Castello delle Serre
Delicious fruit of the Gangale family's 21-year long restoration effort
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Salvatore, Kaci, and Antonio Gangale, who own and run Castello delle Serre in Italy
Artiom Ganin talks virtually with Salvatore, Antonio, and Kaci, who run Castello delle Serre near Siena in Tuscany, Italy. Salvatore, an Italian who had lived in the United States and opened three successful restaurants there, bought the castle in 1995 from a debt-ridden countess. It took him a decade to complete the first phase of restoration and open part of the castle to guests. Ten years later, he was able to restore the entire castle, which is now an exclusive family-run hotel known for its welcoming atmosphere. The Gangale family recall the 366-day purchase process, Salvatore's first night in the castle when he met the local ghost, and open up about why people who once visited Castello delle Serre keep coming back.
A VERY SOPHISTICATED DEAL
Castles_and_Palaces (CnP): Please introduce your family – what did you do for a living before you bought the castle?
Salvatore Gangale (SG): We are the Gangale family. I immigrated to the US in the 1960s with my parents and five siblings, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. I became a US citizen and pursued my passion for theater and stage design at university. After graduating, I dreamed of returning to Italy to study under Federico Fellini and settled in Rome. I did meet the famous director and hoped to break into the film industry but faced challenges as Fellini's career declined.
Salvatore Gangale (SG): We are the Gangale family. I immigrated to the US in the 1960s with my parents and five siblings, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. I became a US citizen and pursued my passion for theater and stage design at university. After graduating, I dreamed of returning to Italy to study under Federico Fellini and settled in Rome. I did meet the famous director and hoped to break into the film industry but faced challenges as Fellini's career declined.
SG: To support myself in Italy, I became a tour guide (enthusiastic and charismatic at that!), notably for Perillo USA. In the mid-1980s, me and my wife, Rafaella, opened two restaurants "When in Rome..." in Phoenix, "Salvatore’s Cucina Italiana" in downtown San Diego, and "Salvatore's Sun Valley" in Idaho. That was when we began considering an investment in Italy, hoping to balance our lives between the two countries. I separated with my wife though. Together with my son Antonio and his wife Kaci we run the castello.
CnP: You bought the castle in 1995 from a family that had owned it for about 500 years. Why exactly this castle?
SG: My search for a prestigious property in Italy began in 1991. Over the next three years, I made numerous trips back and forth from California, often over a dozen trips in a single year. I was looking for something historic—anything with beautiful architecture, whether a villa, convent, or castle. I needed more than just a personal home, I wanted a place to entertain and share the beauty of Italy. Location was key, too. When I saw this particular castle, I fell in love.
SG: My search for a prestigious property in Italy began in 1991. Over the next three years, I made numerous trips back and forth from California, often over a dozen trips in a single year. I was looking for something historic—anything with beautiful architecture, whether a villa, convent, or castle. I needed more than just a personal home, I wanted a place to entertain and share the beauty of Italy. Location was key, too. When I saw this particular castle, I fell in love.
CnP: Who were the previous owners?
SG: At the time, the sole owner of the castle was a Contessa from the Gori-Martini family, and her children didn’t want to inherit it. And no one wanted to buy the castle—it was a historic building with high taxes and maintenance costs, and locals couldn't see its tourism potential. The castle had been neglected for over two decades, with a caving roof, broken windows, one working toilet, and overall general disrepair.
SG: At the time, the sole owner of the castle was a Contessa from the Gori-Martini family, and her children didn’t want to inherit it. And no one wanted to buy the castle—it was a historic building with high taxes and maintenance costs, and locals couldn't see its tourism potential. The castle had been neglected for over two decades, with a caving roof, broken windows, one working toilet, and overall general disrepair.
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CnP: How did you find out they wanted to sell it?
SG: Well, I learned that five banks were looking to foreclose on the castle. I didn’t want to wait for an auction, so I proposed a plan: if the Contessa sold the property, she could pay off her debts and still have some money left. She had taken a small loan for business, but with interest rates soaring, it ballooned into a massive debt. So, I helped her negotiate with the banks. They agreed on a price that covered the original loan plus interest. They set up a contract with a notary, who held the funds for a year and a day, giving the Contessa time to sign.
SG: Well, I learned that five banks were looking to foreclose on the castle. I didn’t want to wait for an auction, so I proposed a plan: if the Contessa sold the property, she could pay off her debts and still have some money left. She had taken a small loan for business, but with interest rates soaring, it ballooned into a massive debt. So, I helped her negotiate with the banks. They agreed on a price that covered the original loan plus interest. They set up a contract with a notary, who held the funds for a year and a day, giving the Contessa time to sign.
CnP: And then she refused, right?
SG: As that deadline approached, the Contessa realized she could get a better deal from another buyer. She found a Swiss gentleman who offered more, but the banks couldn’t verify his funds. Ultimately, they opted for my offer because it was a sure thing. On the last possible day, the Contessa entered the notary's office and signed over the castle, making it official. That’s how we purchased Castello delle Serre in 1995!
SG: As that deadline approached, the Contessa realized she could get a better deal from another buyer. She found a Swiss gentleman who offered more, but the banks couldn’t verify his funds. Ultimately, they opted for my offer because it was a sure thing. On the last possible day, the Contessa entered the notary's office and signed over the castle, making it official. That’s how we purchased Castello delle Serre in 1995!
CnP: It looks like you were a little worried about the deal. Weren't you? You mentioned in one of your interviews that the owners didn't get any money for their castle after all, how was that possible?
SG: Well, it wouldn’t be 100% accurate to say that but the thing was that a significant portion of the funds was used to settle the existing loan and accrued interest.
SG: Well, it wouldn’t be 100% accurate to say that but the thing was that a significant portion of the funds was used to settle the existing loan and accrued interest.
CnP: Got it now. For those who are interested in the peculiarities of buying a castle—how does it work from the moment of finding the property to the moment of changing ownership?
SG: You view the property, decide to buy, and begin to negotiate a price. Once that’s settled, you proceed to a notary to complete the transfer of title and make the payment. After the purchase, while you technically own the property on paper, there is a waiting period during which the National Historic Agency has the right of first refusal. This means that if the agency determines the property has significant historical value, they could exercise their right of pre-emption and stop the purchase from you. In doing so, the deed would be null and void and the government agency would step in as the official buyer.
SG: You view the property, decide to buy, and begin to negotiate a price. Once that’s settled, you proceed to a notary to complete the transfer of title and make the payment. After the purchase, while you technically own the property on paper, there is a waiting period during which the National Historic Agency has the right of first refusal. This means that if the agency determines the property has significant historical value, they could exercise their right of pre-emption and stop the purchase from you. In doing so, the deed would be null and void and the government agency would step in as the official buyer.
CnP: Now comes the sweetest moment. How did you feel when the castle became yours?
Kaci Gangale (KG): That’s interesting and there’s a bit of a backstory here so let me jump in. Salvatore has always been intrigued by the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, especially his belief in recurring dreams. He had this recurring dream of owning a grand structure, whether it be a palazzo, a Patrician villa or a religious complex. In these recurring dreams, Salvatore always inspected each of the rooms, yet the dreams always concluded with him not having completed the inspection of all of the rooms. Once he bought the castle, those dreams stopped.
Kaci Gangale (KG): That’s interesting and there’s a bit of a backstory here so let me jump in. Salvatore has always been intrigued by the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, especially his belief in recurring dreams. He had this recurring dream of owning a grand structure, whether it be a palazzo, a Patrician villa or a religious complex. In these recurring dreams, Salvatore always inspected each of the rooms, yet the dreams always concluded with him not having completed the inspection of all of the rooms. Once he bought the castle, those dreams stopped.
SG: Imagine this—on the first night after signing the papers in Siena, I stepped outside for dinner and an elderly gentleman bowed to me greeting with the phrase “good evening, master!” It was a moment of fulfillment that still resides with me. And it was not only that: I also wanted to make my now ex-wife happy. We pursued my dreams in America, and I promised her we’d return to Italy one day. So, buying this castle felt like my way to fulfill that promise.
CnP: This is “not words but deeds” on a grand scale! You’ve mentioned that the castle was in a dire state. How bad was it?
SG: I knew he had a big job ahead of me; the castle was in pretty bad shape inside. The real technical hurdles came with updating plumbing, electrical systems, and installing an elevator—that was a major undertaking.
SG: I knew he had a big job ahead of me; the castle was in pretty bad shape inside. The real technical hurdles came with updating plumbing, electrical systems, and installing an elevator—that was a major undertaking.
CnP: ‘Imagine yourself in an amazing medieval castle with modern amenities, and beautifully decorated rooms-all are different with attention to detail and comfort. We slept under a restored fresco, in a room with a modern bathroom, shower with marble tile. They even have an elevator to take you to your room that will overlook the Tuscan Hills…’ This is from a review. So, decorated rooms, modern amenities, and even an elevator! How hard was it to get the green light to rebuild and install modern amenities in the 1,200-year-old castle?
Antonio Gangale (AG): The biggest challenge was getting approval for structural changes, mainly because it’s listed on the National Historic Registry, which limits what can be done both inside and outside. It's a careful dance to get approval for changes to a historically protected property like the Castello; you need to be aware of the regulations and preservation standards, and every proposed alteration must be assessed not to compromise the integrity of the castle’s historical value. It required patience!
Antonio Gangale (AG): The biggest challenge was getting approval for structural changes, mainly because it’s listed on the National Historic Registry, which limits what can be done both inside and outside. It's a careful dance to get approval for changes to a historically protected property like the Castello; you need to be aware of the regulations and preservation standards, and every proposed alteration must be assessed not to compromise the integrity of the castle’s historical value. It required patience!
Authentic medieval Italian castle with a Celtic sacrificial alter nearby
CnP: How long did the restoration take you?
SG: This back-and-forth process stretched to about ten years from 1995 till 2005 when we received our first paying guests. And this was just opening a small portion of the property. During those years, I was still juggling the business in San Diego while managing the restoration from afar.
AG: Initially, my dad worked with an architect but soon switched to a surveyor who focused on preserving the building’s history rather than imposing new designs. Then, in 2005 the second phase began that ended in 2016. So, it was a total of 21 years.
SG: This back-and-forth process stretched to about ten years from 1995 till 2005 when we received our first paying guests. And this was just opening a small portion of the property. During those years, I was still juggling the business in San Diego while managing the restoration from afar.
AG: Initially, my dad worked with an architect but soon switched to a surveyor who focused on preserving the building’s history rather than imposing new designs. Then, in 2005 the second phase began that ended in 2016. So, it was a total of 21 years.
CnP: Any interesting discoveries during the restoration works?
AG: A castle, with its layers of history, undergoes constant transformation, revealing new and sometimes forgotten elements. As work progresses, each discovery brings the past to life in unexpected ways.
AG: A castle, with its layers of history, undergoes constant transformation, revealing new and sometimes forgotten elements. As work progresses, each discovery brings the past to life in unexpected ways.
AG: For example, while repairing the roof, Salvatore found an original chimney, offering a glimpse into the structure's long-forgotten past. Likewise, repairs in the ceilings reveal centuries-old beams that tell the story of its craftsmanship. Near the pool area, were uncovered a Roman-era battering ram, an urn containing the ashes of a Roman soldier, and numerous pieces of medieval pottery.
Interiors of Castello Delle Serre during the restoration
Remains of the old castle discovered during the restoration of Castello delle Serre
An old bathtub in Castelo delle Serre before the restoration
SG: Absolutely! Also, the traces of wall paintings in every room sparked inspiration in me, so I took it upon myself to painstakingly recreate the original artwork, preserving the castle's artistic legacy.
Restoration of Castello delle Serre's interiors
Restoration of Castello delle Serre's interiors
Restoration of Castello delle Serre's interiors
MEETING GASTONE THE GHOST
CnP: I think it is overwhelming to realize that this place has been lived in for so many centuries! Tell me about your first night in the castle?
SG: It was in November right after the purchase. It was quite chilly so I found a sunny room with a cot and asked Irma, the governess from the previous owners, for bedding. After ensuring the lights were off on the upper floors, I went out for dinner to prevent a circuit breaker trip.
SG: It was in November right after the purchase. It was quite chilly so I found a sunny room with a cot and asked Irma, the governess from the previous owners, for bedding. After ensuring the lights were off on the upper floors, I went out for dinner to prevent a circuit breaker trip.
SG: When I returned, I noticed a light was still on at the top of the castle. Instead of going back up, I turned off the main circuit breaker and settled in for the night. But nature called in the middle of the night, and since the only working bathroom was upstairs, I decided to go outside instead of navigating in the dark. I opened the door and it shut behind me, locking me out! Panic set in as I realized the door only had a keyhole on the outside—no handle. I thought of jumping over the wall to get help but was worried about injuring myself.
SG: I was in despair and started talking to the air, assuring whoever was listening that I loved the castle and would take care of it. Miraculously, the door creaked open, and I got back inside, sleeping soundly the rest of the night. The following day, Irma brought breakfast and seemed unusually curious about my night. I asked her why and she told me about the castle ghost, Gastone! He was a former owner, who allegedly haunted the castle. Just to be on the safe side, I started talking to the air again, acknowledging Gastone’s feelings about the castle and thanking him for allowing me to return!
CnP: A night to remember indeed! So you all now live in the castle, where exactly?
SG: We all reside in the castle. Kaci, Antonio, and their kids occupy one section of the castle, which is still undergoing restoration. With two small children, they are looking to expand their living space. I live in the opposite wing, allowing them to be as far apart as possible while still under the same roof. It’s an authentic Italian family dynamic!
SG: We all reside in the castle. Kaci, Antonio, and their kids occupy one section of the castle, which is still undergoing restoration. With two small children, they are looking to expand their living space. I live in the opposite wing, allowing them to be as far apart as possible while still under the same roof. It’s an authentic Italian family dynamic!
CnP: So, who does what at the castle?
KG: Living on the property is vital! We run a personalized hotel where we, as hosts, play an integral role in daily operations! Salvatore has over the years been overseeing this property's vision, guiding its transformation from concept to reality. Antonio joined him full time in 2004, he was actively involved in the renovation process, managing timelines, making critical decisions, and addressing the building's structural needs–basically, transforming it to an upscale historic boutique hotel. As for me, I’ve been handling the administrative, accounting, and guest relations aspects as hospitality coordinator and front desk manager. I ensure our visitors get unforgettable experience.
KG: Living on the property is vital! We run a personalized hotel where we, as hosts, play an integral role in daily operations! Salvatore has over the years been overseeing this property's vision, guiding its transformation from concept to reality. Antonio joined him full time in 2004, he was actively involved in the renovation process, managing timelines, making critical decisions, and addressing the building's structural needs–basically, transforming it to an upscale historic boutique hotel. As for me, I’ve been handling the administrative, accounting, and guest relations aspects as hospitality coordinator and front desk manager. I ensure our visitors get unforgettable experience.
OVER 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY
CnP: In one of the Facebook posts Salvatore wrote: ‘Beautiful things are easy to miss for those of us who move too quickly. Remember to slow down today and take in every moment.’ So, please tell me where should one slow down and what in particular should one enjoy?
SG: From the moment they set foot in the door, we ask our guests to slow down and take in all the castle has to offer. At every angle and in every nook, there is something special to behold, be it an original design, a restored luxury, or the stunning surrounding landscape. There is truly something for everyone.
SG: From the moment they set foot in the door, we ask our guests to slow down and take in all the castle has to offer. At every angle and in every nook, there is something special to behold, be it an original design, a restored luxury, or the stunning surrounding landscape. There is truly something for everyone.
SG: A particular place where one can admire the evolution of the property is the area around the pool, which would have been the heart of the old medieval fortress. It offers amazing views. If you take a 360-degree turn, you can see different parts of the property, each reflecting the different historical periods.
CnP: How authentic are the interiors?
SG: The main building isn’t as old as the fortress, which dates back to the 9th century, but it has its history. It was built in the mid-1300s by a Siena merchant who worked with leather. Over the years, it’s undergone several modifications.
SG: The current style reflects changes made to the castle in the late 1800s. For example, a room that was once an armory was transformed into a living space around 1853. When I bought the castle, there was a stone fireplace, but it was removed during renovations. I later discovered the original chimney while working on the roof, so they recreated the fireplace using a similar one I found at an auction, with permission from the Fine Arts Commission, of course.
SG: The main building isn’t as old as the fortress, which dates back to the 9th century, but it has its history. It was built in the mid-1300s by a Siena merchant who worked with leather. Over the years, it’s undergone several modifications.
SG: The current style reflects changes made to the castle in the late 1800s. For example, a room that was once an armory was transformed into a living space around 1853. When I bought the castle, there was a stone fireplace, but it was removed during renovations. I later discovered the original chimney while working on the roof, so they recreated the fireplace using a similar one I found at an auction, with permission from the Fine Arts Commission, of course.
AG: The decor is also historically significant. A famous artist from Siena created the beautiful wall decorations and honored the family’s heritage. The beams are centuries old. During the restoration in the 1800s, steel girders were added to support two warped beams. When I bought the place, one of the beams fell due to its age, and they replaced it with a steel I-beam and restored the original design using a local plasterer. So, everything reflects about 160 to 170 years of history.
A painted ceiling at Castello delle Serre
Wine cellar of Castello delle Serre
Castello delle Serre's hall after restoration
SG: Most European families can trace their roots to a coat of arms. We researched and found ours, which reflects our family’s heritage. To honor the renovation, we added a Latin inscription that translates to "with determination and perseverance," acknowledging the lengthy process and significance of restoring everything.
CnP: What are the oldest parts of the castle and what’s inside now?
SG: The oldest part of the castle is the base of the ancient fortress, which dates back to 836 AD, according to a historical document. This fortress sat on the highest point of the town. Another very old feature is the tower, which was completed in 1122. Within this tower now, there are housed two suites. The Upper Tower Suite, in particular, offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area from its panoramic private terrace.
SG: The oldest part of the castle is the base of the ancient fortress, which dates back to 836 AD, according to a historical document. This fortress sat on the highest point of the town. Another very old feature is the tower, which was completed in 1122. Within this tower now, there are housed two suites. The Upper Tower Suite, in particular, offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area from its panoramic private terrace.
CnP: The previous owners had possessed the castle for 5 centuries, but it is some 1,200 years old! Please tell me a legend about it, one that would send shivers down my spine!
SG: Remember Gastone, the spirit who let me in that night? One particular legend has to do with him, the last son born into the Gory Martini family, previous owners of this castle.
SG: Remember Gastone, the spirit who let me in that night? One particular legend has to do with him, the last son born into the Gory Martini family, previous owners of this castle.
SG: Sadly, during his lifetime, the family had to sell one of their farms, which also included a church where the GoriMartini family members were buried. The new owners wouldn’t let them use the church for family services anymore, meaning once Gastone passed away he would be the first family member in centuries to end up with a common grave in the communal cemetery.
SG: Because of this, there's a legend that Gastone’s spirit still lingers in the castle. Five different guests, who don’t know each other, claim to have felt his presence, particularly in one specific room where it is believed he was born. And years ago, Gastone’s wife, Giselda, was so convinced that his spirit was roaming restlessly within the castle, that she had an exorcism performed. When her sister-in-law caught wind of it, she was offended and reported it to the Bishop’s office in Arezzo.
CnP: What do you like best about the castle and why?
SG: The castle creates a unique atmosphere and attracts a particular type of visitor. What we enjoy most about having the castle is the experience we are granted in hosting these visitors year after year. It’s because of our clientele that our work doesn’t feel laborious to us, but fulfills us and gives us gratitude. Restoring it has drawn a specific clientele—those who appreciate the effort and expense of its restoration.
SG: The castle creates a unique atmosphere and attracts a particular type of visitor. What we enjoy most about having the castle is the experience we are granted in hosting these visitors year after year. It’s because of our clientele that our work doesn’t feel laborious to us, but fulfills us and gives us gratitude. Restoring it has drawn a specific clientele—those who appreciate the effort and expense of its restoration.
CnP: You’ve been welcoming guests for a long time and some people do come back. I was touched by the story of a man who visited your castle as a teenager and brought his wife some 15 year later. What is it about Castello delle Serre that make come back?
SG: For the Gangale family, it’s all about human warmth. You get professionalism and efficiency at high-end hotels, but it can often feel cold. At Castello delle Serre, guests see the owner’s genuine smiles and feel welcomed.
SG: For the Gangale family, it’s all about human warmth. You get professionalism and efficiency at high-end hotels, but it can often feel cold. At Castello delle Serre, guests see the owner’s genuine smiles and feel welcomed.
SG: There was this young man and his family from Latvia who’s traveled the world and is used to five-star service. He noted in his online review that when his family walked into the castle, the way Salvatore and Antonio welcomed them made them feel like family. He was very clear in his review to specify the difference between a professional detached smile he was accustomed to at 5-Star resorts and the heartfelt authentic welcome they received at the castle. That warmth is what brings people back.
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CnP: Tell me about your rooms – how many do you have and what’s the best one?
KG: Castello delle Serre has 20 rooms. That’s in addition to the wing where Salvatore lives and the wing for Antonio, Kaci, and the grandkids. The most popular choice for guests so far is the upper tower suite. It’s a detached tower built in 1122, and it has multiple levels—so guests need to be in shape! The views are breathtaking, making it a favorite.
KG: Castello delle Serre has 20 rooms. That’s in addition to the wing where Salvatore lives and the wing for Antonio, Kaci, and the grandkids. The most popular choice for guests so far is the upper tower suite. It’s a detached tower built in 1122, and it has multiple levels—so guests need to be in shape! The views are breathtaking, making it a favorite.
KG: If you prefer a more classic feel, the Contessa Suite is stunning. It features two beautiful rooms with vaulted ceilings and was restored, maintaining its historical integrity. Lying in bed and looking up at the ceiling with celestial designs feels magical. There are a variety of lovely rooms to choose from, each one different!
KG: When potential guests research where to stay, they often discover the castle online, thanks to its high ratings and reputation. This visibility appeals to a more affluent crowd; the prices reflect the quality and comfort of the accommodations, which makes the castle a choice for well-traveled individuals rather than budget tourists.
CnP: Give a piece of advice to a dreamer who wants to buy an old castle and make it shine again?
SG: For anyone dreaming of buying and restoring an old castle, my advice is simple: make sure you have bottomless pockets! A castle is like a sponge—it absorbs every bit of money! Whatever price you pay, expect to spend more and more on restoring it. But once you have absorbed all the work and investment, it will pay you back in ways you can’t imagine. For the family, the satisfaction of bringing it back to life has been worth every penny.
SG: For anyone dreaming of buying and restoring an old castle, my advice is simple: make sure you have bottomless pockets! A castle is like a sponge—it absorbs every bit of money! Whatever price you pay, expect to spend more and more on restoring it. But once you have absorbed all the work and investment, it will pay you back in ways you can’t imagine. For the family, the satisfaction of bringing it back to life has been worth every penny.
I hope you enjoyed the story told by Salvatore, Antonio and Kaci of Castello delle Serre!
All images belong to @Castello delle Serre
Don't miss new stories by other castle owners!
You can always get in touch with us at castlesandfamilies@gmail.com
All images belong to @Castello delle Serre
Don't miss new stories by other castle owners!
You can always get in touch with us at castlesandfamilies@gmail.com