If you appreciate the thoughtful assembly of a 13th-century stone archway or the lingering notes of a perfectly aged Brunello di Montalcino, you may find yourself drawn to Villa La Cappella — a meticulously restored Tuscan estate where Canadian-Italian hosts craft experiences as authentic as the medieval beams above your head.
By LF ITALY
Febryary, 2025
In Montespertoli, Tuscany, a Canadian investment manager and his chef wife, Anthony and Paola Faiella, have crafted an authentic Italian retreat — albeit one sparked by a pandemic-era leap of faith. The roots of their Italian journey run deep. While Anthony's ancestral hometown in Frosinone left much to be desired, his first visit to Tuscany with Paola in 1997 changed everything. After their twin daughters were born in 2000, annual trips to Italy became a family tradition. "For us, it was important that they understood our heritage," the couple explains.
Then came the bold move. "What will my partners think?" Anthony, a pragmatic portfolio manager, wondered, as they con- templated pouring their life savings into an 800-year-old Tuscan estate — sight unseen — during a global pandemic — with no prior hospitality experience. With inter- national travel restricted, they relied on a local cousin's reconnaissance missions. "We sent Paola's cousin to make sure there was actually a villa there. This is Italy, after all," they joke.While Anthony focused on risks detailed in spreadsheets, Paola saw potential. Their contrasting spirits blended into perfect harmony, turning Villa La Cappella into one of Tuscany's most celebrated luxury bed-and- breakfast establishments.
For nearly two decades, they searched for the perfect property, encountering the complexities of Italian real estate. Then came Villa La Cappella — a former chapel perched atop a hill, surrounded by historic castles from the 1200s. Anthony calls it “a decision that didn’t seem quite so crazy during COVID, but, of course, buy- ing a villa and chapel from the 1200s sight unseen is crazy.” When they finally arrived at their purchase, their reactions couldn’t have been more different. Paola was instantly head over heels, her eyes projecting infinite possibilities. Anthony, however, had a markedly different reaction.“What the hell did we get ourselves into?” he remembers thinking as he took in the sheer scale of the property. The reality was daunting: a murky pool, hole-riddled linens and operational challenges they’d never faced before. “The work await- ing us was monumental,” Anthony recalls, shaking his head at the memory.
Yet these very challenges shaped their vision. Where previous owners had run a traditional hotel, Anthony and Paola saw something different: a chance to create not just accommodations but a warm, inviting home in the heart of Tuscany. Their leap of faith during unprecedented times transformed not only their lives but created a unique destination for discerning travelers seeking authentic Tuscan experiences. “Beyond teaching authentic recipes passed down through generations, I arrange unique experiences that connect guests with local traditions,” Paola shares. “There’s something magical about watching city dwellers press their first olive oil or hunt for truffles in the autumn woods. But my favorite moments happen around our rustic dinner table, when strangers become family over long meals and stories that stretch into the night. These aren’t staged tourist activities — they’re the real rhythms of Tuscan life that I’ve lived and loved, now shared with our guests.”
Reading like a perfect recipe for authentic Italian hosting, the Faiella family’s story of stepping into hospitality is an inspiration for those seeking a true Tuscan escape or investment opportunity. “Looking back, I still can’t believe we took over the business only four days before the first guests were to arrive,” Paola recalls with a mix of amusement and disbelief. “We had no experience with this business aside from the food department.” Fortunately, Paola brought her professional culinary expertise to the table, taking charge of all meals that first season while managing the cleaning staff.
What they lacked in hospitality industry experience, they made up for with genuine warmth. “We never even had a discussion about hospitality,” Anthony notes. “We just went about treating the guests like they were friends staying with us, the way we would when guests came to our home in Canada.” This natural, unaffected approach became their signature style.
The heart of their success lies in a simple philosophy that Paola often shares: “We lead with our heart and all will work out.” This authenticity resonates with their guests. “We understand that people have spent lots of time planning their perfect Italian vacation, so if we can be part of that, we are happy. We want guests to feel at home — our villa is your villa to enjoy.” The risk and effort have paid off. Today, Villa La Cappella is recognized as an award-winning destination in the Chianti countryside, honored as Tuscany’s bed-and-breakfast of the Year 2024 among other travel and tourism accolades. Villa La Cappella welcomes discerning travelers seeking a serene retreat and authentic Tuscan experi- ence. Guests enjoy simple luxuries: finely pressed linens, thoughtfully curated itin- eraries, extensive breakfast offerings and gourmet dinners prepared by in-house chefs. “Our vision from the start was always to welcome guests who dream of experiencing the true heart of Tuscany,” reflects Paola. “The stories in our guest- book tell us we’re on the right path.”