This 13th-century villa pretty much typifies the tranquil Tuscan way of life A SLICE OF MAGIC Borgo Santo Pietro is a wonderful example of a dream come true. The enigmatic Danish owners, Claus and Jeanette Thottrup, have not only realized their dream, but they have also allowed us to share it. They are passionate Italophiles with a penchant for the relaxed vibe of Southern Europe. This eclectic gathering of interests has allowed them to create an exclusive Tuscan retreat that offers the covetable trappings of a pristine palazzo, immaculately decorated down to the finest detail, though the atmosphere that flows throughout is wonderfully relaxed and unpretentious. Borgo Santo Pietro dates back to the 13th century; however, after hundreds of years of life, it lay derelict by 2001. I believe it took one visit by the Thottrups to realize that this would make an outstanding residence. After several months and years of needle-fine restoration, trawling antique markets, planting thousands of trees and plant varieties, reproducing the original where the real thing could not be found; they have created something very special indeed. There is that 'no expenses spared' feeling with the quality being sumptuously superior: Venice's finest Fortuny fabrics on cushions and bedspreads, luxuriant Rubelli velvets, Danish antiques passed down through their own families, French wall hangings, 19th-century oil paintings besides convincing Italian reproductions. The luxury list is endless. However...