Introducing you to the secrets of Il Borro, the ancient medieval Tuscan hamlet now transformed into a sustainable luxury estate by the Ferragamo family.
In this special Dreamer Talks episode, we met Salvatore Ferragamo, CEO of Il Borro and the son of founder Ferruccio. He tells us about the village’s sustainable rebirth and shares the philosophy of a project that today represents a reference for those seeking to invest in Tuscany with a focus on authenticity, excellence, and vision.
An exclusive interview that goes beyond the story of a place: it is a narrative of a new contemporary luxury paradigm, in perfect balance between tradition, innovation, and sustainable investment.
The Tuscan Village’s Sustainable Rebirth Branded by Ferragamo
When Ferruccio Ferragamo acquired Il Borro in 1993, it was a long-forgotten estate, worn down by time and years of abandonment. Today, it is a jewel nestled in Valdarno, Tuscany, Italy, meticulously restored with historical fidelity and entrepreneurial foresight. Every stone tells a story, and every detail is designed to deliver an authentic and sustainable experience.
The Ferragamo family combined art, architecture, and environmental sustainability, creating a virtuous system where every element is part of a self-sustaining ecosystem.
«We saw the potential and decided to turn it into something truly unique. […] We’ve gone over every single square meter of this estate. But we did so with the utmost respect for what Il Borro has always been» – Salvatore Ferragamo.
The renovation preserved every historic detail: original roof tiles were carefully reused, the Italian garden was revived thanks to historical maps, and all electrical wiring was buried underground to protect the village’s aesthetic harmony.
Il Borro today is a recognized model of integrated sustainability, where hospitality, agricultural production, and craftsmanship coexist in harmony, operating under principles of circularity and environmental responsibility.
The estate spans over 1,000 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and woodlands, all surrounding the beautifully preserved medieval village. Traditional architecture meets renewable energy, and historic vineyards and olive trees are organically cultivated.
It is an investment model where elegance and accountability converge in the heart of Tuscany.
Fun Facts & Stories from Il Borro
Today Il Borro is a place of beauty and holds layers of history and character that make it truly one-of-a-kind:
- During World War II, the estate’s main villa was mined by retreating German forces. Today, it stands fully restored and is one of the estate’s most scenic landmarks.
- The Italian-style formal gardens were rediscovered and restored using original archival maps.
- The village remains home to skilled artisans who continue centuries-old crafts, including goldsmithing and the creation of traditional ceramics.
- Il Borro is now a sought-after destination for luxury weddings, private events, retreats, and tailor-made stays in the heart of Tuscany.
Il Borro as a Model for Sustainable Luxury Investment
Il Borro is now considered a case study for international investors seeking active income from heritage real estate. It demonstrates how historical value can be preserved and enhanced through a forward-thinking business model that blends tradition with innovation.
Key pillars of Il Borro’s approach include:
- Conservative restoration and long-term enhancement of historic villages, villas, and noble estates.
- Integrated services, combining boutique hospitality, fine wine production, and premium organic food.
- Vertical, curated guest experiences, tailored to a discerning international clientele.
«The combination of activities makes the project stronger. These synergies are key to success and make a real difference in the bottom line» – Salvatore Ferragamo.
Today, Il Borro sets the standard for a new kind of luxury: sustainable, generative, and rooted in authenticity. It now inspires the luxury real estate market and sets a benchmark for experiential hospitality at the highest level. Its success as a brand extends well beyond Tuscany: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro in Dubai is a prime example of how local excellence can thrive on a global stage.
The 3 Souls of Il Borro According to Ferragamo
- Luxury hospitality: historical villas, refined suites, charming residences within the medieval hamlet, panoramic pool, spa, and bespoke experiences tailored to each guest.
- Farm-to-table cuisine & organic farming: fresh organic produce, estate-made extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, and honey, all served in Il Borro’s fine dining restaurants.
- Wine & vineyards: award-winning wines including Super Tuscans, IGT labels, and the only certified organic DOC Valdarno di Sopra (originally established by Cosimo de’ Medici in 1716).
Why This Matters for Luxury Real Estate Buyers in Tuscany
For discerning investors and buyers interested in acquiring or investing in exclusive properties in Tuscany, Il Borro offers a model of inspiration and value creation:
- Locations rich in authentic heritage: places that tell a story and build an emotional connection with the land and its traditions.
- Integrate income-generating activities such as organic farming, fine craftsmanship, and high-end experiential hospitality to unlock value beyond the property itself.
- Develop sustainable, forward-thinking projects with long-term appeal and ethical impact.
- Access a booming premium real estate market, where international demand is driven by quality, privacy, and an authentic lifestyle.
Il Borro proves that it is possible to combine historical legacy with profitability, bringing new life to heritage sites through innovative and sustainable concepts.
The growing global interest in historic villages and charming countryside estates has reignited attention on unique properties with deep character and untapped potential.
We explore this in more depth in our Dreamer Magazine feature on Hamlets for Sale in Tuscany, which dives into current market trends, key opportunities, and best-in-class success stories.
Watch the Full Interview with Salvatore Ferragamo
Il Borro captures the essence of Tuscany. It is a place for those seeking timeless beauty, authenticity, and lasting value. This proves that modern luxury can (and should) be sustainable. It comes as a real investment opportunity for those who wish to embrace authentic values, timeless elegance, and long-term, conscious returns.
Discover the vision behind this extraordinary project, where family legacy, smart investment, and a passion for the land come together in perfect harmony. Watch the full Dreamer Talks episode now.
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