Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Comes Back to Life

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(CASTELFALFI, ITALY) -- One of Tuscany's most spectacular construction and renovation projects is underway here in this Tuscan region thanks to international leisure travel groups TUI. Castelfalfi is an 800 year old village that was deserted by inhabitants during the rural exodus of the 1960s, but a series of renovation, refurbishment and regeneration projects is breathing new life to the area.

Following the acquisition four years ago, plans were put together in consultation with the local authorities and the municipality for the renovation of Castelfalfi's existing properties and the construction of new apartments, hotels and leisure facilities. This unique project will revive the architecture, agriculture and whole community of Castelfalfi.

At the forefront of the vision is a commitment to the preservation of the town's original beauty. But only a fraction of the entire 11-square-kilometer area will undergo construction. Traditional Tuscan construction methods using the latest environmentally-friendly technology will be applied throughout, ensuring that all building is sensitive with the surrounding landscape.

"Castelfalfi is pure Tuscany," says Managing Director of Tenuta di Castelfalfi S.p.A. Martin Schlüter. "This is the Tuscany that people know from millions of photos and pictures. This is the image of Tuscany they have in their minds. It feels wonderful to breathe new life into the old stone walls again. The people who live here, or who will come here to visit, have found themselves a very special place."

The original village properties are to be completely renovated and sold as apartments that will be delivered by spring of 2013. Additionally, 18 former farmhouses scattered throughout the settlement will also be renovated on buyers demand in line with their preferences and tastes. Another 11 exclusive golf villas are being built.

Castelfalfi is creating three additional smaller villaggi comprising apartments, townhouses and villas just to the west of the borgo at the heart of the estate. Regeneration of the borgo will create an important focal point for residents and the visiting public alike, including 41 apartments, an upgraded 32-room hotel in the old tabaccaia, a pizzeria, bar and carefully chosen retail outlets. Meanwhile the existing castello  (castle) will be completely regenerated with a new restaurant, bar, cookery school and function rooms.

Owners will have privileged access to one of Italy's most challenging and picturesque 18-hole golf courses: Castelfalfi Golf and Country Club, which is walking distance from the heart of the town and has been attracting keen golfers since it opened in 2010. A further 9 holes will be launched in the autumn of this year.

On completion, Castelfalfi will also offer three hotels: the 32-room boutique property close to the borgo, a 120-room hotel with an extensive 3,000 square-meter spa area and a 180-room hotel. Meanwhile, La Piscina, the former public swimming pool, is being completely renovated and will reopen to the public once again in 2013.

Apartments, scheduled to be completed in 2013, are priced from $330,441 to $1.156 million. Golf villas start at $1.724 million and farmhouse villas are available upon request

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