What is the name of your accommodation?

Bellini

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background? 

We are Annie and Pieter and we live in Belgium, in the green southern outskirts just outside Brussels. We are a blended family with six children, of whom only the youngest is still studying. The other children have already found their own place and moved out. We both work full-time: Pieter in the space industry, and I work in the neighboring municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw at the “Huis van het Kind.” Pieter is from Ghent and I’m from Brussels. That used to cause some funny misunderstandings and amusing moments. For Pieter’s job, we lived for two years in Italy, near Florence, and Italy has since taken a special place in our hearts. We have several hobbies. Pieter is an avid skier and cyclist. I prefer swimming and canoeing. We both enjoy a good book, and I can spend hours with photography.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

We got to know Bellini through Nice2stay. After our two-year stay in Italy, we kept wanting to go back and were already dreaming of a holiday home somewhere in Italy. We stayed in several regions, but we felt most drawn to Tuscany, the place where we had lived for two years. When we booked the Lipi apartment through Nice2stay, we learned from the owner on-site that both Lipi and Bellini were for sale. We got the chance to visit Bellini as well. That apartment completely matched our expectations, and that’s how the seed was planted.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

Bellini had already undergone a major renovation before we bought it. We only needed to do some touch-ups and maintenance and make it a bit more our own, but the apartment was already very stylish and completely to our taste. We did add a few touches to make it cozier and more family-friendly: tea lights, tablecloths, board games, colored pencils and books, puzzles, and more.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

For us, Bellini feels a bit like coming home. We missed Italy very much when we returned to Belgium, but now Bellini has become our second home. It’s also nice that our former neighbors live nearby and we still meet up with them. The borgo that Bellini is part of lies in the middle of the Chianti region, somewhat secluded and very peaceful. That’s wonderful. In Belgium, we both have demanding jobs, so the peace and green surroundings of Bellini make it a perfect place to recharge our batteries. And you really do sleep like a baby there.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The interior of Bellini is modern, yet the authentic character of the borgo has been completely preserved. The atmosphere is warm, and in winter that warmth is literal thanks to the wood stove, which creates a cozy ambiance and a red glow.

The home has been decorated with great care and attention to detail. The previous owner’s father was an architect, and the owner himself is an interior designer, so you can tell that every detail was carefully thought through.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

During the restoration of the Bellini apartment, as many of the original elements as possible were preserved to maintain authenticity. Local building materials were reused wherever possible. In addition, the chapel of the borgo was also restored and preserved, as it was an integral part of the original estate.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests? 

Such a beautiful place where you can’t always be yourself because you only have a limited number of vacation days each year—it would be a shame to leave it unused.

We’re very proud of our apartment. It deserves to be seen, and we personally experience the wonderful benefits of a holiday at Bellini. So why not share this beautiful spot with others who are also in love with Tuscany? Moreover, our guests help contribute to the upkeep of this lovely hidden spot. Away from the hustle and bustle, yet still close to beautiful cities like Siena, Florence, and San Gimignano.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

Guests can expect a stay where they can completely unwind. A stunning green landscape surrounded by Chianti vineyards and oak trees. From the property, you can take beautiful walks and in summer simply relax by the pool. You can cook or barbecue yourself and buy delicious, fresh ingredients in nearby Radda in Chianti or Gaiole in Chianti, or enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at a local restaurant. There are wineries nearby for wine lovers. The Eroica cycling route passes close by, and beautiful cities rich in culture are within easy reach. There’s truly something for everyone.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable? 

The sense of calm that the beautiful surroundings and the home provide. The curiosity to explore the area and the joy of authentic Italian cuisine—whether they prepare it themselves or enjoy it at one of the many wonderful local restaurants.

My tips are: enjoy a refreshing drink in hand, on summer evenings on the terrace, while watching the geckos at play. Also, take in the breathtaking starry sky at night—there’s very little light pollution here. Stroll through Radda in Chianti and pick up some tasty treats at Casa Porciatti. Siena is beautiful, especially in the evening after the day tourists have gone home.