TDR Interviews: Le Gusciane by Luca Calvani & Alessandro Franchini

A slice of paradise where time stands still and every breath is charged with life - Le Gusciane is an invitation to slow down. With its name evoking the aura of times gone by - this 19th century metato was where villagers once dried chestnuts by the hearth. Today, nestled in the Camaiore countryside between the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the Versilia sea, this intimate Tuscan retreat of well-known Italian actor Luca Calvani and his partner Alessandro Franchini is breathtakingly magnificent.

“Exactly five years ago my love story with Le Gusciane officially began - it was when we signed the purchase contract. There’s something magical about watching an idea be born, grow and take shape before your eyes. It’s the culmination of a years-long dream. I absolutely love the idea of looking after a little piece of the world, away from it all and inviting people in. It's my stage where I play the roles of director, set designer and sometimes even caterer. Alessandro is the embodiment of tireless energy, always busy with something, whether it's working in the woods, gardening or conjuring up his next project. His innate passion is matched by his love for baking, making his breakfasts a pleasant experience for all!” - Luca Calvani.

With a nip in the air and under an ever-changing sky that takes on incredible hues gracefully shifting from pastel pink to deep blue - this stone house is set in serene greenery, surrounded by meadows and a forest of oak and chestnut trees with light creeping in through the branches, crafting a spellbinding play and giving a feeling of protection and comfort.

Not only will you be greeted by Luca and Ale the second you step into Le Gusciane but waiting with eyes full of anticipation on the ottoman at the entrance will be Gastone, Camillo, Furio and Borlotto - the Dachshunds welcoming you as if they’ve known you forever. Four distinct colors and characters, full of unconditional love with sweet little faces and tails wagging in pure happiness and excitement - their joyful spirit fills the space and will conquer your heart during your stay full of cuddles. There’s no party without them.

Fresh crisp air and scents of nature envelopes this home caressing the senses, the windows are live paintings capturing the changing landscape and each corner is illuminated by the golden light gently seeping in. Every moment is a masterpiece. Blending the beauty of Italian lifestyle and elegant English taste - the interiors reflect a palette of subtle hues and cool nuances with smoke blues and artichoke greens along with natural materials from wood to fabrics creating harmony and flow of energy between the inside and outside.

The entryway, passage, mudroom, kitchen, living and dining room, suites, bathrooms, unexpected corners - each and every space is filled with details that are harmoniously woven into its poetic storyline. Lots of exquisite treasures found here and there from carefully chosen alluring chandeliers and lamps with dim lighting to paintings, family photos, candles, vases, crockery, Italian Gin bottles, books, games, vintage Marshall speakers, blankets that seamlessly decorate the environment.

Le Gusciane’s famous staircase that goes from the mudroom to the kitchen is where you could sit comfortably while sipping a drink, holding a precious Dachshund and chatting with Luca and Ale as they cook. A sanctuary of togetherness, a place which Luca fills with his energy, passion, recipe books, pots of all sizes and spices that he brings back from all his travels - the kitchen is where the most time is spent. As a ritual, everyone always turns up to have a word with Luca when they see him next to the stove that’s bursting with aroma while Ale prepares his delicious gin and tonic and switches on some soothing music for the evening to come alive.

Offering a culinary experience that goes beyond food and a sensory journey that nourishes the body and soul - for them, cooking is a way of sharing stories, passing on that taste, that tradition, that well-kept intriguing secret to someone else and forming a connection. From their delectable homemade honey to jam, avocado toasts, hazelnut and pistachio brioche, tiramisu, hot chocolate and more - everything is simply a heavenly treat.

Adding to this exclusive experience - there are only two enchanting suites furnished with an English country charm which take their name from the beautiful trees in the garden, Quercus and Liquidambar. Equipped with endless views, comfortable beds with soft, scented sheets and en suite bathrooms - you can spend some time in complete relaxation and wake up on a cloud. Quercus features a charming green velvet bed and cast iron stove. Liquidambar, on the other hand, embodies sage green curtains, ash pink wardrobes and a delightful sitting area. Both the bathrooms comprise wooden beams, low lights, retro taps and brass finishes for a timeless romanticism.

Luca and Ale’s suite exudes a one-of-a-kind mountain retreat feel that is snug. It’s a stunning open space housing a reclaimed brick fireplace and a bookshelf brimming with eclectic books and miscellaneous items. There’s a partition wall that effortlessly hides a television and workstation right under a starlight - separating their room from their daughter’s, Bianca.

You can go on to discover products made entirely by them around the house from the best natural organic ingredients - Bee-o which is honey from their bees, aromatic Helichrysum Gin, Apuania that’s a collection of refreshing personal care products and Tuscan Cottage which is line of home textiles, plaids, sheets and blankets that will that wrap you in warm embrace. They further offer activities in symbiosis with nature - massages, yoga, functional training, swimming, bee experience, trekking in the woods, cooking class, dinner under the centuries-old trees amongst the fireflies and more.

At the end of the day, between pages of a book and comforting silence as the fireplace flames dance vividly - everyone is basking in the comfort of each other's company, immersed in rich conversations and laughter that echoes or contemplating beauty in a tale of discovery with the Dachshunds snuggled close by. Stories have been collected between these walls, each one weaved into a dish, a taste, a memory. Everyone leaves something of themselves and takes a piece of Le Gusciane with them, it’s an eternal exchange.

The Design Release: Tell us about yourself and Alessandro.

Luca Calvani: I’m from Prato - a city renowned for its textile industry - and my journey began with a diploma in textile expertise but I always harbored a strong artistic inclination. This led me to New York, where I worked in the Garment Center and discovered a fervent passion for the world of entertainment. I ventured into theater and eventually film and television, carrying with me the entrepreneurial spirit of my hometown. My career path zigzagged through various realms, from branding to lifestyle, where I managed projects from crafting fragrances for international brands to launching home linen lines. My love for interior design led me to appear on the television show Cortesie Per Gli Ospiti.

Alessandro, born in Viareggio, took a different yet equally adventurous path. His youth was marked by a promising career in football and a degree in accounting. However, his heart was always set on exploring the world. He backpacked through much of South America - experiences that broadened his perspective and deepened his appreciation for open spaces and the outdoors. Back in Viareggio, he balanced his time between being a lifeguard and traveling during winters, continuously expanding his skill set and character. In 2015, he opened The Functional Department, a gym where he became an expert in bodyweight training.

TDR: How did the journey to build Le Gusciane begin?

LC: Le Gusciane is an extremely ambitious project - an all-encompassing one and at the same time truly rewarding. It was Alessandro’s idea at first, but when I saw the house it simply spoke to me.

I saw its potential - it was far from what it is today - but the position, the shape of the land around it deeply resonated with me and reminded me of the Cotswolds. I knew we had something great in our hands. I was inspired, and I am inspired every single day when I’m here.

TDR: What was the source of inspiration?

LC: It was my experience in the UK working for Guy Ritchie alongside Lia Cramer (who was working for him as an interior designer). Lia worked with these incredible craftsmen and every piece, every aspect of her designs was fascinating to me.

So this home was built in 1840 and expanded in 1906 which served as the perfect story plot. As a director and screenwriter I rely on storytelling, so I made up a story thinking - what if this small stone house was bought by an English man who made it into a summer home for his family? What would he have done with the interiors? I used this and just started collecting pieces. Nothing extravagant, things collected through generations by the family on their trips and so on. It really made the process fun.

TDR: Take us through the design process.

LC: Palette was everything for me. I divided the house into three color areas - beige and blue for the ground floor, green and pink (the color of an artichoke) for the first floor that has two suites. And finally for the top floor I opted for a light blue, with some Lichen all rigorously Farrow & Ball.

TDR: What would be the one object used most to decorate the space?

LC: Books! Lots of books about nature and trees to meditation and art.

TDR: What was your favorite part of getting Le Gusciane together?

LC: Well everything starts from an idea and we’ve really had a few that we thought were absolutely nuts! But then it all came together somehow, so to answer - dreaming it and then seeing it.

TDR: What were the challenges that were faced?

LC: Definitely it being a small home with no straight walls, its exposed beams and the hardest part was to make it look untouched while installing the bathrooms, fireplaces, heating system and air conditioning - keeping the technology hidden is super important in a place like this.

TDR: Introduce us to the products created by you that are featured at Le Gusciane.

LC: We currently have Bee-o which is the honey from our organic apiary, a line of Spirits that includes Helichrysum Gin and two liqueurs, a Lavender and Chamomile one and finally Apuania, a collection of personal care products inspired by the Apuan Alps that can be seen from our window.

TDR: What’s next?

LC: We’ve just launched Tuscan Cottage - a cozy line of home textiles, plaids, sheets and blankets I designed in collaboration with Proxima, a large linen company from Italy.

TDR: What can one find you doing if you’re not working?

LC: Well, I’m usually working but if not - you’ll probably find me in the kitchen. Did I mention that I’m writing a cookbook?

My book is this cozy mix of a kitchen adventure and my own story about setting up this home in Camaiore - the whole thing is set up around the four seasons out here, each bringing its own special touch. What I've done is thrown together 60 recipes that are super close to what each season offers - from fresh spring greens to hearty winter stews. But it's not just about a bunch of recipes. It's about getting one's hands in the dirt, understanding where food comes from and really getting into the rhythm of this place.

There's more to it than just food. Every page is a slice of my life here, it’s about my love for the place, the wonder of starting fresh and a reflection of my whole journey of getting this project off the ground. I’ve shared the ups and downs, the laughs and the tough bits of starting something new in this dreamy location. I've poured my heart into turning this old space into a welcoming spot. So when you're flipping through, you're not just looking at recipes - you're walking this path with me, seeing how this whole dream unfolded.

Le Gusciane
Via Costacce Strada Privata
55041 Camaiore LU, Italy
Website