About & heritage
Forty years of stewardship.
Founded in 1983 at an 18th-century Tuscan mill — now a European family holding led by the D'Anna and Edberg families.
Origin
It began with a mill in Tuscany.
In 1983, the international economist, entrepreneur and author Elio D'Anna acquired an 18th-century mill at the foot of the green hills of Forte dei Marmi and transformed it into a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel. From that first property — Bottaccio — grew an international events business, with offices in London, New York, Madrid and Istanbul, and a portfolio that now spans hospitality, real estate, education, art and finance.
“Modern-day real estate, when managed effectively, is not only the perfect expression of the success of an enterprise, but an instrument for its sustainable development and growth.”
The families
Led by two families, one discipline.
Founder
Elio D'Anna
International economist, entrepreneur and author; founder of the group and of the European School of Economics.
Managing Partner
Joseph J. D'Anna
Managing partner, leading the group's hospitality and real-estate interests.
Managing Partner
Emilie Edberg
Managing partner; the Edberg family joined the group in the 2010s.
Shareholder
Stefan Edberg
Major shareholder; nine-time Grand Slam champion.
Our culture
We build projects that last.
The group's work is the restoration and ethical revitalisation of historic palaces — buildings crafted for education, work, relaxation and celebration. Sustainability is not a department but a principle: every restoration is undertaken so the building has a living future, not a preserved past.
Where we are
Offices across four cities.
London · New York · Madrid · Istanbul
Head office
Florence, Italy