A Converted Castle in the Heart of Tuscany, Italy
Originally a castle dating back to the 12th century, the property evolved over the centuries with various additions, such as the tower, which is a copy of the Piazza Signoria tower in the centre of Florence and was added in the 14th century.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, the Tuscan estate was owned by the noble Florentine family, who transformed the property into a villa, built upon the castle ruins.
In 1910, the property was sold to the British aristocratic Sitwell family, who added the formal gardens to the estate, modelled after Sir George Sitwell’s home in Yorkshire, England.
During the Second World War, the villa served as the secret hiding place for some of the greatest art from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence—no easy feat as the villa also served as a temporary SS headquarters during this time!
The villa has its own art history as well, featuring works by prominent Italian painters throughout the ages, including Raphael Sanci, Cosimo Ulivelli, and Gino Severini.
Spanning over 47,000 square feet, the property offers a total of 58 bedrooms and 87 bathrooms across the main villa and outbuildings.
There are several grand reception rooms primed for formal gatherings and events, and there is also a Romanesque chapel dating from the late 16th century.
Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, the Italian estate spans 24.71 acres and the villa is surrounded by terraced gardens and a large swimming pool with a charming grotto featuring mythical creatures and figures depicted in gold mosaic and shells.
The Tuscan villa for sale is set in Cerbaia, a Tuscan town in the Chianti hills, just a 30 minute drive west of Florence,
All photos belong to the listing agency.
