Italy: Two New Lodging Options for Lovers of History


In Italy, two historic properties have opened their doors to paying guests. Overlooking the Tuscan countryside of Siena, Hotel Castello di Casole (Casole d’Elsa; 39-577/ 967-511; castellodicasole.com; doubles from US$827) occupies a medieval castle on a vast estate planted with grape vines and olive groves. Its 41 suites and 10 stone-walled villas offer a rustic mix of Italian fabrics, Bisazza tiles, and local antiques. Farther south in the Basilicata region, March saw the launch of the Palazzo Margherita (Corso Umberto 64, Bernalda; 39-835/549-060; palazzomargherita.com; doubles from US$936), a restoration of the 19th-century villa owned by director Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather. With only seven suites, the Margherita is an elegant, sparsely decorated tome of hand-painted fresco walls, herringbone bejmat tiles, and geometric headboard inlays; each detail handpicked or created by French designer Jacques Grange.  –Angela Leenhouts

Originally appeared in the April/May 2012 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“La Dolce Vita”)

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