In the heart of Arezzo, Tuscany stands Salvatore Ferragamo’s magical hotel called Il Borro. As soon as you enter Il Borro’s iron gates and drive down its majestic driveway lined with Cyprus trees, you are transported into a picturesque world from another time. Owned by the iconic Ferragamo family, Il Borro’s five star Tuscan oasis is located two hours outside Florence in earth rich with Medieval and Etruscan history.
I spoke with Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson and namesake of the iconic fashion designer, about his passion for Il Borro. “I feel very honored and proud in following all the historical and legendary Families that have dominated this Region since the medieval Era,” Ferragamo said.
In 1993, his father Ferruccio Ferragamo took over Il Borro with a deep determination to restore the estate to its former glory. “The Village and the Main Villa were in a state of neglect and our aim was to bring it back to life, whilst respecting its traditions, its atmosphere and its soul,” he said. The care and the attention he put in selecting all the materials, details and colors in order to maintain tradition stems from his life motto: “Be true to yourself,” or in this case, true to the land.
Ferragamo describes to me his perfect summer day on the property. “I would start by playing Polo! We have our own Polo team that my sister Olivia manages. Followed by a bike ride, then a nice walk in the vineyards and at the end of the day a barbeque at sunset with my family and friends and a nice glass of Il Borro wine.” For a special occasion, he is saving the very first Il Borro wine bottle from 1999.
Ferragamo is consistently affected and inspired by his grandfather’s legacy. “Being named after my grandfather is a gift and an important challenge that I renew every day. It reminds me of all he believed in: family, entrepreneurial spirit, passion, curiosity, hard work and no compromises. He is the perfect example of what its like to accomplish a dream.”
FERRAGAMO’S INSIDER GUIDE TO TUSCANY
BEST WAY TO START THE DAY:
A walk in the vineyards with our enologist and agronomist, to check the state of the art of our plants.
FAVORITE TUSCAN WINE:
Our terroir is perfect for the Sangiovese production. I will suggest our Polissena 100% Sangiovese to taste the flavor of Tuscany. For special winelovers I suggest our new Rose Metodo Classico – made with Sangiovese fermented on the liys for 48 mounths. A unique wine in Tuscany.
BEST WAY TO RELAX AND UNWIND:
A polo match with Il Borro Polo team where also my sisters Olivia and my wife Tini are included. At the end a grilled party during the sunset.
BEST PLACE FOR DESSERTS:
A great pastry Chef has joined our restaurants, I do not need to look around for a delicious cake.
FAVORITE DISH TO ENJOY FOR A CELEBRATION DINNER:
Il Borro is a place where any celebrations can be memorable. I’m in love for beef tartare and risotto with almonds, from our Chef Andrea Campani.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH THE SUNSET:
It is Chiocci Alto. A country house with a private swimming pool on the top of the hill that can be rented to our guests. Its position dominates Il Borro estate. Here you can enjoy the best sunset.
FAVORITE PLACES NEARBY IL BORRO TO VISIT ON A DAY TRIP:
I’m in love for Siena, half an hour by car from Il Borro. I also enjoy San Gimignano, Arezzo and the Buriano Bridge, a 5 minutes by car from Il Borro. That is the bridge represented by Leonardo da Vinci in the Mona Lisa background.
