Independent Minds: Christopher & Heidi Mueller, Lupaia

This Austrian couple have transformed five farmhouses into a timeless Tuscan retreat

Celebrating its 400th birthday this year, Lupaia is a nature-based agriturismo set within the vineyards and olive groves of the Sienese countryside. Though relatively late to the 17th century party, Christopher and his wife Heidi have worked wonders on the former goat farmhouses since taking over the ancient estate in 2016.

Sensitively restoring the centuries-old complex of outhouses which date back to 1622, the couple have cleverly elevated period features like exposed beams, traditional tiles, and rustic fireplaces to bring Lupaia’s agricultural heritage to life. So often the heart of the home, Lupaia’s open, tile-backed kitchen has a ‘whatever you want, whenever you want’ serving style, where guests are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and cook Italian classics alongside the chefs. Idyllic as it is immersive, the Lupaia experience is all about slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

The idea was to create a hotel that didn’t feel like a hotel. Guests should feel at home, yet everything they desire is taken care of. That’s why there are no kitchen hours or designated places where we serve food or drinks – this is possible anywhere on property, at any time of the day.

Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?

We continue to invest in the property, and every year brings new services and little improvements for our guests. Joining SLH after six years of operation makes us feel really proud and has provided a great boost of motivation to the whole team. We don’t want to grow the number of rooms, but provide an unforgettable experience that creates lasting memories for our guests.

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