Escaiole at Castello di Casole Tuscany

Privately situated around a surrounding forest, Escaiole is one of the most secluded villas on the property.

This enchanting repertoire is enhanced by the entry to Escaiole, which is a quarter-mile-long country lane through a vineyard. In the distance is one of the most dramatic vistas on the estate. Privately situated around a surrounding forest, Escaiole is one of the most secluded on the property. To the south are vineyards and views, and just up the hill, the medieval hamlet of Mensano.

Escaiole is a compound of main residence, guest house and swimming pool. As in every property, there is astonishing architecture at every turn. There are courtyards everywhere, including shaded pergolas or patios, one for the hot tub, two overlooking the vineyards. Just as memorable, is the dazzling glass-tiled, infinity-edge pool, which soars off one edge of the property into the Tuscan countryside. It is a beautiful, private enclave for sunbathing and relaxing in the hot tub. Two masters in the main residence, a third bedroom here, combined with a fabulous master suite in the annex make Escaiole a perfect retreat for the large family or group of guests.

The entry to Escaiole is across a hand-set stone plaza. Adjacent is a covered area for dining warmed by the glow of the forno. The layout of the Main Residence allows for a large, open living area with a private den/study tucked behind; a large formal dining area and an expansive kitchen which opens onto a beautiful, southwest facing pergola for outside dining in the spring, summer and fall.

Escaiole interiors are warmed by traditional Tuscan style fireplaces. In the kitchen are a hand-carved marble sink, magnificent DeManincor gas and wood-burning stove and Gianfranco Ballerini refrigerators.

The covered pergola with open skylight offers dining overlooking the vineyards. You will see 100 acres of Sangiovese and Cabernet vineyards used to make a private-label vintage only available on the estate. In addition, there are olive groves that are harvested on property to create a private-label extra virgin olive oil unlike any other. Steps away is the wood-burning forno in the courtyard.

Like all of the casali the interiors feature expanses of hand-set travertine tile floors and exposed stone walls. In the Main Residence, there are three bedrooms, each with their own stylish bath. Two are master suites and there is a double twin bedroom. All are very private. All feature the wonderful Italian windows with shutters, screens and swing away glass to welcome the country air indoors.

Of course, baths are always works of art, with separate areas for shower, deep soaking tub, toilet, bidet and double-vanity. Bisazza Mosaic tile work; Axor and Philippe Stark fixtures.

GUEST RESIDENCE

Set deeply into the forest, the Escaiole guest house is surely one of the most romantic places in all of Tuscany. The entry is through a covered pergola into which is artfully centered around the glass mosaic hot tub, a feature as much fountain art and architecture as it is soothing retreat. Views are to the pool on one side, and to undisturbed forest on the other. The residence is exceptionally private.

GUEST RESIDENCE UPPER LEVEL

There is a large upper level suite of sitting room and bedroom, with two stairways descending to a magnificent bath which looks out into the trees through a massive arched window that spans nearly the width of the residence.

Meals

• Daily breakfast included. Prepared in the villa by the Governate.
• Dinner is provided one evening of your choice

Villa rental includes a welcome pack of basic grocery items upon arrival:

• Sparkling and still water
• Coke
• Diet coke
• Seasonal Fruit
• Orange Juice
• Bread
• Crackers
• Butter
• Mixed Nuts
• Ham
• Salami
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Olive Oil
• Wine
• Eggs
• Potato Chops