Belmond has acquired Castello di Casole, a historic castle hotel in the heart of rural Tuscany.
Full of Italian splendour blended with authentic Tuscan charm, the ‘Castello’ joins Belmond’s portfolio, which includes Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence, Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, and Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino.
Belmond Castello di Casole is located within easy access of Florence and Siena.
The intimate, 39 room hotel sits within 1500 acres of farmland, vineyards and olive groves; one of the largest private estates in Italy.
Roeland Vos, president and chief executive officer, Belmond, commented: “I am delighted to announce the addition of the stunning and historic Castello di Casole to the Belmond portfolio.
“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.”
Vos added: “When you enter any one of our hotels, or step on board a Belmond train or cruise, you know it belongs to our family because it has a soul.
“Without doubt, Castello di Casole has that individual essence.”
Steeped in history, Belmond Castello di Casole dates back to the 10th century; owned by Italian aristocratic family, the Bargalis, who for generations farmed the landscape and latterly by acclaimed cinematographer Luchino Visconti whose films The Leopard and Death in Venice embody the ‘Golden Age of Cinema’.
Visconti’s parties at the castle were legendary, attended by Hollywood glitterati.