I'd like to share an opportunity with you involving a one-of-a-kind property in Tuscany, Italy. For those of you who know me well, I do not normally rave about real estate, especially since Aspen holds what I believe is some of the most desirable property in the world. But Castello di Casole captured my eye as well as my dollars (euros, in this case.)
Castello di Casole is being developed by Timbers Resorts, which has established itself in ten years as the leader in exclusive, five-star residence clubs, boutique hotels and resort property development. Its 4,200 acres in the heart of Tuscany is authentic in every way, and when complete will offer restored, 4,000-7,000 square-foot fractional and whole-ownership farmhouses; a villa-style private residence club; a 41-suite, boutique hotel with all the associated amenities; and a winery with vintner's club to take advantage of the acres of vineyards on the property. Regarding this last component, if you know the "Super Tuscans," then you will recognize the name Sassacaia. The grandson of the makers of Sassacaia, Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, will be responsible for the vintner operation and wine-making.
The restored, 17th century farmhouses, known as casali, are what sealed my commitment to this property. Spread throughout the 4,200 acres, the 31 casali are each secluded and surrounded by vast Tuscan acreage. The one in which I was fortunate to stay afforded me the most private and relaxing vacation I have ever had. While some of the casali are nearer to the hotel, opening in 2010, the one I will call my home-away-from-home, Casale Pietti, is a very short walk to the charming hilltop town of Mensano.
This past August I had the rare opportunity to attend Mensano's Feast of the Assumption dinner. At long tables, I sat side-by-side with the town's 80 citizens as they drank wine from bottles without labels; dipped crusty bread in olive oil from the neighboring hills; and indulged in plates of fresh pasta! It doesn't get more authentic than this, other than the night we made our own pizza in the original forno oven of our restored casale.
There is much more to learn about this incredible property. If Tuscany stirs a similar feeling in you, I direct you to Amy Feldman at either 970-963-5004 or 970-948-1046, afeldman@timbersrealestateco.com. Yes, she is my wife, and she has worked with Timbers Resorts for six years. After visiting most of the Timbers Resorts properties, all amazing, this is the one to which I finally said "yes." And, if you believe that the euro is weakening and the dollar is strengthening, then now would be good timing to grab that slice of Tuscany.
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Riverfront Masterpiece by David Johnston Architects
$7,950,000 - A peaceful riverfront setting blends with contemporary architecture to form a perfect balance of modern design and comfortable living in this recently completed Snowmass Canyon home. It features bamboo ceilings, slate and bamboo flooring, and four wood-burning fireplaces. Intentionally designed toward the south for natural light this home offers four bedrooms, four and one half baths, cozy hearth room, wine room, media den, hot tub and outside fire-pit with adjacent dining area.
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Contemporary Masterpiece - $7,450,000
Completed June 2008, this home offers five bedrooms, a large media room and an expansive wet bar with a large wine storage room. The ground floor has high ceilings and an open floor plan. The upper level has floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views from Highlands to Buttermilk, and a rare view of the Maroon Bells. The design of this property is ideal for entertaining. It is across the road from Aspen Golf Course and a short walk to the Aspen school campus and rec center.
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