About Plinius
“Let me into the secrets you would prefer no one to know.”
― Pliny the Younger, The Letters of the Younger Pliny
PLINIUS has been dreamed up by an eclectic group of friends. We share a deep interest and passion for undiscovered, off the beaten track places. Throughout the years we have frequently shared our discoveries with our friends… and later with friends of friends. Because of their enthusiastic feedback, we have decided to share this with you.
We offer a carefully curated collection of the best holiday villas in Italy. All villas have been hand-picked and personally chosen by us. We always visit the properties, explore the area, discover daily life and connect with locals. Plinius is your best local friend, and your local’s best friend. We would like to invite you to become part of our community of like-minded and engaged travelers and explore the world in a slower, more conscious way.
Founding members
SHARI is a hospitality professional at a.o. The Hoxton and Huize Frankendael in Amsterdam, social media expert and photographer. Additionally, Shari has vast experience in the luxury villa rental business. She has travelled extensively in Italy, has lots of friends there and is always in the know as to where to find the best, unique and off-the-beaten-track places. Shari currently lives in Amsterdam but will soon be moving to Rome, Italy. Shari is a prolific music lover, theatre visitor and adores the Opera especially Puccini.
BODO is a serial entrepreneur and ex-stockbroker from Amsterdam. He founded “Huize Frankendael”; the last remaining country house of Amsterdam, which he transformed into one of the most successful cultural and social institutions in the city. Bodo also co-owns “Podere Invidia” a unique historic farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany which he bought as a ruin some years ago and has been fully renovated into a contemporary space. He is an avid cyclist and tennis player, loves art and authentic Italian cuisine.
ELLEN is a flight Instructor and has worked at Wings over Asia in Singapore, the Hong Kong Aviation Club and High Wycombe Airpark in the UK. Ellen is also interior designer and travel photographer. She has lived all over the world and has had the privilege to travel and experience the most exclusive locations. As a foodie and amateur chef, she always knows to find her way to the best local restaurants. With her experience as a traveller as well as an owner of her own luxury holiday home rental, she knows the business inside out. Ellen lives in London, Italy and the South of France.
What's in a name?
‘That indolent but agreeable condition of doing nothing.’
- Plinius “the younger”
PLINIUS the younger (62– c.113) was a Roman politician, philosopher and writer. He described the Tuscan countryside to his friends in his famous writings “Letters on the Tuscan Villa”. In his vivid descriptions of country estates, including the gardens, art and surroundings. He also tried to improve the balance between man and nature. In one of his letters Plinius describes “the perfect day” in Tuscany. Interestingly, his perfect day (1st century AD) has not much changed from our perfect day.
We aim to continue Plinius’ journey and follow in his footsteps by sharing the love for beautiful places, slow-living, nature, art and culture. Plinius shared his findings through letters and we use a more digital form to communicate and let you into the secrets you would prefer no one to know. Plinius stands for sharing the most beautiful places on earth in a more sustainable way. The places we selected are the result of this ambition.
