Under the Tuscan sun

One of the main challenges faced by Timbers Resorts, luxury hospitality developer, during the restoration of the Hotel Castello di Casole was adhering to the original structure of the building. The 10th century castle turned intimate boutique five-star hotel is set among 4,200 acres of rolling hills, verdant valleys, sweeping vineyards and olive groves—right in the heart of Tuscany. “The National Historical Preservation Board (Belle Arte) dictated that we preserve and maintain a significant portion of the building structure.  Where there were windows we had to keep windows, and weren’t allowed to alter anything to suit the view or our own personal style,” says Sandy Burden, director of interior design for this project.

Working together with J Banks Design, it took all of 10 years to rebuild and re-launch the historical property as much time was devoted to research. “Learning the culture of the surrounding rural area was important to do justice to this magnificent estate so that it still had the same presence as it did so long ago,” says Burden.

The castle certainly enjoyed a rich and storied past. It was built and christened Querceto Manor, then owned and reconstructed during the 19th century by the aristocratic Bargagli family of Siena. At that time, the estate became prominent as a leading agricultural producer with 31 farms on 2200 acres. Not much has changed since then. Today, they still produce their own private label extra virgin olive oil and Sangiovese blend wine.

Excerpt from the December issue of epicure.