Our Family

Claudia: 

My name is Claudia and I am an Italian Interior Designer. I live with my family in an 18th century country house near the picturesque village Settignano overlooking the city of Florence. When designing these three houses on the property, I tried to combine the eclectic experiences of the past thirty years of my life spent between Kenya, Turin, London and of course Florence, my travels and my work renovating and furnishing homes in Tuscany and Umbria.

“The appearance of things changes according to the emotions; and thus we see magic and beauty in them, while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves.”
– Kahlil Gibran

Maria: 

After many years living abroad in dazzling European cities, working in the contemporary art world, I recently decided to move back to Italy. The food, the people, the art, the slow unwinding of the seasons, the feeling of belonging to a place, Nature in all its grandeur and simplicity have become a fundamental part of me for which I am grateful every day. 

“O, in this single hour I live
All of myself and do not move.
I, the pursued, who madly ran,
Stand still, stand still, and stop the sun!”
– May Sarton

Nerina 

When you step out of your front door and can pick fresh tomatoes, basil, zucchini, artichokes, fresh eggs and everything you need to cook the most delicious food, it is hard not to make food a lifetime career goal!  

I was professionally trained in London – if you don’t count my mamma as the first invaluable teacher – and I have travelled extensively throughout Italy to learn about the countless traditions and ingredients this incredible country has to offer. 

“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”
– Federico Fellini

Bianca 

My favorite thing in the world, since I was a little girl, is waking up in the morning, wondering around the garden in my dressing-gown with a cup of tea, admiring all the magical changes nature goes through overnight. 

Growing up surrounded by beauty, I decided to follow my mother’s footsteps and became an Interior Designer, focusing on the luxury side of the industry. The most fun I have is exploring the incredible handcraft artisanal workshops around this beautiful country. 

My profound passion for beauty and nature always follows me wherever I go, whether it is London, where I live, or the incredible places my job and curiosity allow me to visit. 

 “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness.”
– John Keats

Giacomo 

I fell in love with Settignano the day I was born. My work takes me all around the world but the way I feel once I come back home is indescribable. Growing up here allowed me to truly appreciate the wonders of the countryside while still being a city-boy. 

The olive harvest is my favorite time of the year, I get to drive the tractor around the property, go to the mill and taste our extra virgin olive oil as soon as it comes out of the machines. Heavenly goodness! 

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy”
– Giuseppe Verdi

Isotta: 

I have been living with my family here in Settignano for over 9 years. I spend most of the day wondering around – sometimes, when no one is watching, I chase after the chickens but most of the time you will find me laying where the sun is warmest. You should never feel too shy with me, I absolutely love it when someone enthusiastically pats me! 

Tess & Marcelino 

We joined Settignano Tuscany Homes’ team almost 10 years ago. When you visit you will find us taking care of every small detail, making sure everything is perfect for you during your stay. The garden, Marcelino’s reign, requires a lot of care but it is also so rewarding, while both in the summer and in the chillier seasons Tess remains the queen of the kitchen.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
– Mark Twain