Tuscan castle comes with its own hamlet
3,000-acre estate’s seller only reveals price to prospective buyers
If you’re looking for a special place to lay your crown, this very old and very big Tuscan castle might be it.
Six hundred years old and set on a hill overlooking nearly 3,000 acres of farmland, vineyards, olive groves and forests, the historic manor has played host to Italian popes and royalty.
It boasts four corner turrets, a clock tower, crenellated walls — with square openings for shooting through — and yes, even a moat.
The entire estate, located 45 kilometres away from Florence, also has its own hamlet with an 18th-century villa, 25 farmhouses, a private chapel and two lakes.
Dimitri Corti, president of Lionard Luxury Real Estate, which is selling the estate, calls it “one of the most prestigious properties ever put up for sale.”
An agreement with the owners, a Florentine family of entrepreneurs, prevents Lionard from revealing the asking price to all but serious prospective buyers.
Dreaming about owning this rare antiquity, however, doesn’t cost a euro.
Built in1424 for the noble Pucci family, the castle was designed by the great Filippo Brunelleschi. And what a coup that was.
The influential Renaissance architect — who was in charge of designing and building military fortresses in the first half of the15th century — was already busy working on the dome of Florence’s Cathedral. Said to be the largest brick dome ever constructed, the structure was an innovative masterpiece of engineering.
During the dome’s creation, Brunelleschi found time to draw up plans for the Pucci’s country home in the style of the times: fortified with circular walls equipped with towers and battlements in case of enemy attack.
As well, Brunelleschi designed it to be made entirely with bricks and none of the usual stonework — a skill only he had mastered, according to expert Massimo Ricci.
Among the villa’s other outstanding details are an internal courtyard with etched plasterwork, a loggia with four arches, frescoed halls and also ceiling art.
During its first century or so, the castle provided extravagant accommodation to three visiting Popes: Leo X, Clement VII and Paul III Farnese. Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Tuscany and King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy were also overnight guests.
“This prestigious hamlet is rich in history and charm,” says Lionard spokesperson Luisa Santiloni, citing some of its “curiosities.”
There’s an ancient water well for collecting rain water, which was once was a secret underground passage leading outside the building, she explains.
A walkway atop the high walls surrounding the perimeter of the castle offers a view of the whole valley, Santiloni adds.
The estate is currently used for weddings, corporate events, cooking classes, and wine and olive oil tastings.
With seating for 180, the reception hall is suitable for galas, parties and family gatherings for even the largest clans.
Santiloni says the maintenance and operation of the complex requires a staff of 18, ranging from maids, chef and chief of security to farm workers, winemakers. And an accountant.
And if you’re wondering about the repairs that might be needed on a 600-year-old building, the brokerage assures it’s in “great condition.”