We know a place where a tale worthy of Shakespeare intertwines with the Tuscan landscape. Although Torre di Maiano is not the Veronese estate of the Capulets, like it, it has witnessed great passions and romantic stirrings. Instead of the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, here we have the tale of Sir John Temple Leader’s love for the Italian land and culture.

In this story, there are no poisoned chalices or tragic misunderstandings—only an English gentleman who, like Romeo, fell in love at first sight. The difference being that he fell not for a girl, but for the Tuscan landscape. And just as Romeo traversed the Capulet gardens to see his beloved, Temple Leader roamed the hills between Fiesole and Florence to breathe new life into them. His Romantic Park, now known as the “Queen’s Garden,” once hosted Queen Victoria herself!

Amidst this idyllic scenery stands a magical turret—beautiful and ancient-looking from the outside, yet modern on the inside, designed by the renowned Simone Micheli. Here, you can feel like a contemporary English lord, strolling through a picturesque botanical garden. You can embrace the role of a romantic, transporting your beloved across the pond in a rowboat. Or admire the Tuscan hills and search for traces of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo in the ancient quarry. During your wanderings, you encounter the farm’s residents—freely roaming horses, sheep, geese, chickens, ducks, ostriches, and donkeys.

Photos: torredimaiano.com