Locanda al Colle

Intro

Locanda al Colle is your entry point into a Tuscany beyond the classic farmhouse. This rural style outpost, draped in Mediterranean verdancy with views down to the sea, is a hotel, but feels like the home of a friend with eccentric good taste.

Commanding a hilltop in the region of Versilia, 17th century Locanda al Colle is clasped by ancient olive trees and warmed by the scents of Tuscan summer: sage, lavender and rosemary drift on the breeze.

Owner and native Tuscano, Riccardo Barsottelli has channelled his love for Tuscany, the arts, fashion, vintage finds and worldly travel into Locanda al Colle creating a bohemian retreat of elegant, sophisticated design, an extension of his own creative imaginario and lifestyle. Taking cues from the nearby arty enclave of Pietrasanta, a commune home to international artists, sculptors and bronze workshops, it was the marble quarries of this medieval town that supplied Michelangelo with the finest marble for his craft and he learnt from the sculptors residing here. Locanda creates its own artistic experience, curated by the collector’s eye of Barsottelli.

Although the effect of Locando seems effortless, the charm personified once-farmhouse was restored following a design dialogue between architect Marco Innocenti and Barsottelli, who bonded over a love for art and furniture. Together, they kept to a strict ethos of salvaged authenticity - the homestead keeps its alluring rusticity as seen in heavy beamed ceilings, stone flooring, oak floorboards, terracotta brickwork, Carrara marble and thick set windows with views onto rural Tuscany. Layered onto this is a sometimes-whimsical interior design palette that borrows from Art Deco, Italian mid-century classics and a worldly remit that includes antique Modica stone from Sicily, Syrian red travertine and design pieces from Scandinavia.

The range and diversity of artwork from Barsottelli’s own collection or sourced in art forays is quite astonishing, running the gauntlet from modern to abstract, cubist to unknown in mediums such as sculpture, ceramic and photography. The rural bolthole is a glorified gallery, as eclectic as its owner – gaze upon its treasures like the Kebab Lamps, featuring skewered objects by British design brand Established & Sons and design studio Committee formed by artists Harry Richardson and Clare Page. Muse upon artwork from Cubist painter Robert Marc, black and white photographic nudes by Ida Kar and Martin Francis paintings. Come face-to-face with a monochromatic ceramic plate by Jean Cocteau.

Although sitting in a rustic setting, the artwork, like the ambience of Locanda itself merge together to become something more, the sum of its parts colliding in a perfect collusion of natural tones, umber, sienna and burnt grey. Outside, the turquoise pool awaits, shade found under ancient trees where life can be slow, simple, rooted in a farmhouse aesthetic and one man’s highly refined taste.

Rooms

Foodie

Location

Owner

Owner and native Tuscano, Riccardo Barsottelli travelled the world as part of his job in fashion, always keeping an eye out for the perfect place to lay down roots. His thoughts strayed to Latin America, yet the heartfelt culture and historical beauty of Tuscany called him home. Starting with a modest bed and breakfast, it wasn’t long before Riccardo was pouring his heart and soul into the growing project of Locanda al Colle, merging his life’s passions of art and hospitality. He therefore brought his collection of art into the Locanda, the historic warmth of the farmhouse proving the perfect backdrop for his worldly pieces, sculptures, artwork and furniture. This in turn gave weight to the retreat, adding an eclectic artistry which contributes to its peaceful yet stimulating environment today.