Big news from Belmond. The 40-year-old hospitality company—a renowned collection of hotel and luxury travel adventures around the globe—has acquired the Castello di Casole in Tuscany. With fragrant rose gardens, an outdoor infinity pool, antique furnishings, and a spa housed in the vaulted wine cellar, this historic castle hotel reflects the Italian dolce vita at its finest. The castle dates back to the 10th century, and was once the home of Luchino Visconti (the cinematographer behind acclaimed films like The Leopard and Death in Venice). If only these walls could talk… The castello, which isn't unfamiliar with hosting Hollywood A-listers at glittering parties, houses 39 guestrooms on a 4,200-acre estate of rolling vineyards, olive groves and farmland.
Belmond plans to inject $9 million into the property over the next four years, bringing the total room count to 41 along with two new luxury villas. What this means for travelers to Italy: you can now partake in a Belmond circuit around the country, complementing your Tuscany experience with stays at the brand’s other iconic properties including Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence, Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, and Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino. Belmond currently has seven Italian properties in its portfolio.
The Castello di Casole is well situated to enjoy the charms of Tuscany; it’s located just 40 minutes from Siena, and an hour from Florence.
Roeland Vos, president and CEO, said “The Belmond brand continues to gain momentum, and this acquisition marks the latest step in our journey towards realizing our strategic growth plan. We believe this stunning castle, steeped in Etruscan history, builds on our past experience of acquiring distinctive, timeless properties and restoring them to their iconic status through strategic investment.”
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