Andrew and I were first introduced to Borgo di Vagli by our close friends Curt and Holly Witchey, who knew our passion for Tuscany and shared Vagli's web site with us. Holly had mentioned that they had experienced the Hamlet on a type of "try before you buy" inspection visit and fell in love with the Hamlet and subsequently became owners of a one bedroom fractional.
In his youth, Andrew had studied in both Florence and Milan and spent a number of years travelling around the area. It was during that time that Tuscany really became his second home. Fortunately over the years, we have been able to visit Tuscany various times and of course talked in passing about how wonderful it would be to have roots there, but never thought it could happen.
When we saw the pictures of the Hamlet, we thought it was beautiful, but like most, felt that it was out of our reach financially, especially since I had just set everything in motion to retire, although Andrew would continue with his studio work, and we had not considered a 'second home' as part of our overall plan.
Then the unexpected happened, Curt and Holly offered to book a week for us at the Hamlet as unaccompanied guests to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. It couldn't have come at a more perfect time since we were going to be in Florence anyway, and the Hamlet was just a car ride away. Of course we said yes!
Curt had told us about the un-paved road leading to the Hamlet, so we were certain to approach it in the day-light and take it slow and easy. And as you are travelling up the road, this beautifully restored village began to unfold out of the landscape. It is difficult to find the words to appropriately describe the Hamlet. It is truly an architectural historic restoration. Such attention to detail so as to provide the most modern amenities without destroying the historic integrity of each structure and then there is the wonderful clear, clean air, unending scenic views and serenity.
To add to the overall incredible experience is the Trattoria serving the most perfectly prepared food and fabulous wines and more than even that, providing a warm inviting place to meet and chat with owners and their guests and share a relaxing evening getting to know one another.
Then there is the Hamlet staff working effortlessly to make certain that your visit is one you won't soon forget. It would be difficult to find another location that provides the seclusion of the Hamlet with such easy access to the cities of Tuscany by either car or rail. That is one of the reasons that we knew Borgo was right for us, we would be able to enjoy quiet relaxing time in the country side and still be in close proximity to museums, cathedrals, galleries, festivals. The Hamlet provides you the opportunity to experience the best of what Tuscany has to offer.
We did not approach this opportunity as an investment, but rather a yearly vacation destination. Whether we stay at the Hamlet for the entire time or use the Hamlet as the place to start or end other European travel, it is our second home and we hope to be able to share Borgo with other friends the way Curt and Holly shared with us.
We are looking forward to our first visit back as owners in the fall.
Andrew & Faith Chakalis
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