Castello di Casole is located in the hills of Tuscany, Italy, is a grand castle estate that dates back to the 10th century. It boasts a total of forty-one suites for visitors, and with classic restaurants, spas, tours, and events and activities, it has been delighting guests that visit Italy for over a decade.
History
Castello di Casole is a restored Italian castle on a Tuscany country estate. Built and christened Querceto Manor at the end of the 10th century, it often was host to political exiles from nearby Siena. Starting in the 15th century, the manor fell into decline. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was owned and reconstructed by the Bargagli family of Siena. Under ownership of the esteemed aristocracy of Siena, the castle was lifted back into a figurehead in the region. The estate led the way in agricultural production for its time, hosting 31 farms on its 2200 acres. It was acquired by Italian film director of note Luchino Visconti during the late 20th century, and he used it to entertain Hollywood and European luminaries.
In 2005 the estate was passed again to Timbers Resort, and restoration efforts went immediately underway. All buildings and the historic castle itself were subject to a major, authentic restoration project. Using traditional construction techniques and only authentic materials from the estate itself and throughout the region, the estate and castle were restored to reflect a proud Italian history while being updated to offer modern amenities. The villas of the estate were once where the children of Tuscan nobles and lords would learn their aristocratic lessons, and the Bargagli Penthouse was furnished and updated over a period of three years.
Permanent Attractions
Castello di Casole is a story of a rich, ancient history. Guests travel from far and wide to visit the hundred acres of vineyards and olive groves, game reserve, and the grand castle itself, host to 41 suites and some of the finest cuisine in the region. Castello di Casole traces its history back as far as 3000 B.C. through the discovery of bronze age artifacts from Etruscan Farmers. On display at the nearby Casole d’Elsa, these artifacts can be seen by visitors, and together with the ancient castle itself they complete a full picture of a rich and long history. Inside the castle are amenities and provisions that are sure to give visitors a delight.
· Bargagli Penthouse: On the northwest corner of the Castello di Casole, the Bargagli Penthouse is the primo residence of the estate. Providing the height of luxury and experience for visitors, it is comprised of two full suites of 2,265 square feet for the two-bedroom and 3,350 square feet for the three-bedroom. With a spacious private terrace overlooking the beautiful vistas of and outfitted with a full living and kitchen area with brick fireplace, a fully stocked pantry, and dining areas. Spa and dining services are available for guests in this luxury residence. The penthouse was designed and put together over three years and reflects Italian luxury and hospitality to visitors.
· Villa Rentals: Castello di Casole offers villa rentals in 2 bedroom and 3-bedroom residences. A studio is available in every residence for visitors, along with a private jacuzzi and private outdoor fireplace, inspired by ancient Tuscan art and design. Tuscan marble and ceramics along with Italian designer fabrics make up the furnishings of these villas, and the 3 bedroom residences have large private terraces overlooking the fields of the estate and beyond to the mountains. Villas available for rent are a short walk away from the estate’s restaurants and shops. The villas provide visitors with a sense of the idyllic countryside of Tuscany while affording them the luxuries of the hotel and estate.
· Farmhouse Rentals: Visitors interested in the rustic tradition of the noble landscape can take advantage of the larger and artistic farmhouses available on the vast estate. Farther away from the estate’s amenities, the farmhouses offer guests a private place to dwell in luxury during their stay at Castello di Casole. Each farmhouse is between three to four bedrooms with king and queen sized beds and three to four bathrooms with powder rooms, and can include swimming pools, traditional fireplaces, wood burning ovens, and grand terrazos with dining for up to 8. Farmhouses available are Campo al Doccio, Escaiole, Il Gabbro, La Fonte, La Casa, Poggio Corona, Pulcinello, San Regolo, San Damiano, San Giuseppe, and Vemignano.
Interested patrons also have the opportunity to own a part of the property of Castello di Casole. Ownership involves the acquisition of one of the available homes and offers five star services and amenities, with upkeep and traditional worries of home ownership handled by Timbers Resorts. Ownership enrolls the patron in perks and privileges with major luminaries and lifestyle and travel partners from around the world, and also affords the opportunity to trade vacation time with other destinations.
· Farms: Farms available for ownership are working destinations that produce real product, including the olives and grapes made into olive oil and wine used on the estate itself. Between 100 and 160 acres apiece, each farm will have any number of olive groves, vineyards, fruit orchards, and wheat fields. Existing restored luxury farmhouses are available to purchase or ruins can be acquired for the purpose of restoring or building anew. Purchasing a farm will enlist the aid of traditional Tuscan designers and architects to build owners’ dream homes. Farms include Farm Fonte Del Prunaccio with a 15-acre olive grove, Farm Le Balze with over 120 acres of land, Farm San Gaetano just below the small festive village of Mensano, and Farm San Giovanni with its seven acres of olive groves and 26 acres of vineyards.
· Whole Ownership: Owners can purchase a restored farmhouse on the 4,200 acres of the estate, offered by the Private Residence Club program. Farmhouses encompass the prior residences of old Tuscany, and are most of them comprehensively restored centuries-old ruins or reconstructions with reclaimed materials done in detail. They will include guest houses, private pools, modern kitchens, and private terraces with views across the olive groves, vineyards, and orchards of the Tuscan countryside. Castello di Casole arranges for architects, interior design services and construction services to work with owners to build their home.
In addition, visitors will have access to various traditional golf clubs carved from and built on the rolling terrain. The Ugolino Golf Club, Castelfalfi Golf Club, Abbadia Golf Club, and Poggio Dei Medici Golf Club are all available for enjoyment.
Educational Opportunities
Castello di Casole has many educational experiences available for visitors to enjoy during their stay. A mixology class held regularly at Bar Visconti offers guests the opportunity to learn skills from experts in Tuscan mixology. Horseback riding classes and adventures await guests at Castello di Casole, affording them the chance to engage in one of Tuscany’s oldest traditions. The estate’s many vineyards offer regularly scheduled tours and wine tasting events for guests to learn about what goes into making wine in an Italian vineyard.
Special Events
Many active adventure events are held for visitors and tourists to Castello. With mountain bikes available for rides through the roads and meadows, tours and bike events can be scheduled at the biking center down the road. The concierge is available to arrange for horseback adventures across the fields. During the fall, Castello di Casole estate holds regular truffle hunts which can be joined by guests and owners, affording the opportunity to hunt for some of the rarest truffles in the world.
Dining and Shopping
The Essere Spa is a former wine cellar converted into a luxury spa in barrel-vaulted ceilings with a rejuvenation treatment menu utilizing local ingredients such as rosemary, olive oil, and grape, as well as many different organic, homemade beauty products. Shops in the nearby village of Mensano provide guests with locally grown products such as extra virgin olive oil, and vineyards nearby give visitors the opportunity to experience Tuscan wine made at the source.
Restaurants in Castello di Casole are many and varied and offer visitors opportunities to sample traditional cuisines. They range from fine dining to more casual venues, and are run by local chefs employed by Castello di Casole.
· Ristorante Tosca: The fine dining venue serving a range of local Tuscan cuisine with fresh local produce from the hotel’s own gardens and estate-produced extra virgin olive oil. Run directly by Castello di Casole’s Executive Chef, Daniele Sera.
· Pazzia: The gourmet pizzeria exemplifying the Italian tradition with a traditional wood burning oven, a gelateria and espresso bar. Pazzia offers many different antipasti and Tuscan salads made from hand-picked vegetables from the private gardens.
· Bar Visconti: Named for Luchino Visconti, the filmmaker who once lived at the Castello, Bar Visconti overlooks the pools and offers outside seating in the courtyard or within sight of the pool. Bar Visconti has a frescoed wall from a local Tuscan artist and is furnished with hand-built wall sconces, marble detailing, and close Italian style family seating arrangements.
