Description

This important complex of historic buildings was originally built in 1100 as a watch tower and was used for the many strategic battles between Florence and Siena. In 1300 it was expanded and transformed into a convent: it is said that an underground tunnel connects it with the nearby ancient parish of St. John Sugana (1000), whose bells, even today, can be heard in the distance. In 1400 it was bought by the Florentine nobility including the Giandonati and the Corsini families. This castle-monastery has wonderful 360 degree panoramic views. It is situated 310 meters above sea level and looks out over one of the most beautiful valleys in Chianti. You can see the Pesa river flowing through the soft rolling Tuscan hills, which also has a relaxing and secluded footpath alongside it which threads through woods and meadows. This impressive building was constructed using traditional building techniques and the local river rock and therefore it blends perfectly with the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, all of which are enriched by a rich fauna (rabbits, pheasants, deer and squirrels). This is the area where the Chianti Gallo Nero wine is produced which is well known and appreciated worldwide for its fragrances and flavours. There are many tourists who visit this area to enjoy the magical atmosphere of these places. The property has a perfect location as it is the last home along a private road, completely independent but not isolated. Once inside the property you can admire the old porch which is supported by slender columns and elegant sandstone capitals, a splendid summer living room, a large internal terrace, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views and stunning sunsets across the beautiful peaks of the Apuan Alps. In 1983 the new owners undertook a meticulous restoration retaining many of the original features ( including original oak and chestnut beams on the ceilings, terracotta floors which date from 1400 and a large stone courtyard ), all the door frames and windows are made of stone and they include the coats of arms of the noble families which have inhabited the property over the years. The premises have many impressive interior features: the bathroom has been built inside the original old tower which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy, the two cellars have vaulted stone ceilings and they would make wonderful tavernas, the wine cellar with it’s original oak beams and capitals has large niches which formerly supported large vats, there are 7 fireplaces which heat and give life to various parts of the property each of which demonstrate their own personal history by displaying the crests of the noble families who previously lived here, there are massive oak doors with locks which divide the original rooms, an old oven dating from 1400 dominates the porch, and finally there is an impressive oak press which was used for pressing the olive oil. During the Renaissance this property entertained several important characters including Leonardo da Vinci and the famous Florentine family of potters the Della Robbia who used the property as a workshop for their art. Still today famous individuals (including members of Royal families) enjoy staying in this wonderful property. This prestigious building with several entrances also lends itself to be divided into different units, It measures approximately 1,250 sq mts, and consists of: 37 rooms of which 27 have been renovated, 9 partially restored (the floors and roofs have been restored) and 1 which is in need of full renovation. The property has two floors, plus the tower which dates from 1100, 2 cellars, a large terrace, a porch with very panoramic views of the surrounding area, a well, an original oven, a wine cellar, a store room, an internal cloister, a large courtyard - paved with stone, a large porch, 5 working fireplaces and others that could be opened up and used again, independent heating systems and 2 rainwater recovery tanks.1) APARTMENT completely finished ( measures approx 500 sq mts), consisting of: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus a powder room, 2 lounges with fireplaces, 1 living room with a fireplace, 1 kitchen with a typical Tuscan fireplace, 1 wine cellar/taverna, 2 terraces with panoramic views of the surrounding area, 1 cloister, a well and an original oven, a porch and large stone courtyard, a lovely entrance and a beautiful garden which is fully landscaped and independent services (electricity, heating and water).
2) APARTMENT completely finished (measures approx 185 sq mts), consisting of: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 living room with fireplace, 2 storage areas, 1 dressing room/walk in wardrobe, 1 kitchen with a typical Tuscan fireplace, wine cellar, a lovely entrance and fully landscaped garden, independent systems (electricity, heating and water), two rainwater collection cisterns. 3) WORKSHOP and OFFICE: fully restored (approx 200 sq mts), with a bathroom and two fireplaces. Private entrance. 4) APARTMENT- partially restored - roof and floors are finished only internal systems need to be installed (approx 115 sq mts) 5) ROOM partially restored - roof and floors are finished only internal systems need to be installed (Approx 56 sq mts) 6) TAVERNA – partially restored - roof and floors are finished only internal systems need to be installed (approx 48 sq mts) 7) TAVERNA - roof and floors are finished only internal systems need to be installed (approx 28 sq mts),- a totally independent unit. 8) The communal areas measure approximately 100 sq mts
9) APARTMENT in need of full restoration (approx 70 sq mts)