Castello di Castagneto

About the Castle

Castello di Castagneto is an 11th-century castle belonging to the same noble family for 36 generations. It has a grand, curvilinear, fortresslike facade with an entrance drive through secured gates. Castagneto's interiors a veritable museum of one family's (and Tuscany's), history. There are multiple dining rooms, living rooms, and salons that are stately yet comfortable. Views from the castle are over the little village of Castagneto Carducci and the rural hillsides, to the ocean; the owners' privately accessed beach is just 15 minutes drive.

Location

Castello di Castagneto is fifteen minutes drive from the ocean near the villages of Donoratico and Bolgheri. It is forty-five minutes south of the Pisa Airport and 90 minutes from Florence. The castle is at the center and highest point of the village of Castagneto Carducci.

Accommodations

There are seven bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, most with original four-poster, regally canopied king-size beds. The master bedroom is very large and opens onto a large terrace with sweeping views of valley and sea. The capacity of Castagneto is 12 guests. Five minutes drive is the property's charmingly rustic and spacious farmhouse, with an additional six bedrooms and a swimming pool.

Activities

The castle's owners have private access to the beach 15 minutes away, where there are a number of cabanas for changing, showering, picnicking and lounging; the beach here is soft sand and the water is generally very calm and shallow for several yards until it deepens, perfect for children of all ages. Note: this property does not have a swimming pool but has lovely shaded lawns and patios around the circumference of the castle.

Nearby are scores of ancient villages; San Gimignano and Pisa are each 60 minutes drives; Volterra with its outstanding museum of Etruscan history is one hour; numerous quiet villages with significant cathedrals and shopping for local items are within one hour. In Cecina, 30 minutes away, are larger fine stores for Italian leather and outdoor sports/hunting clothing, as well as pottery. Vineyard tours, including the renowned Sassicaia and Ornellaia wineries, are within 30 minutes, as are olive oil presses for tours.

Dining and staff

The family cook Daniela, an additional cook, two housekeepers, a gardener, and a driver upon special request, are available for guests. Also readily available is an assistant with excellent command of English and knowledge of local area attractions and activities.

Rates

Rates for parties of up to 14 guests are available upon request. Meals and beverages, including wonderful local wines, are extra and are billed to the guest at cost, upon departure. A driver is available for local tours, but most guests will want to rent cars for maximum flexibility.

For more information about Castello di Castagneto or to inquire about a reservation, call Sanctuare at (800) 225-4255 from the U.S. and Canada;
from elsewhere, call (802) 457-5280. Or e-mail us at info@sanctuare.com.