are perfect for families and offer just enough privacy from the hotel to feel like a true escape into the wild. No matter the choice, the masterful design work put into the restoration and renovation of each space is on full display. Clean architectural lines blend beautifully into original stone, heavy wooden beams brace high ceilings, and earth toned tile and brick floors add a balance of rustic charm. It is all but written on the walls here – the craftsmen and woodworkers of the resident restoration team know how to revive a village.
Meals here are an act of equal beauty, not only for the food served but the communal effort involved. From groundskeeper Tomi’s vegetable garden to Fabrizio the butcher and his exceptionally cured meats, the food enjoyed a tavola is produced with deep intention and care. These elements are then combined in the Novanta kitchen under the guidance of chef Maurizio & team to produce hearty, flavorful dishes that can only be truly appreciated when eaten together, family style.
Long communal tables topped heavy with pastas, meats, seasonal vegetables, and homemade desserts are an irresistible call to gather. These long and leisurely indulgences beneath the shade of old trees and fresh spring sunshine are the genesis of Novanta. It is where stories are swapped, plates passed, and friendships formed. Community is built at these long tables – and given the spirit of Novanta, it’s a safe bet to say the tables were probably built by the community in turn.
Under the careful care and welcoming charms of Isa the Operations Manager, guests are encouraged to make themselves at home, settle into a comfortable chair, lounge at the pool, or partake in any number of activities and adventures that may best feed their soul. A visit to Fabrizio’s farm for a long lunch and a sampling of his best cured meats may call to some, while a picnic lunch and afternoon at the river will undoubtedly beckon others. From e-bikes and valley hikes to archery, massages, and lessons in pasta making, Novanta offers abundance and the freedom to sample it at your own pace. Just be prepared to share your stories over a pour of homemade limoncello at the next family meal!
Suffice it to say, Novanta is a rare bloom in the garden that is Casentino Valley. It has taken root amidst the forgotten ruins of its previous self – stretching tender vines and leaves out across the valley to entwine lost relics, neighbors, and wild spaces back into its grasp. Day after day the guests that visit & the staff that stay feed Novanta’s upward growth; and year after year the vines that tie it all together grow stronger; it is truly a living lesson in revival. Just as spring shall always come from winter, and dawn will always rise from the darkest hour, a new life and a new community can spring forth from the remains of a lost village in the wild woods of Tuscany.
Book a stay : novanta90.com
Buy a home : www.novanta-houses.com
Invest : novanta90.com/makers-club/
