The Ferragamo way
Time out doesn’t get anymore tempting…A stroll in ancient Tuscan vineyards, a tour of the orto (kitchen garden), cooking lessons or a round of golf at the prestigious Golf Club.
When New York-based fashion mogul Massimo Ferragamo, youngest son of Salvatore, was searching for a boutique winery where he could perfect the art of growing Sangiovese grapes, he managed to supersize both his dreams and his budget to acquire Castiglion del Bosco.
Romantically inclined
Located just a short drive from the historic hilltop town of Montalcino and within the Val d’Orcia Natural, Artistic and Cultural Park, Castiglion del Bosco sits on 4,500 rolling acres, one of the largest private land holdings in Tuscany.
This bucolic retreat, comprising a historic manor house (the Borgo), winery, stables and chapel, among other buildings, has been meticulously brought back to life thanks to Ferragamo’s love affair with the typical Tuscan landscape. For us, it’s like entering a charming rural village from days gone by. An ancient cobblestone street takes us to the Borgo, where the former stables have been reimagined into 23 spacious suites and Negozio, a treasure-filled gift shop with nary a Ferragamo shoe or handbag in sight.
The Borgo is also home to the evening-only Ristorante Campo del Drago, a restaurant that showcases fine regional cuisine with a fresh seasonal touch; and the less-formal Osteria La Canonica, a more casual daytime spot. Located next to each other, both share a to-die-for view of the picture-perfect countryside that can be enjoyed from the alfresco bar.
Our farmhouse villa, one of nine dotted throughout the property, is graciously furnished with a blend of period antiques and local artisanal pieces. Airy state-of-the art bathrooms, escape-worthy soaker tubs and wonderful bed/sitting rooms offer all the comforts of home. Our private second-floor terrace is ideal for a discreet in-villa massage, while the garden beckons for a quiet afternoon with a book.
Vintages and vineyards
Very much part of the estate’s modern tapestry, the Castiglion del Bosco winery is a Brunello-lover’s heaven. Resident wine experts introduce us to five different Brunellos in a blind tasting. A fun and educational experience!
Exclusively does it
Designed by British Open champ Tom Weiskopf, Ferragamo’s latest pride and joy is the recently opened Golf Club. Built to flow discreetly into the landscape, the members-only course promises to intrigue even the best golfers. Signature features include one of the longest holes in Europe (the 685-yard number 13), bunker sand imported to blend seamlessly with the Tuscan landscape and a clever 19th hole, where Brunello bottles take the place of the starting blocks.
Latest news… the members-only private club house, once a crumbling farmer’s home, will be opening in the near future. If it’s anything like playing the course, it promises to be a hole in one. www.castigliondelbosco.com
Photo: Castiglion del Bosco
