Castello di Casole, Tuscany

Description: Castello di Casole

Spectacularly located at the top of a hill in the midst of the Tuscan countryside near Casole d'Elsa, Castello di Casole is a magnificent historic property, set in a fortified mansion with a history stretching as far back as the 10th century. Rebuilt during the 19th and 20th centuries, until 2005 the castello was the property of the world famous film director Luchino Visconti, who entertained many European and Hollywood luminaries throughout the estate. After an extensive and thorough renovation, Castello di Casole was opened as a luxury estate hotel, and offers exclusive boutique accommodation, fine cuisine and bespoke service in a fabulous heritage setting.

Leaving no stone unturned in the search for exclusive luxury, Castello di Casole is perfect for relaxing stays in the heart of the Tuscany countryside. Strategically placed between Florence and Siena, it is perfectly located for museum tours, concerts, dinners and wine tours. Outdoor activities available on site or close by range from hiking and biking to horse riding and golf, while authentic art, cooking and language classes are also available on the estate. Other facilities available on site include a spectacular infinity pool, a fitness centre, and the Essere Spa, located in the ancient wine cellar of the castle.

As befits an establishment of this category, Castello di Casole offers remarkable dining experiences, with a collection of fine and casual dining venues serving traditional Italian cuisine with a twist. From a perfect cappuccino as the Tuscan sun sets, a romantic picnic lunch in the vineyards, to dining al fresco with friends and family, food and drink are an essential part of everyday. The focus is on simple, rustic food in the classic Italian tradition. Guests can expect handmade pastas, fresh organic vegetables, fresh fish and game from local sources - all paired with fine wines from the best wineries in Italy and around the world.

Type of rooms: Castello di Casole

Suite Studio:
The Suite Studio has a refined and sophisticated style and feel. Wood beamed ceilings and plastered wall finishes frame each of the suites, which are appointed with local antiques, comfortable upholstery in vibrant Italian fabrics. The oversized bathrooms feature natural daylight and Carrara marble or mosaic bathroom flooring, classic custom bath fittings and antiqued mirrors. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower-heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs. Suite sizes range from 37 to 50 sq m.
Suite Classica:
Suite Classica have a classic Junior Suite layout with exposed stonework, mosaic bathroom flooring and an elegant rustic feel. The Suite Classica contains comfortable upholstery, vibrant colour palettes and custom antiques and cabinetry. The suites are inspired by Tuscany's classic hues such as terra cotta, soothing blue and cypress green. Bathrooms feature natural daylight and Carrara marble or mosaic bathroom flooring, classic custom bath fittings and antiqued mirrors. All suites have panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside or intimate courtyard. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double showerheads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs. Suite Classica sizes range from 45 to 50 sq m.
Suite Magnifica:
Suite Magnifica are refined, romantic and sophisticated in style with a spacious layout. All suites offer commanding views of the interior courtyard or surrounding countryside. Traditional wood beamed ceilings and detailed wall finishes frame each of the suites and are decorated with precious local antiques, plush sofas and fine Italian fabrics. Unique accessories sourced from local vendors accent the suites along with original oil paintings and traditional photographs. Bathrooms are spacious and luxurious featuring Carrara marble, classic custom bath fittings and unique antiqued mirrors. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs. Suite Magnifica sizes range from 50 to 65 sq m.
Limonaia Suite:
Originally reserved for the estate's lemon trees during cold weather, the Limonaia Suites comprise five suites that open up to private outdoor garden terraces with comfortable seating. The primary entry to the suite is to the living area, decorated in a contemporary Tuscan design featuring two-storey ceiling-to-floor windows allowing the rooms abundant natural light. The master bedroom is located on the lower level with a private garden terrace off the main bedroom with comfortable outdoor seating. The Limonaia Suites feature a contemporary Tuscan, loft motif with Italian antiques with painted finishes, hand-made light fixtures, comfortable chairs and custom designed beds highlighted by original paintings and artwork. Each of these two-storey suites has a modern bathroom featuring contemporary fixtures, Italian travertine and mosaic, and large painted shutters. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs.
Limonaia Suite sizes are approximately 75 sq m.
Oliveto Suites:
Inspired by modern Italian design, the architecture of the Oliveto Suites or ''olive grove'' suites takes full advantage of the exterior surroundings and incredible views. The Oliveto Suites are a short stroll to the main hotel villa and are an enticing confluence of rustic Tuscan charm combined with new world Italian flair.  These suites have a private apartment feel with spectacular views from both the living room and bedroom and offer large private, outdoor terraces, which are unique and very uncommon in Tuscany. The interiors are spacious with an open floor plan, travertine flooring throughout, custom pieces that represent the best of Italy's custom furniture makers and original contemporary artwork. A neutral color palette of grey, taupe and truffle browns with accents of Tuscany's hues of terracotta and blue is revealed through a mixture of textures and materials such as leathers, brushed nickel, horn and lacquered finishes. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs. Oliveto Suite sizes offer approximately 90 sq m of indoor and 40 sq m of outdoor space.
One Bedroom Classica Suite:
One Bedroom Classica Suite is quite Tuscan in style featuring exposed stonework, mosaic bathroom flooring and a contemporary rustic feel with comfortable upholstery, a vibrant colour palette and custom antiques and cabinetry. The suites offer a separate sitting area from the bedroom. Bathrooms feature natural daylight and Carrara marble or mosaic bathroom flooring, classic custom bath fittings and antiqued mirrors. All suites have panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside or intimate courtyard. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower-heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs. One Bedroom Classica Suite sizes range from 45 to 50 sq m.
One Bedroom Magnifica Suite:
One Bedroom Magnifica Suites have a refined and sophisticated style and feel and are quite generous in size. All suites have views of the interior courtyard or surrounding countryside and offer a separate sitting area from the bedroom. Wood beamed ceilings and plastered wall finishes frame each of the suites, which are appointed with local antiques, plush sofas and chairs covered in vibrant Italian fabrics, and custom cabinetry and tables made by local craftsmen. Unique accessories sourced from local vendors accent the suites along with original oil paintings and traditional photographs. Bathrooms are spacious and luxurious featuring Carrara marble, classic bath fittings and antiqued mirrors. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs.
One Bedroom Magnifica Suite sizes range from 70 to 90 sq m.
Bargagli Penthouse:
The Bargagli Penthouse is the ultimate residence in what is already the most special place on the estate. Two expansive storeys open onto a spacious private terrace with captivating views of the ever-changing pastoral landscape. The Penthouse is comprised of three full bedroom suites, each with private baths. Fresh flowers, a fully stocked pantry, en-suite dining and spa services, and an attentive hospitality team make this a one-of-a-kind experience.
The vernacular is classic Italian punctuated with a sophisticated contemporary note - a regal formality softened by country antiques and fabrics. An ornamental stove contrasts with sleek lined cabinetry and an artisan's Carrara and Emperador marble vanity reflects a historic tapestry. The Penthouse is a reflection of all that is Castello di Casole, a living work of art. The Bargagli Penthouse is approximately 210 sq m for the two-bedroom and 310 sq m for the three-bedroom.
Villa Sant' Antonio Three-Bedroom Villas:
Villa Sant' Antonio is a collection of exceptional 3-bedroom villas whose name pays homage to the patron of the blacksmiths who once toiled behind its walls. Dating to the 18th century, these Italian restorations offer an idyllic setting overlooking the estate's most scenic vineyard, with distant views to Casole d'Elsa and Mensano. While these villas are exceptionally private, guests will delight in the luxuries and energy of the five-star Hotel Castello di Casole just steps away up a cypress-lined lane. Furnishings are from the leading houses of Italy. Interiors are richly detailed, kitchens are studies in tradition, and baths are punctuated with a contemporary flair. Each villa has a private terrace, an ideal way to enjoy the cosy country life of a vineyard vacation home in Tuscany. A warm fire in winter, windows wide open to welcome summer breezes, afternoons spent strolling along winding paths and lounging at the large infinity edged pool. Villa Sant' Antonio includes three bedrooms and three and one half baths and share a large pool.
Villa Scuola Two-Bedroom Villas:
Steps from the epic castle and modern day Hotel Castello di Casole, Villa Scuola is an intimate grouping of three restored two-bedroom villas available for vacation rental. Once the school where the children of lords and nobles learned the ways of the world, today Villa Scuola, the ''old school,'' is a lesson in the delightful confluence of history, art and architecture. Villa Scuola is for those who envision an idyllic private life in the countryside, made all the more perfect because the luxuries and energy of a five-star hotel just steps away. Proximity affords both convenience and intimacy - attentive housekeeping and room service. Interiors are rich, kitchens are studies in tradition and baths are punctuated with a contemporary flair. This is the cosy country life, and the perfect Tuscan villa vacation rental. Villa Scuola features two bedrooms, two baths and private plunge pool. All bathrooms include personalized amenities diffusing local Tuscan scents, heated towel racks, separate double shower heads and Italian design free-standing bathtubs.

Additional information: Castello di Casole