August 2004
Dear Reader,
If you're thinking of tripping off to Tuscany and staying in one of those crumbling old villas, think again.Hidden away in the rolling green hills of the Byron Bay hinterland is the most modern and immaculate Tuscan villa you'll ever find. True, you won't get to practise your Italian or buy wild boar salami from the local 'pizzicheria', but think of the money you'll save in air fares - and of how much easier it is to get there.
Opened in December last year, 'Villa del Sole' is the only 5 Star property (AAA Tourism rating) in the Byron hinterland. Owners John Serafini and Craig Glasson knew exactly what they wanted.
"We'd done enough travel in Italy and looked at enough books," says Craig.
"Probably the hardest thing was finding the site".Worth the trouble, though, because the villa is situated near the top of a grassy hill overlooking a valley with green and mauve-blue hills beyond. The WOW factor kicks in once you enter the heavy cedar arch door at the front. There, before you, is a sweeping vista which embraces a large wide central room (kitchen to left, guest lounge to right) with terracotta-tiled portico in the foreground, fresh water lap pool in the middle ground and forested hills beyond. Picture post-card stuff - so remember to pack your camera.
As you would imagine, the walls of the villa are ochre in colour and the roof covered in imported terracotta tiles. The three guest rooms are large with high ceilings, the walls lime-washed and the bathrooms fitted with Philippe Starck bathware. Each room is furnished with a king-size bed with smart wooden bed-head and base and in the deluxe room with bath, there are a number of Philippe Starch pieces. Unlike most Italian villas, there is reverse cycle air-conditioning, remote control colour TV, DVD player, cable TV, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and fluffy white bathrobes which hang in a glass-fronted cupboard.
The villa is surrounded by red geraniums in terracotta pots and a variety of citrus trees (cumquat, kaffir lime, blood orange, Tahitian limes) and olive trees have been planted. There's also a herb and mixed leaf garden - and cows in the paddock next door. The only reminder of being in Australia was the hills hoist (out of sight at the side) and the drive up to the villa through Kath&Kim-style little boxes."We saw a niche in the market and decided to create a point of difference," explains John. "We also wanted to impart our passion for a healthy organic lifestyle to our guests".
The organic philosophy extends beyond the food. Even the cotton sheets at 'Villa del Sole' are organic, as are the Wild Nature aloe vera toiletries and the water in the pool which is chemical-free.
John's family is originally from the Abruzzo region and over the years both he and Craig have stayed in a number of agriturismo' villas and farm-stays throughout Italy."As we travelled we became more sure of what we wanted," he says. "We also both wanted out from our 60 hour-a-week corporate jobs in Sydney". Who can sustain that?
"We were looking for a sea change and realised that the hinterland was fast becoming a destination in itself."
If you're over Tuscany - or can't afford to go there this year - try this neck of the woods. It's every bit as uplifiting.
Villa del Sole
133 Foresters Way, Tintenbar
Ph: 02 6687 9248
Mobile: 0417 523 351
