The Artisans Reimagining Florence’s Finest Hotel

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Luigi Fragola Architects

Villa San Michele’s transformation was led by Luigi Fragola Architects, who reimagined the enduring beauty of the property – each space conceived to deepen the connection with Tuscany’s landscapes, its craftsmanship and the soul of Florence itself.

Leading the villa’s reimagination, Luigi worked closely with materials, textiles and details that define its new spirit. Every element, from exquisite design pieces to curated collectibles and rare artifacts, was chosen with deep respect for the villa’s architecture and history, offering guests an authentic experience within our Tuscan luxury retreat, rooted in peace and beauty.

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Scagliola by Bianco Bianchi

Scagliola – created through layers of plaster and pigments that are carefully mixed, molded and polished – achieves remarkable depth and lifelike textures through patient artistry. In the late 1940s, artist and painter Bianco Bianchi devoted nearly a decade to rediscovering the lost art of scagliola, and by the 1950s, he had opened his first workshop, reviving this centuries-old craft.

Rooted in ancient techniques, the legacy of Bianco Bianchi lives on at Villa San Michele. New generations of Bianco Bianchi’s family continue the workshop and have shaped the tabletops of our Florence luxury hotel, carrying forward a tradition that bridges history and contemporary elegance.

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Art by Elena Carozzi

Visual artist Elena Carozzi’s practice bridges deep material knowledge and ancient techniques, covering wallpaper, ceramics and embroidered fabrics. Her artistic language emerges from a quiet dialogue with everyday rituals, domestic objects and an intimate immersion in nature, forming a layered, timeless archive of visions.

Elena’s research takes tangible form in meticulously crafted tapestries for the reimagined rooms and suites at Villa San Michele, and in enchanting frescoes depicting bucolic landscapes, with Florence gently appearing in the distance.

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Marble from the Caves of Carrara

Marble from the caves of Carrara – specifically Cipollino and Tuscan Carrara – was carefully sourced from the Apuan Alps, where each block was extracted to preserve its natural veining and texture. Paired with neoclassical tapestries and antique furnishings, this marble has been shaped into double vanities, walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs for the hotel; these materials forming a seamless dialogue between the villa’s historic character and its contemporary reinterpretation.

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Textiles by Rubelli

Villa San Michele’s new chapter celebrates the mastery of artisans shaping its renewed identity. With Rubelli – one of Italy’s most storied textile houses, renowned for centuries of silk production and uncompromising craftsmanship – the ancient magic of weaving comes to life once more. In Rubelli’s historic workshop, the rhythmic sound of looms transformed hand-drawn and digital designs into refined, richly textured fabrics.

Coveted for their depth, durability and artistry, these luxurious textiles are woven seamlessly into the Villa’s restoration, continuing a legacy of excellence that elevates the spaces with cultural resonance.