Story
Before Novanta
Before Novanta breathed new life into it, Borgo di Gello was like that old, dusty book on a forgotten shelf—its 1000-year history was written about often, but most of its residents had moved to the big cities, leaving it to quietly gather dust and dream of a comeback.
Uncovering Novanta
Some time later, in a land far, far away (specifically, the Netherlands), three adventurous Dutch guys, Igor, Leonard and Mart had a wild idea. In their quest to escape the predictable grind of Dutch life and to chase their dream of a Tuscan hideaway, they stumbled upon a forgotten gem in the heart of the Casentino Valley. They changed their summer plans, and decided to open the first italian pop-up hotel for 90 (novanta, in italian) days.
A Summer of Success
Dining at long tables, embarking on local producer tours, and hunting for truffles and mushrooms turned into quite the culinary adventure—and boy, did it take off! Thanks to our stunning natural backdrop, serene vibes, and a taste of authentic Tuscan life, our first summer was such a hit that guests were already booking for next year before they even left. Before we knew it, our pop-up hotel had popped up and stayed!
This trio of dreamers, with nothing but a vision and a hefty dose of Dutch determination, transformed a sleepy, abandoned village into the vibrant, welcoming Novanta. They saw potential where others saw ruin, and with enough elbow grease to impress even the hardest-working Italians, they turned crumbling stone buildings into luxurious retreats and quirky hangouts.
Reviving Community
As the years rolled by, Novanta evolved from a mere dream into a true Tuscan treasure. What started as a rustic hideaway has grown into a flourishing haven, blending Dutch creativity with Italian charm. We’ve embraced eco-friendly practices and celebrated local produce, all while keeping the essence of the original vision alive.
Borgo di Gello is buzzing with life and activity once again. Vegetables are happily sprouting, fruit trees are showing off their bounties, and our dedicated residents are working their magic all year round. It’s like watching a village-sized transformation montage—minus the dramatic music!
Expanding Horizons
Novanta is like that one friend who’s always up to something new—constantly evolving and keeping us on our toes! In 2019, we decided that one village just wasn’t enough, so we went all in and scooped up over 300 hectares of fields, rivers, forests, and a few charming ruins. Our original Novanta Hotel in Borgo di Gello now shares the spotlight with our latest adventure: Castello di Gello, where we’re busy crafting the coolest holiday homes this side of Tuscany has to offer.
We’re not just expanding our territory; we’re also working hard to boost the local scene and support the fantastic folks around us. But don’t worry, no matter how much we grow, the quirky spirit of our once-abandoned village will always be the heart and soul of the Gello Valley. After all, where’s the fun in being normal?
Today, Novanta stands as a testament to the fact that with a bit of imagination, a lot of hard work, and a sprinkle of humor, you can turn any dream into reality. So come and visit, and be part of our ongoing story—because here, the adventure never really ends!
Check out these videos to have a glimps of our story though time.
