Since 1994
We specialise in luxury Italian villas and exercise discerning taste — in the homes we curate, the people who run them, and the trips we plan around them.
How it began
In 1994, long before Airbnb, before Google Maps, before Instagram, Kit Burns flew to Italy with a one-way ticket, a notebook, and a folded map.
She picked up a used Fiat 500 in Rome and drove north. There was no playbook. No phone in her pocket telling her where the next village was. So Kit did it the only way it could be done, by driving the back roads with a stick shift, asking who had a house worth staying in, and knocking on doors. A morning at a vineyard in Chianti. An afternoon at a lemon farm above Conca dei Marini. An evening at a stone house in Cortona whose owner answered the door in her apron.
She came home with a list of villas, floorplans sketched in her notebook, all of them owned by families she had eaten lunch with. That list became Doorways.
How it continued
Twelve years later, in the autumn of 2006, I came home from a semester studying in Rome and started classes at Villanova, a few blocks down from Kit's office. My landlord mentioned Kit might have a spare parking spot. I knocked on her door. She answered. We started talking about Italy, and somewhere between tales of Trastevere and multiple shared espressos the afternoon went by. I left with the parking spot and an unexpected internship.
Two years later, on my graduation day, I raced straight from the ceremony to the airport to catch a plane to Italy for a press tour of Doorways villas. I never looked back.
Leading the company through Covid, I saw how much our clients benefited from using Doorways. We were there to reschedule trips, give advice, assurance and help clients with insurance claims.
Doorways today
Thirty years on from Kit's first list, the villas have changed but the method has not. Every house in our collection we have walked through ourselves. Many we have eaten and slept in. We know the owners by first name, the chefs by what they make best, the boatmen and truffle hunters and ceramicists who turn a week in Italy into the trip your friends ask about. Over the years what we help clients book has grown, cooking classes with a nonna, after-hours museum visits, sunset gozzi on Lake Como, private boats down the Amalfi Coast, restaurant tables that do not take walk-ins. Travel advice you would get from a friend who had just been there. Because we just were.
Three decades, in snapshots
What Sets Us Apart
01
Every villa on our books has been personally inspected. We turn down more properties than we accept. If a villa makes the list, it's because we'd send our own family there.
02
We've built relationships with villa owners and staff over decades. When you use Doorways, you are stepping into a network of people who care about your week.
03
From airport pickups to private chefs, sailing days, cooking classes, and quiet afternoons doing nothing — we shape the whole trip around how you like to travel.
04
Literally. Our team is bilingual, dual-nationality, and rooted in Italy. Translation is the smallest part of what that means.
05
When something goes sideways at 11pm on a Tuesday, you reach a person who knows you and the villa. Concierge with a real cell number.
06
After thirty years, we are owned by the people who built the company. We answer to clients and to the villa owners we represent — nobody else.
30+
Years curating Italian villas
100+
Hand-selected villas
12
Regions across Italy
73%
Repeat & referred clients
Recognition
“A taste of Tuscany.”
“The villa solution.”
“Tuscan sun villas still await you.”
“Spend the World's Fair in a villa on Lake Como.”
“Temporary neighbors of George Clooney on Lake Como.”
“Italian villa rentals designed for families.”
Plan Your Trip
From the right villa to private chefs, boat charters, and bespoke experiences, we take care of every detail.
“A fabulous experience in every way. Thank you for all your help in working with us to choose the perfect villa and for all the recommendations. A trip to remember.”Doorways Client · Villa Larianella
“Our experience with Doorways was exceptional — La Casetta and The Farmhouse were impeccable, and the owners’ hospitality was off the charts. Two of the most magical properties in all of Umbria. Can’t wait to return!”Doorways Client · Sogno Casetta & Farmhouse
“My longtime dream of renting a villa with friends in Tuscany became a reality thanks to Susan and Doorways. Villa Laura was the perfect property — and Susan is trustworthy, professional, and passionate about her stunning properties.”Doorways Client · Villa Laura
“Awesome! Great central location and splendid views. A great, great place. This was my second time with Doorways and it was even better than the first!”Doorways Client · Poggio delle Rose
“We absolutely loved the villa on Lake Como. The local concierge devised a fabulous itinerary, and each of the services — provisions, chefs, tours on the lake — was exceptional. Our first time renting a villa, and we would highly recommend.”Doorways Client · Lake Como
“Phenomenal. The villa was a restful, beautiful place to stay, with spectacular views in Tuscany. Fresh herbs outside the door, a wood fire, more amazing views, and a quick dip in the pool. The four of us loved it — go, enjoy!”Doorways Client · Tuscany
“We couldn't have been better-taken care of! This was a very special experience — one that will be etched in our hearts forever.”Doorways Client · Villa Plaisir
“Three-sixty views over golden wheat fields and sunflower crops, a beautifully kept pool, an olive grove and fruit trees. And Mariela the housekeeper — what a wonderful person. The grounds, the views and the pool: magnificent.”Doorways Client · Villa Molinazzo
“I cannot speak highly enough of Doorways! Susan planned our stay and our wedding at Villa Laura in Cortona, and it was beyond our wildest dreams. Sophie the house manager gave us the best week of all our lives.”Doorways Client · Villa Laura · Wedding
“From arrival to departure, the week was filled with incredible hospitality, warmth and beauty. The description and photos did not do the experience justice. Xenia has created something truly special, and the Chianti hills were idyllic. Belissimo!”Doorways Client · Il Casolare
“Villa Mida is a delightful surprise — amazing water views, a unique indoor spa, attentive staff. After full days exploring the Amalfi Coast it was wonderful to return to a soothing setting to recharge. We can’t wait to return!”Doorways Client · Villa Mida
“This villa was amazing — everywhere you looked was a “wow” moment. Pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, king-size beds with double shower heads. Bocce, foosball, ping pong. Thanks Susan for recommending this property for the four couples.”Doorways Client · A Tuscan Villa
“The villa was spectacular. The service from the property manager and maid was first class, and the modern amenities were much appreciated. A five-star luxury experience.”Doorways Client · Villa Brezzablu
“10/10 would highly recommend. Susan is the utmost professional, full of knowledge, and she really gets to know you. Her trip planning and the details she provides are very valuable. A must if you want a unique and tailored experience!”Doorways Client · Doorways Client
“We had the absolute best experience working with Susan. We stayed at CasaCau in Roma — wonderful accommodations, delicious breakfast every morning, and the location was absolutely amazing — just down the road from the Fontana di Trevi. A real gem!”Doorways Client · CasaCau
“La Poggiolaia is a beautiful property with an amazing pool — and the sunsets are stunning.”Doorways Client · La Poggiolaia
“Comfortable in every way — and the chef was outstanding. Walking, eating, exploring… just entering into the beauty and culture of Italy.”Doorways Client · Casa del Fattore