Luxury Hotel · Italy
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
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At a glance
A thousand-year-old hilltop estate in the Sienese countryside, restored to become one of Tuscany’s most cinematic retreats.
Set across 4,200 acres of vineyards, olive groves and oak forest, Castello di Casole carries real historical weight. This was once a self-sufficient hamlet, and the landscape still reflects that heritage.
The castle itself dates to the 10th century, its honey-hued stone interiors blending groin-vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors with custom linens, Carrara marble bathrooms and Acqua di Parma amenities.
The 41 suites divide between traditionally styled rooms in the main castle and outlying farm buildings, and the more contemporary Oliveto Suites redesigned by Alessandro Moriconi. Two private villas suit families or groups seeking seclusion.
Dining spans the inventive tasting menus at Tosca to wood-fired pizza at Emporio del Castello, with cocktails at Bar Visconti, named for Luchino Visconti, whose estate this once was.
Highlights
- A restored 10th-century castle set across 4,200 acres of vineyards, olive groves and forest
- Two restaurants including Tosca, with an inventive six-course Tuscan tasting menu
- Wine cellar spa, infinity pool and an open-air cinema in an ancient Etruscan amphitheatre
Accommodation
Castle Suites
The original accommodations, spread across the main castle building and the old priest’s quarters. Rough stone walls, exposed beamed ceilings and terracotta floors sit alongside antique headboards, custom linens and generous Carrara marble bathrooms with free-standing tubs. Views take in either the rolling Tuscan hills or the peaceful inner courtyard.
Oliveto Suites
Nine suites designed by Alessandro Moriconi that take a more contemporary direction than the rest of the property. The aesthetic references modern Italian design while the comforts remain consistent throughout: spacious layouts, quality finishes and the same hill and countryside views that define the estate.
Farmhouses and Villas
For maximum privacy, seven secluded farmhouses and two private villas sit within the wider estate. These are the most independent accommodations on the property, well-suited to families or groups, and offer significantly more space than the suites in the main building.
Further information
Wining and Dining
Castello di Casole runs two distinct restaurants. Tosca is the main dining room, a warm space of brick arches and statement chandeliers that serves à la carte breakfasts and, come evening, an inventive Tuscan-inspired menu helmed by chefs Danielle Sera and Michelle Raggi.
The tasting menu is the standout, with both standard and vegetarian options running to six courses. Emporio del Castello takes a more relaxed approach, with Italian classics and pizzas made with kamut flour and fired in a 17th-century wood oven.
Bar Visconti, named for the arthouse director Luchino Visconti, sets a cinematic mood with checkered floors, leather banquettes and a botany-inspired cocktail menu drawing on produce from the estate’s own kitchen garden. On warmer evenings, aperitivi move to the terrace overlooking the Chianti hills.
Italy
Italy is a long, narrow country running from the Alps in the north to Sicily and the Mediterranean in the south. The geography changes faster than the language. Alpine lakes (Como, Garda, Maggiore) in the north. Industrial cities, fashion and finance in Milan and Turin. The Renaissance cities of the central plain (Florence, Bologna, Siena). The capital and ancient sites in Rome. The southern coastlines of the Amalfi, Puglia and Calabria.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
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