This is an excerpt from the August 2012 issue of Dream of Italy:
Timber Resorts, an American company known for high-end ski resorts and fractional ownerships, is behind the sumptuous 5-star Castello di Casole. Casole is much more of an estate than a hotel, featuring 41 suites and 28 farmhouses for rent, fractional ownership or whole ownership. Twenty minutes west of Siena, the property is nestled among hill towns including namesake Casole, Mensano and Radicandoli. There are views of the towers of San Gimignano.
Navigiating Tuscany’s stringent building codes, it too developers five years to restore the main buildings which are home to the opulent suites. (Reportedly the façade had to be repainted three times to meet the approval of local officials.)
The estate’s size means the amenities are endless and include a pool with one of the best views in Tuscany, gourmet restaurant, pizzeria, gelateria, spa, vineyards, olive groves, boutique, wedding chapel and more. Guests can take a range of private classes from language lessons with and watercolor and ceramics instruction with local artist Eva Munarin. Of course, cooking lessons are also available.
Its size and “new-ness” (and indeed price!) might not make it attractive to for everyone. But for those who seek world-class pampering everything in one place, Castello di Casole has that “wow” factor. Rates start at 630€ per night. For more information, call (39) 0577 961508 or visit www.castellodicasole.com