Luxury Real Estate

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Buying your second or third homes are not just happening in the Caribbean. We have now discovered that many of our clients are buying in Italy, too.

Timbers Resorts, a leader in the emerging category of luxury, boutique resorts are completing the final work on beautifully restored and reconstructed farmhouse villas on 4,200 acres in the Tuscan region of Italy near Siena. For those who are wanting to enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle, Castello di Casole is a five-star luxury resort and residence club. These villas are being painstakingly restored and reconstructed to their original charm and further enhanced with modern amenities.

The Castello di Casole residences are organized around a series of glass-tiled, infinity-edge pools and hand-set stone patios complete with wood-burning ovens. Outside and in, one can trace the centuries across the hand-set loggias, terracotta vaulted ceilings and attention to exacting detail which makes each villa an individual expression of art and architecture. The farmhouse villas range from 3 to 5 bedrooms and include a private infinity-edged pool, with 4,000 to 7,000 square feet of living space. Furnishings are a collection of the finest interior appointments from local artisans and antiques gathered from throughout the region.

Located within easy access to Siena and Florence, this historic estate is also home to the 18th century Castello, opening in spring of 2010 as an intimate 41-suite, plus luxurious penthouse, hotel. Formal and casual dining venues, terraces, pools, artisan shops and a world-class spa and fitness center will be available for an Owner’s enjoyment

Some Of The Features and Benefits:

• Traditional Tuscan architecture and interiors
• Concierge team
• Airport transfers, private chefs and dining upon request
• Language and cooking classes
• Daily housekeeping
• Pre-arrival Grocery
• Extensive private trail system
• Guided regional day trips
• Grape and Olive harvesting
  

The pricing for fractional ownership starts at just over $300,000 for a 1/12 deeded interest. Your fractional purchase entitles you to three planned vacation weeks each year, plus usage as residences are available, and short notice vacation weeks. There are also whole ownerships available. Please contact me for further details. If you have an interest in owning a piece of Tuscany, this is a project you will want to seriously consider. Until next time…your lifestyle detective is on duty…