REVIVING A HIDDEN GEM
My Journey in opening a small farm holiday resort in the Chianti Hills
In February 2023 I had this great opportunity to work on a project from scratch to relaunch an old Agriturismo which had been out of the market for a while.
I am sure many of you are used to this Italian name that in one word captures the concept of offering a combination of agricultural experiences and tourism. It provides guests with the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about farming practices, and enjoy locally produced food and products.
Ten principal points
to open an Agriturismo
to open an Agriturismo
Before you continue reading, why don't you download my Ten principal points to become a super host? You will receive it in a few minutes by entering your email below. Enjoy!
Podere Lupinati, in this specific case, is a classical hamlet positioned in the Chianti area called, “The golden cradle” with enchanting views over the vineyards of Chianti Classico.
Its Borgo is composed of the watching tower, the farmer’s home and a couple of annexes which had been restored in the early eighties.
At the time of my first visit last year in February, it had been closed and abandoned for a couple of years. The job I was asked to do, it was to bring the hamlet alive and back into the hospitality market for the coming Season 2023.
How could I resist such a challenge?
What a great opportunity starting from scratch and giving back its own deserved identity to a beautiful place.
I first listed all the different phases of the project including researching market trends, potential demand, prices and promotion strategies.
I assessed the state of the houses - 5 units - and started listing all that was needed to be fit for the opening - Furniture reshuffle, bathroom and kitchen accessories and improvements were needed and the swimming pool and garden furniture.
What a pleasure watching Borgo Lupinati come to life thanks to also a fantastic team I had the pleasure to work with.
In the end, the excitement and the anticipation leading up to the opening day and the joy shared with the whole team when the first guests arrived and gave their first fantastic feedback, is priceless.
It has been a wonderful journey that has enriched my personal and business growth revitalising more and more my passion for hospitality (read my post about the pleasure of hospitality!).
Ten principal points to become a super host
This whole process has brought me to refresh and update all it is involved in opening a holiday property and pinpoint 10 important steps to lead the way to become an impeccable host.
I have created a file you can download for free. You will receive it in a few minutes by entering your email below. Enjoy the reading!
Hospitality is - first of all - a pleasure
And we do everything so that our guests can feel our care.
Are you thinking about starting you own tourist business?
I will be happy to have a nice chat to help you shape your tourist offer!
Testimonials
"Luisa Donati is a joy to work with!
Her vast knowledge of the Marche region and her personal contacts with local artists and artisans, shop keepers, and restaurant owners guarantee access to authentic regional cuisine and experiences, taking you inside the daily life of the town while introducing you to the surrounding area's hidden gems."
- Angela Ferrario,
International Study Tours LLC