In a fairytale atmosphere, among blooming wisteria and colorful peacocks, La Commenda Concordia is a villa with an ancient history where you can let yourself be conquered by the charm of the Mugello, among Medici villas and lush hills.

In Vicchio, a tiny village just a few minutes from Florence where the famous painter Giotto was born, Villa La Commenda Concordia is a charming 19th-century complex, the residence of the owners Oleg and Nadia Papoudin who, since 2021, have converted it into a boutique hotel.

Immersed in the quiet of the countryside, among centuries-old trees, the villa was built around an ancient military watchtower from the 16th century. With its long history and its peculiar style, it has won the hearts of the couple who, after years of research, have decided to give life to their Italian dream here.

We aimed to restore this extraordinary place to its original beauty to celebrate its history and give it a bright new future.

(Nadia Papoudin)

In the 19th century, the complex was purchased by the Peratoners, a powerful Swiss family very active in the social and economic life of the area, who transformed it into a prestigious private residence. Their restoration gave the villa the eclectic style that still characterizes it today, embellishing it with Liberty-style decorations.

Oleg and Nadia undertook a long conservative recovery with the fundamental support of the artist and restorer Stefan Zarkov who took care of all the frescoes. Some, such as those in the breakfast room, were painted from scratch, while the more intact ones were carefully recovered. During the works, emerged also some older frescoes as revealed by the sinopia that can be admired in the fireplace room.

The interiors mix typical references of the Florentine rustic style with design pieces, such as the large Arco lamp by Castiglioni, creating contrasts that give the whole a contemporary twist. The 14 rooms are divided between the first and second floors and offer a beautiful view of the park or the romantic swimming pool that faces the valley.

The interior décor was curated by the owners who chose each piece of the furnishing of the villa with the same care as a private residence. Among art books, comfortable lounges and convivial spaces, La Commenda Concordia offers many dimensions just perfect for every hour of the day.

The property also owns a hectare of land cultivated with saffron used both in the kitchen and to prepare the delicious “house” liqueur. The villa hosts also Il Nascosto restaurant that, from May onwards when the weather is sweet and the déhor is usable, is open to the public as well, to taste the delicacies prepared in the kitchen.

In the menu, great attention is paid to local and organic products, from cheeses to truffles, up to the extraordinary meats up to the best Mugello wines, including Gattaia. Even the bread is home-prepared daily and served hot to best accompany each dish. During the summer, it is wonderful to enjoy a candlelit breakfast, lunch or dinner under the enchanting wisteria pergola overlooking the villa, treating yourself to a romantic moment of pure relaxation.

The Secret

Even the small chapel of the villa has an ancient history. Built at the same time as the rest of the complex, it seems to boast a truly unique record of its kind. Here, since the times of the Peratoners, the luckiest girls in Vicchio had the privilege of getting married. The first was one of Alberto Peratoner’s daughters and, from then on, legend has it that every promise made here truly lasts “forever”.

Useful Info

Villa La Commenda Concordia
Località Molezzano 64
50039 Vicchio, Firenze
Tel. +39 392 0850037

Rooms: from 260 euro, breakfast included