Tucked into the rolling hills of Tuscany, where time slows and every sunset feels like a painting, lies Lupaia—a lovingly restored farmhouse-turned-boutique hotel that captures the very soul of Italian charm. At the heart of this dreamlike escape are Heidi & Christopher, the visionary couple who transformed a crumbling, centuries-old estate into one of Italy’s most enchanting countryside retreats.
Originally from Austria, Heidi & Christopher left behind fast-paced corporate careers and city life in pursuit of something profoundly different: a life rooted in hospitality, authenticity, and beauty. What they’ve created at Lupaia is far more than a hotel—it’s a living expression of their shared passion for design, detail, and meaningful travel.
Not only are they the founders, but Heidi & Christopher remain intimately involved in the day-to-day operations (more on that below), ensuring that every guest experience reflects the warmth, care, and intentionality that define Lupaia. Their hands-on approach is part of what makes the property feel less like a hotel—and more like being welcomed into a home.
We’re honored that Heidi & Christopher took time from their demanding schedules to help our readers get to know not just the property, but the people behind it. Below, you’ll find the full, unedited conversation—part of In Conversation With, a series from The Suite Sojourn spotlighting the hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and creative minds shaping the future of luxury travel.
In this interview, we explore the origins of Lupaia, the leap of faith that brought them to Tuscany, and how they’ve turned their dream into a destination beloved by travelers from around the world.
The Suite Sojourn: How did Lupaia first come into your lives?
Heidi & Christopher: We (Heidi and Christopher Mueller) are originally from Austria and worked in marketing and communications. Running a small hotel in Italy had long been a dream. After two years of searching, we found Lupaia in 2015—then a rustic agriturismo needing work. It was love at first sight with the location, the tranquility, and the 1622 farmhouse. We felt immediately called to preserve and transform it into a warm, refined hideaway.
The Suite Sojourn: Was it love at first sight with the building—or a calling that grew over time? We’d also love to hear more about your personal journey: What inspired you to leave your corporate careers behind, and how did life lead you to this charming corner of Tuscany?
Heidi & Christopher: It was love at first sight. The peace, panoramic views, and historical charm struck us immediately. Leaving our corporate careers was driven by a desire for meaningful connection and creativity. We wanted a life where hospitality and authenticity merge.
The Suite Sojourn: When you took over the estate, what was your original vision? And how has that vision evolved since those early days?
Heidi & Christopher: Our vision was to create a boutique retreat that feels like a friend’s Tuscan country home—personal, intimate, and luxurious without pretension. Over time, we added thoughtful details like a wine room, library, and heated whirlpool, all while preserving the original architecture and soul of the place.
The Suite Sojourn: Did you always picture yourselves as hoteliers, or did Lupaia change your life’s direction? Was this part of a long-held dream, or something more unexpected?
Heidi & Christopher: Not from childhood, but early in our relationship, Christopher mentioned the dream. Over the years, after traveling and experiencing small soulful hotels, that dream became our shared purpose.
The Suite Sojourn: Restoring a 17th-century farmhouse must have come with unique challenges. What were some of the most complex design hurdles you faced?
Heidi & Christopher: The bones were solid, but we had to update all electrical and plumbing, replace doors and windows, and remove heavy decoration from previous owners. We kept working during off-seasons, so each winter became a phase of restoration.
The Suite Sojourn: How do you strike a balance between honoring Lupaia’s historic soul and offering modern luxury? Is that contrast part of its magic?
Heidi & Christopher: Absolutely. We used terracotta, reclaimed wood, neutral tones, and antique furnishings from local markets. The luxury lies in the detail and the quietness. Each room is historic and deeply comfortable.
The Suite Sojourn: Is there a particular space on the property that feels most personal to you—where your spirit is most present? Maybe a favorite nook or view?
Heidi & Christopher: Christopher’s favorite is the fig tree hill where we host the Sunset Negroni. Heidi loves the olive grove and sending guests on romantic picnics there. We both adore the open kitchen—the true heart of Lupaia.
The Suite Sojourn: The interiors at Lupaia feel so considered. How involved were you in choosing the antiques, artwork, and design elements?
Heidi & Christopher: Completely involved. We didn’t hire designers—we used instinct and history. Many pieces were found on our travels or from antique shops and local artisans. It’s a curated but natural look.
The Suite Sojourn: If you had to distill the Lupaia experience into just a few words, what would they be?
Heidi & Christopher: Unobtrusive luxury, heartfelt hospitality, and a deep connection to nature and culture.
The Suite Sojourn: Who is the guest that feels most at home here? Is there a certain mindset or traveler you find especially drawn to the property?
Heidi & Christopher: Romantic couples, food and wine lovers, travelers who value soul and intimacy over formality. It suits those seeking stillness, beauty, and connection to nature.
The Suite Sojourn: What do you do differently from other boutique hotels in the region? What makes Lupaia stand apart?
Heidi & Christopher: We treat guests like friends. No fixed meal times, fully personalized experiences, intimate design, and true local integration. Guests feel like they’re staying in a friend’s beautiful home.
The Suite Sojourn: Lupaia’s culinary program is such a standout. What’s the philosophy behind the food?
Heidi & Christopher: Everything is seasonal and as local as possible. We make everything in-house—breads, jams, pasta. Chef Luca builds menus around the garden and what local suppliers and farmers bring us.
The Suite Sojourn: How do you source ingredients for the kitchen? Is there a focus on hyper-local or seasonal ingredients?
Heidi & Christopher: Yes, from our vegetable garden, our olive oil, local flour mills, dairies like Cugusi, and butcher Belli. We believe food tastes better when it is picked the same day and super fresh.
The Suite Sojourn: Is there a signature dish that’s been on the menu since the very beginning? A guest favorite that’s stood the test of time?
Heidi & Christopher: Homemade pasta is our evergreen dish. Depending on the season, we prepare pappa al pomodoro, truffle pasta, or garden vegetable risotto. Guests always ask for more.
The Suite Sojourn: Can you share a dinner service or wine pairing moment that really captures the spirit of Lupaia? One of those nights that just felt magical?
Heidi & Christopher: The Sunset Negroni experience—under the pergola with Montepulciano in the background, a private bartender, and candlelight—captures everything romantic and Tuscan.
The Suite Sojourn: Tuscany changes so much throughout the year. How do you see the seasons shift at Lupaia—and do you have a favorite?
Heidi & Christopher: Spring brings flowers and herbs, summer is rich and full of life, fall has truffles and harvest warmth. We love autumn best—it’s deeply Tuscan in flavor and color and the light has something magical.
The Suite Sojourn: Is there a particular view on the property that takes your breath away—morning vs. evening? Where do you go when you want to pause and take it all in?
Heidi & Christopher: Morning light over the olive grove is breathtaking. Evenings bring magical sunsets over Montepulciano. We love pausing at either.
The Suite Sojourn: How do you weave the rhythm of Tuscan life into the guest experience? Is it through food, pace, music—something else?
Heidi & Christopher: It’s all of that. The pace is slow, meals are unhurried, music shifts throughout the day, and scents and textures reflect the land. Guests live like locals here.
The Suite Sojourn: Lupaia has such a deeply romantic feel. Was that atmosphere something you set out to create intentionally?
Heidi & Christopher: Yes. Every detail—from lighting to layout to service style—was curated for romance and intimacy. We wanted couples to fall in love all over again.
The Suite Sojourn: If a couple only had one night here, how would you make it unforgettable? What would you plan for them?
Heidi & Christopher: Welcome drinks in the kitchen, a candlelit terrace dinner, and the Sunset Negroni. Or a picnic with wine under the olive trees. Customized, always.
The Suite Sojourn: What does a typical day look like for you as hosts of Lupaia? Is there a rhythm or ritual you’ve grown to love?
Heidi & Christopher: Heidi manages rooms, kitchen, and garden. Christopher oversees the bar, sales, and front office. Mornings start with coffee and chats, evenings close with candles and smiles.
The Suite Sojourn: What’s one part of running Lupaia that guests don’t see—but you secretly enjoy?
Heidi & Christopher: Antique hunting, tweaking playlists, planning décor updates—small touches that build atmosphere.
The Suite Sojourn: What’s the most meaningful feedback or compliment a guest has ever shared with you?
Heidi & Christopher: “See you next year.” It means we’ve become part of their life’s rhythm and their most precious vacation time, and that’s the ultimate reward.
The Suite Sojourn: Looking ahead—what’s next for Lupaia? Are there new dreams or plans on the horizon? Perhaps at Lupaia or if you’re looking to expand into another property.
Heidi & Christopher: We recently added a wine room, library, gym, and whirlpool. We’ll keep refining the guest experience. No second property for the time being. Lupaia deserves our full heart.
The Suite Sojourn: And finally, what do you hope guests carry with them after they leave? What’s the lasting feeling you hope stays with them?
Heidi & Christopher: A sense of peace, inspiration, and reconnection. And hopefully, the desire to return to this magical hillside.
The hotel offers 12 rooms and suites that are full of historic romance.
For our readers: We encourage you to book a stay at Lupaia—and in the meantime, as you daydream about your next escape to the rolling hills of Tuscany, immerse yourself in the mood with Heidi & Christopher’s curated Spotify playlist.
Seasonality: Fall (September-November)
How to get to Lupaia:
Lupaia is located in the heart of Tuscany, just outside Montepulciano, with stunning views of the Val d’Orcia. While it feels wonderfully remote, it’s surprisingly accessible.
Here’s how most guests get there:
1. Fly into a major airport
The closest major airports are:
✨ Florence is the most convenient if you’re already in Italy. Rome is ideal for international arrivals.
2. Drive to Lupaia
From the airport, the easiest way to reach Lupaia is by rental car or private transfer. The drive itself is part of the experience—winding country roads, olive groves, and postcard-worthy villages.
🚗 A car also gives you the freedom to explore nearby towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and Siena.
All images are © Lupaia
Benefits require 2 minimum length of stay:
All clients of The The Suite Sojourn will have access to special amenities at Lupaia.
