A Renaissance Villa Re-imagined for Modern Hospitality

By Editorial Staff - 2 May 2025
Exa MP has participated in the project

Attention to detail, reliability, passion and exceptional quality are just a few of the characteristics that define the work of EXA MP, a global general contractor with an international portfolio, especially in the retail and hospitality industries. With over 1,300 projects completed, 140 clients and a presence in 40 countries, EXA MP recently took on the challenge of transforming the historic Collegio alla Querce academic institute into a luxury hotel in the prestigious Auberge Resorts Collection.

Born from the extraordinary vision of owner Analjit Singh, the resort sits on the hills north of Florence, on the lower slopes that rise toward the town of Fiesole. It offers sweeping views of the city’s iconic cathedral and the rolling green landscape. Now, it has been re-imagined as a timeless retreat, designed partly for lovers of architecture and design.

L’ospitalità di un’antica villa rinascimentale © courtesy EXA MP

The project is fundamentally a thoughtful restoration led by Esteva|Esteva, beginning with a Renaissance-era villa that was converted into a boarding school and has now been re-conceived as a luxury hotel and culinary destination for foodies.

The interior design was entrusted to ArchFlorence, which created 77 rooms and suites ranging from 50 to 110 sq. m. There are also five expansive suites and La Quercia, a two-story residence spanning over 200 sq. m.
The crown jewel is the private panoramic terrace with a sunset-facing pool.

Great care also went into the work on the historic terraced gardens. These were redesigned by landscape architect Franchesca Watson into four levels and they lead, through olive groves, to Cafè Focolare, a bar where guests can bask in the Tuscan sun by day, enjoying gourmet plates and tasty cocktails. The largest and most secluded garden, offering sweeping views of the Tuscan hills, is Terrazza dell’Arco, a more private space envisaged for exclusive events.

L’ospitalità di un’antica villa rinascimentale © courtesy EXA MP

Just as thoughtfully curated are the hotel’s restaurants and Bar Bertelli, located in what was once the headmaster’s office. This space pays tribute to the academic and museum heritage of Collegio alle Querce, drawing inspiration from science and chemistry to craft signature cocktails.

There is also the Aelia spa, a serene retreat for wellness, balance and vitality where the fragrances of the Tuscan landscape take center stage.

To bring this ambitious vision to life, EXA MP assembled a multidisciplinary, highly skilled team. Indeed, 20 specialists coordinated over 200 suppliers and subcontractors, using advanced management and digital tools to oversee a four-year project, completed in early 2025. The result is a jewel of architecture that is like a starting point for a journey through time.