On the Road of the Sorceress

P. 100

A special place on what remains of a Roman road, full of nests, alcoves and pagodas «Tenuta Montecucchi is on what remains of an old Roman road, the “Road of the Sorceress” in the hills south of Florence. From an outpost it became a farm and then almost a village. In the 1800s it was expanded as a noble family residence, after which my family took over». Alex Postiglione, 37, designer, photographer and art historian, is the creator of Extra Virgo, a lifestyle and botanical couture brand. His grandmother, June Rose Bellamy, was the great-granddaughter of the Prince of Burma.

So you’re a prince?

Yes. My full name is Alex Herbert Postiglione, Prince Ne Myn Gy (Lord of the Sun) of Limbin. But I seldom talk about it. It doesn’t really match my spirit. What’s it like to live here? It seems like a world apart.

The house reflects its multiple identity: I live here with my partner Letizia, as well as my mother, an art historian. It’s cozy, with many nests and alcoves. Tell us about the collections.

I love the pagoda-shaped vessels for offerings, from the Burmese tradition. I began to collect them with my grandmother. She also loved gardening.

Are there other signs of her life here?

Many. Just look at Extra Virgo: we use legal hemp in many products, and I did the first planting right here, with her. I’ve also created the brand Chianti Cannabis in her honor.

What’s your favorite room?

My bathroom, with tadelakt walls. The tub is made with raw Impruneta bricks. Letizia’s bathroom has flamingos. I had them painted as a birthday gift, by a Florentine artist, Francesca Guicciardini. I also love the studio, where I create fragrances. There are many images of women… Mother Nature is a woman. My muses are all women – my grandmother, my mother and Letizia.