Meet Lena Evstafieva, Hotelier at Villa Lena, Tuscany

Can you tell me more about the story of VillaLena?

VillaLena was founded in 2014 on an old Tuscan estate which fell into disrepair. My family purchased it and for a while we were not sure what to do with it. My husband and I both worked in the creative industries before, and so the idea of combining hospitality with an artist residency seemed like a good one. The estate is a beautiful natural woodland, and it also seemed very organic to set up vegetable gardens and other agriculture to accompany the restaurant.

Were you always working in hospitality?

No, never. VillaLena is my first foray into hospitality. Prior, I worked with contemporary art.

How did you come across this property?

My family found it actually and fell in love. I can see why though – the beautiful 19th century villa with bright terracotta walls and peach columns against the verdant green and blue skies really is a stunner.

How would you describe the atmosphere at VillaLena?

Friendly and flexible. I would like to think we are very different from other hospitality places where the culture is more set in place – whilst we are always a changing, breathing project, always full of creative and experimental things.

How would you describe your taste in interior design?

Every detail matters – it can be anything but it has to be perfect and the exact balance of things.