Roberto Bondioli is the head chef at the ‘Tre Corone’ restaurant located on the Villa Castelletti estate. This is where you will wine & dine and, most importantly, learn how to cook like a true ‘Tuscan’! Roberto was born in Lucca and today he lives in the picturesque town of Poggio alla Malva in the Carmignano wine region. Roberto began his studies at the Chef’s Institute of Montecatini. He completed a five-year study program and was awarded the diploma of first and second level chef. He then completed another 5-year program studying the art of Medieval Italian Cooking. Roberto considers the work of a chef to be very closely connected to that of an artist. He is always experimenting with old and new, continuously studying to enrich these two passions.

WHERE YOU WILL STAY:

The Estate of Villa Castelletti is located outside the hills West of Florence, just North of the Arno river, along the Lucchese plain – literally between Florence and Lucca (The historic heart of Florence is about 9 miles away). The estate grounds are set within an ancient park that is surrounded by forest. The main villa is spectacular, large and beautiful and it is sometimes used for weddings, conventions and special events.

The origins of the villa date to the beginning of the 4th century AD. The oldest noble landlord was the Strozzi family. Through the centuries the villa passed hands from the Strozzi to the Lapi, then to the Uguccioni, then the Cavalcanti (of whom the poet Guido belonged; he was a companion of Dante), then the Cattani-Cavalcanti family. It was the Cavalcanti family who, in the 18th century, radically expanded the villa’s structure adding 2 outside walls, enlarging the central area, adding a second level and the characteristic top. In the following century, under the guidance of the Count Leopoldo Cattani Cavalcanti, the property became a model agricultural producing estate founding the Istituto Agrario Filantropico (Agricultural Philanthropic Institute). At the end of the 18th century, the Montagliari Counts (of German origin with the name “Mayer”) came to acquire the villa. Today the villa is managed by a historical society that promotes cultural initiatives.

On the estate grounds, about 100 yards in front of the main villa, there is a building called “Il Borgo” and this is where the accommodations are located.

CLICK BELOW TO:

• VIEW PARK & POOL
• VIEW WHERE WE ARE LOCATED
  

WHERE YOU WILL SLEEP:

On the Estate grounds, about 100 yards in front of the main villa, there is a building called “Il Borgo”, which is where the accommodations are located.

Il Borgo (the hamlet), is made up of a group of renovated farmhouses, which maintains the original style of an old Tuscan country house.

Accommodations for our guests are in top-notch Tuscan styled apartments, which contain all the creature comforts you would desire.

The renovated mini-apartments are fully independent. Each one is made up of a lounge/dining room, split level bedroom, bathroom, corner kitchen, and can be occupied by 2-6 persons, depending on the size.

All apartments have central heating and air conditioning, satellite and Pay-TV, all of which function on a chip-card system. Each apartment is equipped with a sophisticated electronic system, which controls the functioning and comfort of air temperature and humidity, as well as the locks etc. to guarantee our guests a comfortable and secure stay.

APARTMENTS

MICHELANGELO
(Sleeps 4)
One level apartment with 1 king-size double bed. 36 square meter “Deluxe” room with
view outside. Living room, kitchen, satellite TV, phone with internet connection and
mini-bar. Can also use double sofa-bed. Heating and air-conditioning.Click on images for enlargement.

GAUGUIN
(Sleeps 4)
Split level apartment with 2 king-size beds (1 on each level). 28 square meter “Junior
Suite” + 12 square meter loft area. Kitchenette, satellite TV,
phone with internet connection and mini-bar. Heating and air-conditioning. Click on images for enlargement.

ISABELLA CUCCATO
(Sleeps 4)
Split level apartment with 2 king-size beds (1 on each level). 28 square meter
room + 12 square meter loft. Living room, kitchen, satellite TV, phone with internet
connection and mini-bar. Can also have 2 Single beds instead of king-size
bed on first floor. Heating and air-conditioning. Click on images for enlargement.

CLAUDE MONET
(Sleeps 4)
Split level apartment with 1 king-size double bed on top level. 20 square meter
room + 12 square meter loft with view outside of park and swimming pool.
Living room, kitchen, satellite TV, phone with internet connection and mini-bar.
Heating and air-conditioning. Click on images for enlargement.

GUSTAV KLIMT
(Sleeps 2)
Split level apartment with 1 king-size double bed on top level. 20 square meter
room + 12 square meter loft with view outside of park and swimming pool. Living room,
kitchen, satellite TV, phone with internet connection and mini-bar.
Heating and air-conditioning.

COOKING COURSES AND WINE TASTING:

The cooking courses are taught by the Master Chef at the restaurant: Tre Corone” on the Villa Castelletti Estate, where you will enjoy cooking, wining and dining in a traditional Tuscan ambience. You will sample an array of fine wines from the area where you will be based. This area is known as one of the oldest wine zones Carmignano and this DOCG (the highest quality denomination assigned by the Italian government for authentic wine producing regions, literally “di origine controllata e garantita” translated as: of controlled and guaranteed origin) blends Cabernet with the Sangiovese grape which produces some of Tuscany’s finest wines. You will also experience a wine tasting in the Chianti region and a special visit to an Olive Farm and Winery in Carmignano area where you will have the opportunity of tastings its wines and olive oils.
The estate’s restaurant “Tre Corone” offers a delightful and creative selection of Tuscan food. The restaurant is run by Elvio and offers a large variety of regional wines

WINES:

Learn and appreciate the wines of Chianti Classico at a winery owned by a Florentine Noble family, wine makers for twenty six generations! And visit and learn about the wines of the less known area of Carmignano.

Click here for information on selected Capezzana Wines!

Numerous vases and wine pitchers have been found in the area around Capezzana, among Etruscan remains, proving wines were already being grown in this area about 3000 years ago!

FLORENCE:

The geographical location of Villa Castelletti and its Borgo is a big advantage for people wanting to experience Florence, but from a quiet and peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

EXCURSIONS & ITINERARY:

Not only will you be experiencing a fine Tuscan Estate, Linda will take you to discover the famous towns that you will come to experience from a more native perspective. You will be learning all there is to know about Tuscan cuisine by cooking on the beautiful Castelletti estate (your home for one week!). Along with cooking fantastic meals, Linda has incorporated a number of excursions for the week, which feature the region’s cuisine, culture and art while not forgetting to give you sufficient time to shop in some of the most exciting nearby towns and cities. We will visit towns like Lucca and San Gimignano, stroll around the best preserved ancient Roman City sites and become immersed in an unforgettable cultural experience.

VACATION OPTIONS:

We created four exciting packages for you:

• 1 Week (6 Nights / 7 Days) Vacation
• 5 Nights / 6 Days Vacation
• 4 Nights / 5 Days Vacation
• 1/2 Week (3 Nights / 4 Days) Vacation

Upon request we can arrange your stay at Villa Castelletti for fewer or more days with or without cooking courses.