Leeu Collection has chosen Auberge Resorts Collection to oversee Collegio alla Querce, currently being brought to life by a team that includes Esteva i Esteva and ArchFlorence.

The development of a new luxury hotel within a former school in the Tuscan capital has taken a major step forward.

Reinventing a historic Florentine building

Auberge Resorts Collection has been selected by Leeu Collection to manage Collegio alla Querce, which sits in 15,500 sq m of attractive gardens to the north of Florence city centre, less than 3km from the Duomo. The building was previously occupied by a Barnabite boarding school, home to a renowned geodynamic observatory that made a significant contribution to theoretical and experimental seismology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Leeu Collection acquired the property in 2017 and work is now well underway on transforming it into a luxury 82-key hotel, due to open in 2023.

Analjit Singh, founder of Leeu Collection, said: “We made a conscious decision several years ago to focus on creating exceptional experiences for our guests by joining forces with the best in class in the fields of winemaking, dining out and artistic endeavours, so it gives me great pleasure to have the award-winning team at Auberge Resorts Collection manage our property in Florence.

“The approach taken by Auberge Resorts Collection is very much in keeping with the Leeu Collection ethos of crafting superlative luxury escapes that work with and promote the finest partners in the locality. This collaboration therefore feels like a natural fit and we look forward to working with them to build a sensational destination.”

Restoring Collegio alla Querce

Architect Esteva i Esteva is currently working to preserve the original character of the building at the same time as introducing modern style and functionality, while interior designer ArchFlorence is busy weaving together high renaissance art with contemporary Italian design. Five levels of terraced gardens are also being planned, not least one with baroque influences that represents the joint vision of Singh and landscape designer Franchesca Watson in tandem with local experts.

It’s envisaged that Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection will have 61 rooms and 21 suites upon completion, along with a 35-metre outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a spa with four treatment rooms, a wine-tasting room, an art gallery and a boutique. Guests will be able to refuel at a destination restaurant serving authentic Tuscan culinary experiences, a glass-enclosed garden room for daytime dining, a bar and an outdoor pool bar, or attend functions at one of the property’s many event spaces, including its very own chapel and theatre.

Auberge expands internationally

Collegio alla Querce represents only the second European property for Auberge, which is headquartered in Mill Valley, California.

Dan Friedkin, chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection, said: “We are tremendously excited to expand our presence in Europe with the addition of Florence and Collegio alla Querce. Our unique ability to elevate and preserve historic properties will translate into a dynamic new destination for rich culture, outstanding cuisine, art, design and unrivalled experiences in the internationally renowned city.

“We are grateful for Leeu Collection’s founder, Analjit Singh, who had the vision to create the most spectacular resort in Florence, and for the trust he has placed in us to help bring it to life.”

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