The development of the Toscana Resort Castelfalfi has taken a major step forward with the opening of the first hotel. The boutique hotel La Tabaccaia, in the walls of the village’s former tobacco factory, opened on schedule on 6 October. The 3-star hotel with 32 rooms is the first of three hotels planned for the resort.

Castelfalfi is an eleven square kilometre estate and an 800 year old village in the heart of Tuscany, lying between Florence, Pisa and Siena. In the wake of the serious rural exodus of the 60ies only five people were left in the village. Over time the 26 village farmhouses became derelict. Now TUI is resuscitating the village of Castelfalfi in four separate building phases.

The plans for the renovation and restoration of Castelfalfi include two more hotels with 120 and 170 rooms each. In addition, restored and new build properties in the traditional style, designed with the individual requirements of the future owners in mind, are for sale. The restoration of all properties fully complies with the strict listed building regulations. The total area built on represents 0.03 percent of the area of the 1,100 hectare estate.

“The opening of the boutique hotel marks an important step in the development of this unique resort. Our first guests will signify that life is returning to this magical spot in Tuscany,” says Stefan Neuhaus, head of the development company. Neuhaus is also happy with the sale of the properties. The new owners in Toscana Resort Castelfalfi come mainly from Germany, Austria and the UK.

In addition to the rapidly advancing building progress on the homes, work on the public amenities has also entered a new phase. The renovation of the old outdoor swimming pool as well as the construction of the adjoining day spa will be completed in summer 2013. The conversion work for the upscale Tuscan restaurant, the bar and three exclusive flats in the historic Castello are well underway. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2013. The 27-hole golf course is not only completed but is already counted among the best golf courses in Italy.