Casetta has been hosting life’s celebrations for more than 30 years and this year definitely calls for a huge celebration. Jeff is a Master Chef who has cooked for famed opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, Madonna, Sting, Sophia Loren, Tony Bennett, to name a few…the list is endless. He can design a full traditional Tuscan feast for a farm to table experience complete with perfectly paired wines. In addition, he can teach you his secrets so you can do this at home too.

Marina is an artist, jewellery designer and expert on Florentine art. Her recent work can be enjoyed on the property and was created to reflect the natural beauty of Casetta. We share a love of supporting and preserving the culture and importance of local artisans, craftsmen, and makers as they are truly part of Italian life and beauty. She can discuss with you her artistic vision, show you her studio or take you through her famous Love Labyrinth where you can play the medieval game of Gioco Dell’Oca. Her family lineage in Florence traces back to the 12th century. 

Andrea knows Tuscany and the best bike paths like the back of his hand since he grew up just minutes away. People don’t need to be intimidated if they have not ridden a bicycle in years – Andrea can make it as easy or challenging as you prefer. There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Tuscany than on a bike. We have had children as old as twelve and guests as young as 80!

Angelika, a top rated natural horsemanship instructor, has studied horsemanship for decades. Guests are invited to work with her on communicating not only physically but also mentally and emotionally with their horses. Angelika also offers private lessons for experienced riders, equine assisted coaching sessions and more.

Igor is the recently retired first violist of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. In addition to being a musician he is an historian specialising in Siena and Florence. His love and passion for history is something that stays with guests, not to mention the twinkle in his eye.

If you would like an art tour that cannot be booked elsewhere, I am happy to make arrangements with my dear friend Antonella. She will happily escort you through well known or lesser known museums, galleries and exhibitions, as you wish, all the while amazing you with her extensive knowledge and charismatic patter.

Fine fabrics and embroidery have always been part of Patrizia Anichini’s life, as an Italian designer from the Tuscany region, a longtime friend of Xenia, and a trusted Casetta Ambassador.

Beginning her career as a designer in New York in the ‘70s, Patrizia’s love of art, creativity and a keen sense of aesthetics yield exceptional quality. You will experience this quality firsthand in the linens and towels that she has designed and are custom made for our guests at Casetta. No detail is too small.

Xenia’s friend and wine expert, Lawrence d’Almeida, has spent almost thirty years perfecting his expertise in enology and selecting wines for an elite global clientele. Now hosting tasting sessions and lectures at Casetta, he will lend his unmatched knowledge to guests. Lucky for us, we are in the Chianti region where Lawrence made wines for over 10 years, and also has access to some of the most interesting wines around. Discover a bottle you love? Xenia will help you ship it home to enjoy the flavours of Italy while you’re away.

Lawrence’s other passions are history, philosophy, and aesthetics with fluency in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish – so there’s no doubt these sessions will be quite interesting.