A Resort with Views of Florence

By Editorial Staff - 25 September 2025
Exa MP has participated in the project

In the foothills of Fiesole just north of Florence, a location with outstanding views of the Duomo, stands a Renaissance building that has been transformed and expanded over time and once served as a college. After a long period of neglect, however, the building was recently reborn through a painstaking restoration project entrusted to the Esteva i Esteva studio. The result is Collegio alla Querce, a luxury resort commissioned by visionary entrepreneur Analjit Singh and brought to life by EXA MP, a trusted partner specialized in complex, high-quality construction projects within the luxury hospitality sector. With its solid background – also in the retail and top-end residential sectors – EXA MP stands out for its technical know-how and the extensive expertise gained over almost 30 years in more than 40 countries.

Interior design was undertaken by ArchFlorence, which sensitively and precisely curated the 83 interior spaces, including guest rooms, suites, grand suites, and the La Quercia apartment. Spread over two levels and covering more than 200 sq. m, the latter accommodation includes a private panoramic terrace with a pool. Its iconic internal staircase is the focal point of the space and a symbol of the encounter between the solemnity of stone and the strength of metal. The esthetic and functional qualities of both materials are highlighted through essential, pure, and elegant forms.

This all came together through an integrated design process, the result of an ongoing dialogue with the client and its consultants. The building systems were meticulously engineered and harmonized with the historic architecture, preserving its colors, geometries, and proportions.

Tailored finishes, custom-made details, and premium materials form a common thread throughout the project. Every element blends seamlessly with the others, creating a cohesive environment that envelops guests in an intimate, luxurious, and romantic atmosphere.

Un resort con vista su Firenze | © courtesy Collegio alla Querce

Equal care was given to the exterior spaces, with local materials – such as natural stones, metals, and finishes sourced from the Tuscan region – used to replicate the same quality found indoor. A good example is the
55 sq. m terrace off the Santa Maria
del Fiore suite, with its views of Florence’s Duomo, which perfectly reflects the sartorial approach used throughout the project, from private to public spaces.

The same is true of the historic terraced gardens, which were meticulously restored over four levels according to the design by landscape architect Franchesca Watson of Watson Pellacini. A stroll through the gardens leads to Cafè Focolare, a bar set among olive groves where guests can enjoy cocktails and gourmet dishes.

To execute the project, EXA MP put together a highly qualified, multidisciplinary team. Over 20 professionals coordinated more than 200 suppliers and subcontractors, managing the process with state-of-the-art technological and management tools. Completed over a four-year period and delivered in early 2025, the project blends architecture, engineering, and craftsmanship to create a journey that balances past and future.