La Bandita Townhouse

Contemporary design elements sit comfortably within this hip boutique hotel’s medieval walls.

• La Bandita Townhouse's location directly in the stunning town of Pienza
• The hands-on nature of ex-pat owners, whose hip touch is felt throughout the hotel
• The contemporary furnishings amidst medieval architecture, which offers a cool break from many Tuscan hotel aesthetics

Former New York City music executive John Voigtmann and his travel writer wife Ondine Cohane opened La Bandita Townhouse in 2013 as a sister property to their countryhouse hotel, La Bandita. Set in a 15^th-century convent, the boutique hotel maintains its historic exterior and many details, including religious icon niches and rough-hewn stone walls.

The 12 bedrooms are contemporary in style, with funky modern furniture, (like yellow lacquer trapezoidal desks), exposed stone walls, high ceilings, pale hardwood floors and large windows. Stainless steel, four-poster bed frames anchor the rooms and are made with crisp white linens bordered with orange stripes. Bathrooms are spacious and include state-of-the-art fixtures and amenities from Sicilian brand Ortigia.

While the bedrooms are sleek and sexy at La Bandita Townhouse, the common spaces are more laid-back and lounge-like. The large open library has deep upholstered couches, an honor bar and a wall filled with records (and a record player guests are encouraged to use) as well as well-thumbed paperbacks and travel guide books.

The hotel restaurant, Townhouse Caffé has an open kitchen with bar seating that encourages guests to watch the chefs at work, turning out carbonara-filled ravioli (a must-order), bistecca fiorentina and seasonal specialties, like grilled asparagus with soft boiled egg and truffles in spring. More seating is available in the serene back garden.

The hotel's location, however, is its best quality, being set in the center of Pienza, one of Tuscany's most adorable medieval villages. Designed by Pope Pius II, who was born there, the town is the Renaissance ideal, with city walls, parallel streets, a purpose-built cathedral and of course, an adjacent, grand papal summer residence.

The opportunity to sleep within the walls of a medieval Tuscan village (and in high luxury) is notably absent in the region, with this as its one exception. When day-trippers depart as the sun starts to set, the town empties and guests of La Bandita Townhouse have Pienza to themselves, it feels magical.

Couples or families with grown children will most appreciate the modern style and intimate nature of the property. Small children are allowed but parents with really little kids might not appreciate the sharp edges and feel badly disturbing the serenity or an impromptu party. (Occasionally, encouraged by the honor bar and record player, nights can run late.)