Baroque Hunting Lodge in Umbria That Once Hosted Galileo Galilei
Known as Tenuta Galileo, the restored Baroque hunting lodge is named after its most well-known visitor and the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei, and features a room especially frescoed for him.
This historic lodge dates back to 1580 and is located in the picturesque Valle dei Castelli di Baiano in Spoleto, Umbria, set within 235 acres of private parkland which includes wooded hills, olive groves, natural springs, and arable land.
The Baroque hunting lodge is unique as it is the only sixteenth-century example that preserves the original layout, built around two pre-existing dovecote towers connected by a suspended gallery.
The main facade is simple yet elegant, with a lovely doorway framed by columns and topped with a balcony featuring a French window framed with stylish 18th-century moldings.
The 6-bedroom, 10-bath manor house has been meticulously restored by the current owners and the residence features original floors, arches, fountains and period fireplaces in large and sumptuous rooms.
The period property features wonderful frescoes throughout, with works by Guttuso, De Chirico, and Balla, as well as 16th century paintings, and is today also a tourist destination, open to the public during themed events which in recent years have attracted tens of thousands of visitors.
IIt was originally owned by Benedetto Gelosi, a notable merchant from Spoleto, who was known to rub shoulders with scientists who followed heliocentrism.
This included his friend, the Dutchman Johannes van Heeck, one of the founders of the Accademia dei Lincei, one of the oldest and most prestigious European scientific institutions.
Known as Tenuta Galileo, the Baroque hunting lodge is named after its most well-known visitor, the famous Galileo Galilei who is considered the father of modern science.
Galileo visited the estate in 1624 during his visit to the nearby Acquasparta Palace of Prince Federico Cesi (another founder of the Lincei) and Gelosi had a room especially frescoed for him in anticipation of his arrival.
These interactions highlight the estate's importance as a hub for intellectual and scientific discussions during the Renaissance.
Today, the frescoes in "Galileo's Study", the room where Galileo once stayed, remain in excellent condition.
The property includes several outbuildings, such as an old hen house and shelters, which can be converted into additional living spaces. There is also potential to add a swimming pool
The estate also comes with a frescoed, 17th century chapel dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario, flanked by a warehouse and a row of cypress trees that continue along the avenue towards the village of Baiano.
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19th Century Chateau and Equestrian Estate in Normandy, France
This French chateau for sale is nestled in 84 acres of private grounds, surrounded by an enclosed park and complete with an equestrian complex with 40 horse boxes and an indoor riding arena.
Set at the gates to Normandy, this French chateau for sale is nestled in 84 acres of private grounds, surrounded by an enclosed park with woodland, meadows, and rose gardens.
Built in 1895, the chateau offers 8760 square feet of living space with 14 bedrooms and several reception rooms, featuring fine period detailing throughout.
With numerous outbuildings, two gites, and a caretaker’s house, the French country estate presents a wealth of opportunity for conversion.
The French country estate has a tennis court, as well as an equestrian complex with 40 horse boxes and an indoor riding arena.
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Dream Farmstead to Restore on a French Mediterranean Island
La Ferme Notre Dame presents a unique opportunity to create a dream home on the island of Porquerolles in the Hyères archipelago, located on the Mediterranean coast between the towns of Toulon and St. Tropez.
La Ferme Notre Dame presents a unique opportunity to create a dream home on the island of Porquerolles in the Hyères archipelago, located on the Mediterranean coast between the towns of Toulon and St. Tropez.
Set at the southernmost part of Provence, the island is considered a Mediterranean jewel, renowned for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and timeless tranquillity.
Dating back to 1856, La Ferme Notre Dame showcases Roman-inspired architecture radiating a majestic aura that calls for a loving restoration to fully revive its splendor.
Despite the renovation needed, the property's historical charm remains intact, promising an exclusive retreat where history and future potential seamlessly converge.
The main building offers 5920 square feet of interior space, with the possibility of an additional 1237 square feet and 600 square feet in the annexes.
The French island estate spans over 32 acres, with 12 acres dedicated to viticulture, olive groves, and fruit trees, embodying the essence of Mediterranean agriculture.
La Ferme Notre Dame's location is nothing short of ideal.
Nestled in a private, serene setting, it is just a 7-minute walk from the stunning Notre Dame beach, one of the island’s most beautiful and tranquil spots.
The property is also conveniently close to the vibrant heart of Porquerolles and its bustling port, only 4 km away, offering a perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility.
It’s not just a property; it’s a lifestyle, an investment in history, and a legacy waiting to be shaped.
Imagine a life where every day is framed by the natural beauty and peaceful rhythm of Porquerolles, where your home is a testament to both past and future.
La Ferme Notre Dame awaits the discerning buyer ready to embrace this extraordinary opportunity.
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Beautifully Restored Provençal Farmhouse Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Discover a meticulously restored farmhouse, set on 14.67 acres near the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the capital of the Alpilles and one of the oldest villages in France.
Discover a meticulously restored farmhouse, set on 14.67 acres near the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the capital of the Alpilles and one of the oldest villages in France.
Saint-Remy’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a quintessential Provençal lifestyle—a medley of art, gastronomy, and the famed Provençal markets—all within the tranquil embrace of the Alpilles mountains.
A true hidden gem, this farmhouse epitomizes the art of Provençal living, set behind old gates and approached via an enchanting path flanked by olive and fruit trees, leading to a grand entrance adorned with Anduze vases.
The beautifully manicured grounds feature topiary gardens, a vegetable garden, meadows, a pine forest, a boulodrome, and a swimming pool framed by two square pavilions.
Behind its pink, patinated facade, the restored farmhouse has been divided into a 2-bedroom janitor’s cottage with a private courtyard on the parking side, and the main, 7-bedroom farmhouse overlooking the gardens.
The interiors are a showcase of Provençal opulence, with bright rooms, a winter garden, a formal dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The upper level reveals intimate retreats with master suites and cozy bedrooms, seamlessly blending modern luxury with timeless elegance.
This restored farmhouse is not merely a residence; it is a haven that encapsulates the true essence of Provence.
A dream retreat for those enamored with the region's soul, it invites you to savor the Provençal way of life and also provides an ideal vantage point to experience the unique charm of Saint-Remy-de-Provence.
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Ivy-Clad French Bastide on the French Riviera Hills
Offering unobstructed views, the 18th century French bastide near Grasse is set within a lush 15-acre park featuring century-old olive trees and landscaped gardens.
The gated 15 acre estate is tucked away in the French Riviera hill north of Cannes, located near the perched village of Plascassier near the town of Grasse.
This picturesque perfume town has been the fragrance capital of the world since the 17th century (la capitale mondiale des parfums), with the Provencal town’s perfect climate creating ideal growing conditions for aromatic flora.
The 18th century French bastide sits at the heart of a lush park featuring century-old olive trees and landscaped gardens, and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
The property has been carefully renovated and offers plenty of authentic Provencal charm, in addition to air conditioning throughout.
The main bastide offers over 3700 square feet of living space with 6 bedrooms, and the estate comes with a one-bedroom guest house, a 2-bedroom house for staff, and a caretaker’s cottage.
The swimming pool is tucked away on a lush corner of the property, alongside the pool house featuring a living room with fireplace, a summer kitchen, shower room, and a sauna.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
18th Century Stone House Set in 250+ Acre Estate in Luberon, Provence
Set in 257 acres, this renovated late-18th-century stone house is tucked away in breathtaking natural surroundings, boasting stunning far-off views that will take your breath away.
Nestled in beautifully landscaped grounds, this late-18th-century stone building is tucked away in breathtaking natural surroundings, boasting stunning far-off views that will take your breath away.
The high-quality renovation of the property has preserved its original charm while adding modern amenities, making it a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort.
The main 4844 sq ft house features stone detail and beamed ceilings throughout and offers 6 bedrooms, and there’s a guest flat in the converted independent dovecote on the property.
This property is a natural paradise, surrounded by 3.7 acres of enclosed garden and set within a private 257 acre estate with approximately 17 acres of sainfoin, an olive grove of 130 trees, an orchard, 227 acres of woodland with numerous trails, nearly 9 acres of meadowland.
Amenities include a large swimming pool and pool house, as well as a summer kitchen and bread oven, providing the perfect setting for entertaining.
The hidden gem offers a dream location in Provence, just a stone's throw away from the picturesque French village of La Bastide-des-Jourdans, and just an hour north of Aix-en-Provence.
Nestled in the heart of the South Luberon, just 15 minutes away from the nearest shops and restaurants in the charming villages of the region, this exceptional property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise.
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French Chateau in the Dordogne Countryside
The French chateau is surrounded by 19th century formal gardens and is set in the heart of a 64 acre estate, just 25 km from the city of Bergerac in southwest France.
The chateau is surrounded by 19th century formal gardens and set in the heart of a 64 acre estate just 25 km from the city of Bergerac in southwest France.
Beautifully maintained, the period chateau dates back to the 17th and 19th centuries, and was last restored in the 1990s.
The 10 bedroom chateau spans just over 15,000 square feet, with 7 elegantly proportioned principal rooms, including a library, 2 reception rooms, 2 dining rooms, 2 studies, 2 kitchens, and a butler’s pantry.
There is also an opportunity to expand the accommodations with 7 additional bedrooms in the chateau.
The grounds surrounding the French chateau are incredible, with 7 acres of formal gardens complete with a boxwood labyrinth and 300 rose varieties. There are countless rare specimen trees, a walnut grove, and you can even find black truffles in the woodland, under the oak trees.
The bucolic French paradise is complete with an orangerie, a vegetable and herb garden, and an incredible fruit orchard which grows fresh plums, cherries, apples, and figs!
The chateau has a stunning formal entrance with a classical 'Cour d'Honneur' (courtyard) which leads into the property, and through an arched passage to the inner courtyard with a salt water swimming pool and several outbuildings with guest / staff accommodations and stables.
The equestrian property has paddocks and several bridle paths, and there is also a robust local network of trails nearby.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Former Carthusian Monastery and Wine Estate in Southern France
Today, the former Carthusian monastery in the Gard, Occitanie provides guest accommodation, in addition to enotourism with its expanding Côtes du Rhône vineyards, producing 700 hl of wine.
The French country estate spans over 100 acres of land nestled in the heart of the Forest of Valbonne in the Gard, home to rare species in the Mediterranean region.
Today, the former Carthusian monastery provides guest accommodation, in addition to enotourism with its expanding Côtes du Rhône wine estate, which produces 700 hl of wine per year.
Classified as a French historic monument in 1959 and 1974, the property dates back to the 10th century when it was a small monastery for Benedictine nuns that would be later abandoned.
In the early 1200’s a group of monks of the Carthusian order settled at the site and built out the monastery, which includes a convent church, a large cloister and a small cloister, and numerous chapels.
The church also features an intricate system of vaults built at this time by the Franque brothers from Avignon, specialists in the field.
The picturesque property offers plenty of Provencal charm with several towers on the property and its bell tower covered in Burgundian-style glazed tiles.
Featuring fine period detail throughout the various secular buildings, the property has various rooms used for receptions, cocktails, and buffets, as well as the rental of its gardens and large cloister for prestigious events.
The former Carthusian monastery provides guest accommodation with 13 ensuite bedrooms in the former Brothers’ cells and two apartments with several bedrooms each in the Bishop’s apartment.
This hidden gem with its tranquil cloisters and expanding vineyard, is waiting to be discovered, tucked away in the commune of Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, in the Gard, Occitanie.
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Provençal ‘Bergerie’ Converted Into a Country House in the Luberon
This former bergerie (sheepfold) is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Luberon region, boasting panoramic views and unparalleled serenity, situated on nearly 7 acres of pristine land with no neighbours in site.
This former bergerie (sheepfold) is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Luberon region, boasting panoramic views and unparalleled serenity, situated on nearly 7 acres of pristine land with no neighbours in site.
The main house, exuding rustic charm and architectural elegance, spans approximately 3500 square feet of living space.
The grand entrance hall leads to the cathedral lounge adorned with a comforting fireplace, and a spacious kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen lies a vaulted dining room, offering a cozy ambiance accented by another fireplace.
One of the most striking features of this property is the incorporation of several Bories, seamlessly blending history with modern comfort.
These ancient stone huts date back to the 13th century and are typically found in farmsteads across Provence. Two of these Bories, accessible from the interior, add an authentic touch to the living space.
The ground floor also encompasses a home office, accommodation with a kitchen, a bedroom, and a shower room, all opening onto a covered terrace with a summer kitchen – perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining.
Ascending to the first floor, the sleeping quarters consist of three bedrooms, each accompanied by its own bathroom. Additionally, a fourth independent bedroom with a private shower room offers flexibility and convenience, accessible from both the first floor and the inner courtyard.
Some of these rooms also feature independent access, presenting opportunities for commercial activities such as a bed and breakfast or a retreat venue.
An independent apartment, situated close to the main house, awaits renovation, offering the potential for additional accommodation or guest quarters.
The allure of this property extends beyond its interiors, with the expansive 6.9 acres of park enveloping the residence in stretches of garrigue and local vegetation.
The pièce de résistance, however, is the idyllic 40-foot infinity pool, where one can bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun while soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In a world characterised by noise and haste, finding a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity becomes a rare luxury.
This Provençal bergerie, transformed into a captivating country house, offers not just a residence, but a lifestyle – one where the rhythms of nature dictate the pace, and each moment is savoured in quiet contentment.
Conveniently located just an hour from the Avignon TGV station and an hour and fifteen minutes from Marseille-Provence airport, accessibility is paired seamlessly with exclusivity.
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Magnificent 17th Century Château Near Lyon, France
The renovated French chateau features regal architecture from the grand siècle and is set on the banks of the Saône, nestled in 36 acres of grounds with formal gardens, woodlands, paddocks, and an orchard.
Featuring regal architecture from the grand siècle and an elegant setting on the banks of the Saône, the chateau is nestled in 36 acres of grounds with formal gardens, woodlands, paddocks, and an orchard.
Château de Fléchères is a truly spectacular property in south-east France, located in Fareins, about 25 miles north of Lyon.
It was built in 1613 to mark the nobility of Jean Sève, an important Calvinist figure and one of the richest and more influential men in Lyon, following by his pivotal role in the 1594 Lyon uprising, which ultimately restored power to Henry IV, the first Bourbon king.
Throughout the chateau are frescoes by the famous Baroque Italian painter Pietro Ricchi painted in 1632, which depict images of nobility designed to establish his family amongst the nobility ‘de cloche’.
The mediaeval elements of the chateau — including its moat, ramparts, corner towers, fortified entrance, and a drawbridge— helped to give credibility to the family legend which made the de Sèves direct descendants of the Marquises of Seva, a celebrated feudal family of Piedmont, known from the 13th century.
The entire estate is listed as Monument Historique and features fine period detailing throughout, and the 10-bedroom chateau was renovated in the 2000s.
Château de Fléchères offers a total of 20 grand rooms across 13,000 square feet, featuring rich detailing, seen in the Rococo-style blue room with panelling by carpenter Philibert Lonbois, and in several apartments, including one in the Louix XV style.
Of note is the 3000-square foot Calvinist temple on the third floor that comes with an alcove bedchamber and ‘Holy Trinity’ dormer windows, illuminating its silk-panelled walls.
The old farmhouse, converted to house the swimming pool, is set within a courtyard garden with lovely low-angle views of the castle.
With its stunning courtyard and gardens, the property has immense potential for prospective investors for boutique tourism, just a short drive to the gastronomic center of Lyon, as well as the Beaujolias, Burgundy, and Rhône Valley wine regions.
All photos belong to the listing agency.