VALLEY OF DREAMS

Prince Fabio Borghese and Angelica Krystle Donati open the doors to the Villa Medicea di Montevettolini, the Tuscan Renaissance family home where they got married

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Overlooking the beautiful Valdinievole, the Tuscan valley immortalised by Leonardo da Vinci, Villa Medicea di Montevettolini is a Renaissance masterpiece.

Built as a hunting lodge by the Medicis in the 16th century, it has been home since 1871 to another of Italy's most prominent dynasties, the Borgheses. Naturally, during its long history, the house has hosted countless society celebrations. But none can have been happier than the nuptials last year of Prince Fabio Borghese and his Los Angeles-born bride, Angelica Krystle Donati.

Both successful businesspeople - he in the luxury sector and she in construction - the couple have a great deal in common. Added to that, now, is their shared commitment to this extraordinary place.

"From an early age, I learnt to love this villa, which always gave me a deep sense of peace," says Fabio, while Angelica reveals: "I fell in love with it the first time he brought me here." To mark their first year of marriage, they opened the doors and invited us inside.

Angelica, what can you tell us about your wedding? "It was undoubtedly the best day of my life. Thanks to an excellent team, the organisation wasn’t too stressful, so I woke up calm and able to savour a moment of solitude.

How did you and your husband meet?