Our specialist team

Creator of Essenza and the Le Pratola Collection, Margherita has been successfully taking care of guests in Italy for many years, consistently achieving 5-star guest review ratings. Also a qualified banker and property developer, Margherita's passions are travel, Italian design, running and Tuscan wines. Email Margherita.

Following a successful career in International Banking & Finance Iain Co-founded Essenza to combine his passion for Italy and delivering exceptional authentic client experiences. Married into an Italian family, Iain also has 20 years in luxury Italian property ownership, management, funding, and development alongside other international business interests. Iains' other passions include producing and collecting Italian wines, Tuscan Olive oil production and cycling and skiing throughout Italy.

Voted Conde Nast Top Travel specialist, Chiara knows Italy intimately and can guide guests with precision. Chiara's essential book of contacts means there is little she cannot organise. Also a qualified interior designer of homes and yachts, Chiara's passions are travel, cooking, baking and everything Italian. Email Chiara.

Serena is one of our Travel Planners looking after the day-to-day operations of Essenza and meeting clients while in residence. After a degree in Art History in Florence, she became an interior designer with a passion for contemporary design. Serena knows Italy inside out and is a precious asset in creating memorable itineraries for our guests.

Camilla is one of our Travel Planners. She takes care of itinerary planning and liaising with clients while in residence for Essenza. She is an interpreter and translator with proficiency in English, Chinese and Italian and her passions are foreign cultures, gastronomy and nature. Camilla looks after our guests with passion and professionalism.

Antonia has been working in the tourism industry on the stunning Amalfi Coast for many years and considers herself privileged to have helped visitors enjoy this incredibly iconic and fascinating region of Italy. She is passionate about providing exceptional hospitality and creating authentic and unforgettable experiences. She is also interested in painting, advertising graphics, website design, and communication through social media.

Abbie is our marketing and sales intern, currently based in the UK. She is a final-year student of International Tourism Management and is also learning to speak Italian. Her passions include Italian art and culture, history, and nature. Abbie became captivated by Italy during her first trip there and has since made it her mission to assist others in experiencing the wonders of Italy.

Arsen is an experienced estate and house manager, taking good care of our client's needs and inspecting new properties. Arsen's background in wine production and olive oil harvesting means he's full of practical advice and support. Together with his wife Ergisa, Arsen expertly manages Villa Le Pratola, Gaiole in Chianti.

Francesca is fresh out of law school from University of Florence and a new member of the Essenza team. Her passion and enthusiasm for the beauties Tuscany has to offer will welcome you for your stay. Among her biggest interests travelling is in first position, her curiosity drives her towards the discovery of new realities and cultures. Her other hobbies include reading, listening to music and long walks in nature.

Lucy is a Senior Media Buyer and Essenza's campaigns manager. She uses her digital expertise to create effective strategies and compelling campaigns. From a young age, Lucy has been passionate about cycling and is a keen mountain biker regularly travelling abroad for adventures.

Essenza's Chief Accountant, Diane, has over 30 years of experience working in the field of finance as a qualified accountant and tax advisor. She is responsible for looking after the financial requirements of the business. Diane's passions are travel, property development and spending time with family and friends.

Luca's graduated with a First in History from the University of Oxford. Luca's ability to relate historical events means he's able to explain in an engaging manner the 'why' to much of how Italy operates today. Luca's passions encompass global travel, learning new languages, economics and international relations.

Katia is our gastronomy expert for central Italy. Katia has a First level Master degree in Culture of Nutrition and Food and Wine Traditions, is a qualified Tour in Emilia Romagna and is a qualified Official Cheese Taster. Katia has studied and worked in England, Spain and Australia in gastronomic tourism.

Expert in gastronomic tourism providing consulting and advisory within Italy and Latin America. An official Italian tourism guide and certified sommelier. Rosina personally guides guests on gastronomic walking tours of Rome.

Elizabeth's twin passions are cycling and wine. Having competed at the semi pro/pro level for road, MTB and track racing, she was crowned Champion of Lombardy three times during her illustrious racing career. Elizabeth is also a qualified sommelier and a published Wine Critic on wine guide Duemilavini. Today Elizabeth enjoys offering the best rental cycling equipment and private guided tours in Tuscany.