Meet
the team

Igor, Leonard and Mart

The Co-founders

The dutch founding trio of the Novanta Experience Hotel prolongs the dream in bringing also the Gello valley back alive.

Passionate and trustful people dedicated to create beautiful holiday homes in this Tuscan valley. Based on the experience developing Novanta Hotel, together with the Italian architects and builders they continue to recreate stunning sustainable homes of the, sometimes, ancient ruins. 

Igor Sancisi, half Italian, real estate developer and creative conceptmaker
Leonard Crijns, hospitality beast and GM Novanta Hotel
Mart Hijmans, construction supervisor and grillmaster

We believe it’s not just our stunning scenery or charming stone houses that make Novanta special; it’s the people who bring it to life. Come and join us!

Rebuilding and awakening an abandoned valley

Architect

Ambra

After graduating from Politecnico di Milano, Ambra worked between Italy and the Netherlands, collaborating with different architecture practices. Together with Diana they started ADIA in 2018,  an architecture studio that works between restoration, new construction, landscape and interior design. By working in different countries ADIA have access to local backgrounds and collaborations with many specialists, bringing constant inspiration and knowledge to their projects.

Designing the perfect holiday home

Architect

Diana

Since 2018 co-founder of ADIA, Diana graduated from Politecnico di Torino. After collaborating with several practices in Italy, Diana created ADIA with the mission to work between local traditions and contemporary design, preserving the spirit of the place and researching a balance that can deliver a sensible and unique product, maintaining intact the human element.

Discover how we prioritize sustainability in each rebuild

Surveyor

Marco Ricci

Marco Ricci is our trusted geometra and the guiding force through Italy’s bureaucratic maze. He takes our bold ideas and transforms them into plans that the local government can approve. Born and raised in Casentino, Marco is not only one of our biggest fans but also one of our most valuable stakeholders. A true "wiggler," he skillfully navigates the space between old Tuscan laws and the evolving needs of our beautifully renovated homes, making the impossible possible.

Discover each buildings history

Outdoor maintenance

Tomy

Gardener extraordinaire – has enjoyed Gello for +30 years – he comes with the village – racer of fiat pandas – expert of dry stone walls.
This picture tells more than a thousand words...

Taking care of the green

GOOD TO KNOW

The financial advisors of Studio Bartolini can take care of your tax return for you!

Book a three-night stay for €375 and explore the houses and its surroundings. If you decide to buy a house your stay will be refunded!!

Come visit us before you decide and book your week stay for January/February/March with discount code ‘HOUSES15‘ for a 15% discount!

contact us