| TOP STORY CCA adds Italian castle property to portfolio By TREVOR LEDGER FLORENCE, Italy - Leading golf course owners and operators CCA International has further boosted its European portfolio by the acquisition of Sammezzano Castle and its 450-acre estate here in Florence. Over the next three years CCA, along with London & Hereford Holdings, will embark upon the refurbishment of the existing castle a stunning replica of the Alhambra Palace -- which will become the centerpiece for the luxury resort. Thereafter, they plan to develop a five-star hotel, apartments, health club, tennis club and an 18-hole Donald Steel-designed golf course. Steel is the architect of choice following the opening of his second course at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire in 2000. CCA will operate the resort upon completion. Following the announcement in Italy, CCA's European director, Michael Longshaw, said: "Sammezzano Castle provides all the raw ingredients necessary to develop a first-class resort, and in a fabulous location. I am confident that under CCA's management we will be able to establish it as one of the leading destinations in the world." In the last few years, Hong Kong-based CCA has been very active in Europe. Its portfolio includes the London Capital Club, Brocket Hall -- a luxurious conference center and golf resort -- and clubs in Moscow, Germany, Malta and Egypt. The company's specialist knowledge of the golf, leisure and hotel industries will help to ensure the successful transformation and operation of this ambitious project. Sammezzano Castle, which sits in its own parkland estate in the heart of Tuscany, provides a most suitable setting in which to create a world-class resort. Since its inception in 1980 by Dieter Klostermann, CCA has become the leading operator of private clubs in the Asia Pacific region. With 30 clubs under management and six more under development, CCA has sold more than 80,000 memberships and raised over US $800 million in membership sales. CCA owns and operates clubs in 16 countries around the world. |
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