OWNER NEWSLETTER
JULY 2024
Silvia Anichini FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER,
Summer in Tuscany has arrived with its landscapes of warm, kaleidoscopic colors, along with the return of so many beloved Owners. The team at Casali di Casole is in full form to make your summer stay impeccable and unforgettable – without ever forgetting a smile!
The advent of summer provides renewed opportunities to create enduring memories in the rolling hills surrounding Casali di Casole, whether riding bikes and horses, watching the shooting stars from your garden, hiking, enjoying summer sunsets, or soaking in the pool. Many have once again enjoyed dining at the neighboring Belmond Hotel, enjoying their new venues and exquisite service.
The season also inspires day trips organized by our Concierge to nearby towns like historic San Gimignano, romantic Florence, and other remarkable destinations just a short drive from the property.
It is a delight to see you all so relaxed and joyful with your family and loved ones. I cannot wait to toast with you another stunning season of memories at your Tuscan home.
Spotlight EMPLOYEE
CHRISTIANO BARDUCCI Landscape Supervisor
The gardens around Casali di Casole set the tone for the entire property experience. Leading the gardeners is Cristiano Barducci. You may have seen Cristiano around your home, always bringing his signature gentle smile and kindness.
Cristiano has over 20 years of landscaping experience, starting with us as a contracted gardener in 2018. His trustworthiness and thoughtful work, as well as his ability to coordinate with operations management to fulfill Owner requests, made it clear that he would be a tremendous asset to our full-time staff. In 2022, he became part of our operations team, managing a team of 12 people to care for our lawns, prune, fertilize, plant, and maintain the gardens around our homes. Not only is Cristiano skilled at maintaining the beauty of our landscaping, but he also excels at finding ways to ensure that maintenance disrupts neither the guest experience nor the environmental resources surrounding Casali di Casole. With droughts becoming more commonplace in Tuscany, Cristiano’s conscious decisions to use native, drought-resistant plants and optimize water usage are greatly appreciated by us and our community.
Born in Florence, Cristiano is married to Chef Luana – who you may know for her delicious in-home dinners – living in a Radicondoli estate with a stunning garden where Cristiano produces lavender essential oil. Despite being married to a chef, Cristiano loves cooking. He cannot live without music, particularly jazz. Cristiano’s love of roses is well known by his friends and family, especially Paul’s Himalayan Musk. His favorite month is May when the roses bloom.
THE LATEST AT
Casali di Casole
IN-HOME FISH DINNERS with Chef Aldo
Despite Tuscany’s longstanding culture of meat dishes, our concierge team is proud to bring the wonderful taste of seafood flavors to your home.
The talented Chef Aldo comes from southern Italy, where cooking fish is innate and natural. He will bring his expert seafood experience to prepare a unique culinary exploration in the comfort of your residence. He proposes two seafood experiences: a classic Italian dinner, and an original creation called “West Meets East.” You can mix and match these experiences to your preferences.
Chef Aldo’s dinners are exceptional – something you do not want to miss! Discover more details and make your reservations with the concierge team.
UPDATES FROM BELMOND: HOTEL CLOSING DATE & TENNIS COURTS
Great news from Belmond Castello di Casole! As you may know, the hotel will close on November 17, 2024, and open again on March 15, 2025. The Belmond has confirmed that its 2026 closing date will be Wednesday, January 8, 2026.
We are also happy to share that construction on the hotel’s tennis courts has begun, and Phase 1 of the sport center will begin operating in mid-August.
Casali di Casole THE LATEST AT
CHARITABLE DONATION TO THE MENSANO SOCIAL CLUB
This year, Casali di Casole has made a donation to the Mensano Social Club (Circolo Recreativo Mensano). We take pride in supporting the culture of our local community and cultural events and are honored to support the continuation of important local traditions.
Your Neighbors GET TO KNOW
MICHAEL & JEN LITTLETON
After their marriage at Lake Como in 2012, Michael and Jen had always been looking for opportunities to spend more time in Italy. “The idea of actually becoming Italian property owners felt like a dream until we found Casali di Casole. We believe that we live in one of the most beautiful places on earth (Lake Keowee, South Carolina, U.S.A.), but Italy is our retirement plan. We want to spend our golden years around friends and family in the places we love but with the highest realm of hospitality and service. The dedicated concierge team made every effort to ensure our stay surpassed expectations. With Casali di Casole, it’s not just about meeting needs, it’s about exceeding them – the simple yet profound art of making people feel truly valued.”
Owners Reception JOIN US
We continue to experience enthusiastic participation and involvement in Weekly Owners’ Receptions, thanks to our Owner hosts and attendees! It has been a delight to see Owners and guests wearing their chosen colors at our color-themed art gallery evenings. Monthly events featuring regional food and wineries, such as champagne night with Marcello Crini and gelato night with Sergio Dondoli, have also been a success. To participate in weekly gatherings, please RSVP when you receive the invitation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UNDER THE TUSCAN STARS DINNER
Mondays, through September
Convivial sagra-style dinners in the ancient courtyard with live music and local artisans. After dinner, enjoy stargazing with astronomic guides or a movie in the amphitheater.
· Stargazing: July 29; August 12, 19; September 2, 9
· Movie: August 5, 26
Location: Belmond Castello di Casole
GREEN THURSDAY Thursdays, through August
Celebrate the environment with various activities throughout the day, culminating in a family-style dinner by the infinity pool at the Castello Grill.
Location: Belmond Castello di Casole
UPCOMING EVENTS
VOLTERRA A.D. 1398 MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
August 11, 18
Volterra jumps back in time to the Middle Ages. See daring knights, noblemen and ladies, monks, friars, craftsmen and merchants, jesters, and more come together to bring Medieval Volterra to life.
Location: Volterra, Italy
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August 16
The world-famous, historic horse race around the Medieval city center of Siena.
Location: Siena, Italy
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SIENA PALIO
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUNDAY AT THE VILLAGE
Select Sundays, September-October
A flavorul lunch with a convivial atmosphere, live music, and local artisans.
Location: Belmond Castello di Casole
MENSANO’S DONKEY PALIO
September 8
A traditional Tuscan Palio, but instead of racing horses, jockeys race donkeys.
Location: Mensano
EXPERIENCE NEW YORK WITH TIMBERS RECIPROCITY PROGRAM
5TH & 55TH RESIDENCE CLUB
As a valued member of the Timbers Reciprocity Program, you have the opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of the 5th & 55th Residence Club located at The St. Regis New York Hotel in the heart of Manhattan, with 20% savings. Whether exploring world-renowned museums, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, or enjoying a Broadway show, this unique program allows you to immerse yourself in the timeless energy of New York City, all while enjoying the luxury and comfort synonymous with the Timbers brand. To book, please call 844.389.3507.
NEW TIMBERS OPPORTUNITIES
on the Horizon
SCOTT HALL
Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions and Capital Markets at Timbers Company
“Finding potential real estate prospects that are warm, welcoming, and offer an authentic reflection of the local culture is at the core of the Timbers experience.”
In a conversation with Scott Hall, Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions and Capital Markets at Timbers Company, we delved into his team’s strategic approach to discovering and assessing promising opportunities for the expansion of Timbers’ portfolio of luxury assets.
Read More
2024 SOUTH SEAS TARPON TOURNAMENT IN
SUPPORT OF FOLDS OF HONOR
Captiva Island was abuzz this May as the 2024 South Seas Tarpon Tournament brought together anglers, veterans, and families to support Folds of Honor, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled veterans and first responders. This inaugural tournament not only highlighted Captiva’s rich waters but also demonstrated a profound commitment to honoring those who have sacrificed for the country. The event, led by Timbers Company CEO and veteran Greg Spencer, aimed to make a tangible difference in the local community by funding scholarships for Folds of Honor recipients in Lee County, Florida.
Participants enjoyed a memorable weekend filled with camaraderie, heartfelt speeches, and family-friendly activities, raising $200,000 to fund 40 scholarships. The event’s highlight was a moving speech by Ashlyn McCain, a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient, whose story inspired every attendee to support the cause. The success of this event, made possible by generous sponsors and donors, ensures its return in 2025 on Memorial Day weekend, continuing the Timbers Company tradition of supporting and honoring the nation’s heroes.
CASALI DI CASOLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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