Waking up at Casa Newton a short distance from Pienza, in the quintessential Val d’Orcia countryside, is a balm for the senses.
Opening the lovingly restored wooden shutters, Tuscany is invited into the generously proportioned rooms. Recently opened by the Bertherat family (who also own the nearby Fabbrica Pienza winery), Swiss touches can be seen in the oversized beds and Soeder soaps, while the main impact comes from proprietor and interior designer Antonie Bertherat-Kioes’s audacious and brilliant sense of style. Mid-century furniture, purpose-woven wallpaper and hand-stitched bedheads contrast and compliment the swirling puzzle piece-like cotto floor tiles and bold green vertical ceramics. It’s a style that might not work in theory, but absolutely succeeds in real life.
The highlight in the main villa with nine rooms is the showstopper contemporary staircase that winds its way across three floors. But talking about the steps alone does an injustice to the other details: the cellar-turned-entrance hall emblazoned with a red neon installation by Joseph Kosuth; the den-like bar where mixologist Davide Ghezzi concocts stellar drinks in a groovy ambience; the library lined with original drawings by Lucio Fontana; and the games room complete with honesty bar, an enviable art collection and puzzles a plenty.
Step outside, and you’re dazzled by the villa’s signature red masonry and all the scents of the sinuous landscaped herb garden. Meander down the path to the former barn-turned-eatery for meals centred on the best Tuscan produce, including local cheeses, house-made cakes and seasonal fruit. Breakfast is served under the loggia, while evening meals convincingly catered by Roman chef Sara Scaramella return to the hayloft, and cooking classes are held in a former turreted outbuilding with a vista straight onto the pool (as well as an exceptional pink ceramic-clad pizza oven).
Mention must indeed be made of the pool. The long stone tub clad in Tuscan-produced bricks boasts valley views all the way to Pienza as the prettiest of pink parasols flutter flamingo-like in the breeze.
Why Newton? you might be thinking. The answer is that Gervasio Newton, a descendant of the famous scientist, had the property built for his family in 1846. The flawless details, impeccable service helmed by general manager Nicole Boissonnas and sublime nature setting all pay tribute to his superlative legacy.
This review was based on a two-night stay kindly provided by Casa Newton.
