Austrians, Heidi and Christopher Mueller had the dream of creating the perfect boutique luxury hotel. After a two year search they bought and  renovated Lupia in Italy to make their dream reality.

How was Lupia born?

Italy has always been very close to our hearts, so this is where we started searching. We found Lupaia, the perfect spot that combines location, views and atmosphere. When we took over, it was a very rustic Agriturismo with 10 rooms which needed a lot of work. Now, 10 years later, after extensive renovations, we can offer a high-end boutique resort on a private hilltop with 12 rooms and suites, restaurant, bar, infinity pool and other guest facilities.

What prompted you to move to Italy?

Did you ever meet someone who does not like Italy? Living so close to Italy we often travelled south with our families since childhood. We fell in love with the country, food and its people many decades ago. 

“We never used an interior designer – we followed our own instincts, wanting to create a place that feels homely, not like a typical hotel.”

Was it a dream to become hoteliers?

When we met 25 years ago, on our first date Heidi asked Christopher about his dream in life. He said that he would love to have a small hotel in Italy one day. Then 15 years later, after successful careers in marketing and communications, we decided to make the dream a reality. As we have travelled a lot ourselves since we met, and we always liked places that offer unobtrusive luxury, with excellent service, yet making you feel at home. We want to offer a personal experience that’s unlike the typical hotel experience. Anything is possible – if a guest wants a Negroni served in the olive grove at sunset, why not?

How much of a renovation project was it? 

We never closed for an entire season, but spent every winter seasonal closure making the improvements. Usually on the same day when our last guests of each season leave us, the construction workers walk in. Overall, it was a big renovation project which took us almost 10 years. In steps we updated all the rooms, the kitchen, gardens and pool area, the back of the house, and we added many areas like the wine room, a library, gym and a heated whirlpool. We will continue working on the rooms and improving guest experience. Our aim is to be among the Top 20 hotels in Italy.

Any highlights / lowlights?

Our goal was to create a welcoming, intimate and enveloping atmosphere set apart from time. Everything we’ve done adds to the life and warmth of this place, and we’ve given the soul back to the objects you can find here. Our music playlists change for the different times of day, and the fresh flowers, the candles, the fireplace lit in the evening, the aromas from the kitchen from dawn until dusk, are all elements that define the Lupaia experience. It’s like staying in the lovely country house of a friend. This is our guiding philosophy, which we share with our staff as if between members of a family. Guests leave with the feeling of having made a genuine connection with the magic that surrounds Lupaia, and with each other as well.

How does Italian style differ from Austrian?
It is much warmer and more emotional, tradition is still key. You can find so many small producers of all kind of products you could not find anymore in Austria these days. It is beautiful to see how proudly they present you their products, all made with love and techniques going back often many decades. Many of our artisanal objects come from the surrounding area and we encourage guests to explore the local workshops and perhaps return home with a bit of excellent Tuscan quality, such as the ceramics of Mariella Spinelli from Montefollonico, who also created the strictly plastic-free amenity containers in all our bathrooms.

How would you describe your “home’s” style?
Other than the main building, there are 4 annex buildings that in the past were used to store farming equipment, grain and hay. We converted all of them into rooms, maintaining the original footprint of the buildings. All rooms on the ground floor have a private garden (all our rooms have a private outside space). We never used an interior designer – we followed our own instincts, wanting to create a place that feels homely, not like a typical hotel. We used materials that were also used centuries ago – linen, terracotta, reclaimed wood, neutral colors. Every architectural element has been carefully preserved to the highest standard and refurbished with a timeless yet contemporary style and vision. Furnishings include treasures from past journeys, thoughtfully selected works of art, period carpets, beautiful Italian fabrics and Victorian bath tubs.

How do you make a hotel a home? 

Before starting this project we had always stayed as guests in small hotels with a distinctive soul, offering something unique. For us, Lupaia is the quintessence of what we ourselves look for when we travel: Unobtrusive, personal service, experiences that connect you with the local community and culture, food that comes from local producers, staff who always have time for a short chat or to provide recommendations.

Any words of wisdom?

Make sure you have a product which differentiates you from the others. Follow your instinct, even if others tell you differently.

What would you advise someone considering a similar idea?

If you are sure to have the right product for guests who seek something truly special, do it and do not wait too long as you might lose your courage.

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