Villa Lena Agriturismo, Tuscany

A unique, hidden estate in the Tuscan countryside, on top of a hill but once under a sea. A bar, a farm, a restaurant and a creative family to welcome you.

Villa Lena is a vibrant, unique location to celebrate your wedding abroad. Set on the estate’s grounds amid the rolling hills of wild rural Tuscany, it comprises a spectacular 19th-century villa, forests, vineyards, and olive groves. As well as seasonal menus and creative events spaces making it the ideal destination for anyone looking to host their closest friends and family somewhere genuinely unique for the most memorable of celebrations. cultivates both nature and culture, exemplifying a new way of living and holiday experience.

The Villa Lena estate is located in the Province of Pisa, secluded amongst 500 hectares of woodland, vineyards, olive groves and organic vegetable gardens. A 19th-century villa sits at the heart of the property, originally built for an Italian aristocratic family. It now houses the Villa Lena Foundation and artist-in-residence programme. Surrounding the villa, converted historic agricultural buildings—former farmhouses, stables and hunting lodges—house guest rooms, apartments and shared facilities.

Located just 40 minutes from Pisa, and only a 10-minute drive from the next village (Palaia) via a magical woodland. 500 hectares of land, 74 beds (88 with additional beds) in a mix of rooms and apartments. There are 18 rooms in the main house (the apartments in 3 farmhouses – 15 min far from the centre of the property – walking distance).

The area of land on which Villa Lena Agriturismo is situated is named San Michele, after the archangel to whom the chapel inside the villa is also devoted. The estate was purchased in the 19th century by an Italian aristocratic family, Augusto and Tereza Del Frate. The neo-Renaissance villa was completed in 1890, and a member of the family completed the frescoes with some of the female family members immortalised on the ceilings.

The villa experienced its heyday in the early 20th century, becoming a favoured spot for parties and meetings and a major centre for hunting, until the original owner died in 1931.  Eventually a bank repossessed the whole property after the son of the owner fell into substantial debt. The property was then purchased by San Giorgio di Roma Bank and redeemed by Mr. Luisi a few years later. Numerous property transfers followed throughout the decades.

The current owners bought the San Michele estate in 2007, in a state of extensive disrepair. Art world professional Lena Evstafieva, musician and producer Jérôme Hadey and Parisian restaurateur and nightclub owner Lionel Bensemoun combined their respective skills and knowledge to redevelop the property and founded Villa Lena Agriturismo and Art Foundation. The project started with an idea to bring their experiences in music, art, entertainment, film, fashion and other creative fields together in one place and create a unique kind of Tuscan retreat. In 2013 the property was reopened as Villa Lena Agriturismo, with a soft opening that offered guest apartments and creative residencies to their family and circle of friends. The concept and the estate continues to develop over the seasons, creating an environment where guests and artists from different backgrounds can come together to relax, create and be inspired and host events.

Nearest airports:

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport 45km (approx 45 min by car)
Florence International Airport 63km (approx 65 min by car)
Pontedera train station 27km (approx 30 min by car)

Price from €‎7,200

For more information on hiring Villa Lena as your wedding venue or to request their pricing/packages, check their availability or book a viewing please use our contact form.

Want more? Check out our full guide to Getting Married In Italy.