Mossimo Ferragamo, son of the famous high-end Italian fashion designer and Chairman of Ferragamo USA , has set up a different kind of shop in Tuscany – a private, luxe, members-only vacation club called Castiglion del Bosco – or CdB for those in the know.
Located in Val d’Orcia in the Province of Siena, this lovely restored estate sits within a nature preserve and has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound, which retains its ancient charm, boasts remnants of a 12th century castle fortress (for which the property is named), ruins of a Gothic chapel, a circular Etruscan stronghold, and the church of San Michele Arcangelo adorned with a Lorenzetti fresco.
Nine private villas -all with pools and patios, are set far apart on the estate’s expansive 4,500 acre property. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course with sand imported from Germany, glass-enclosed gym, full-service spa, infinity pool and two restaurants. Also featured is a 39,000 square-foot winery, Cantina Nuova, which is set within 130 acres of vines. The winery is known for its modern Brunellos and the younger Rosso di Montalcino. It seems fitting that Montalcino is just a short drive away.
Care to join the other members, which reportedly number a carefully-vetted 40? Though the membership price cannot be found on the website, the Wall Street Journal reports the membership fee at a cool $1.6 million, which translates to ‘out of reach’ for most of my readers, who are used to me touting the joys of budget travel.
Can’t pony-up the hefty membership fee? No worries. Non-members can drop by as overnight guests for between $735 and $4,000 a night. The rate doesn’t include all of the services that members enjoy – but it does include breakfast!
But, even if that’s not doable – it’s perfectly acceptable to dream a little, isn’t it?
All Photos are © Castiglion del Bosco
