Property 216 - CASTELFIORENTINO

6 Bedrooms

Location and Surrounding Area
Immersed in the peaceful Tuscan countryside, this magnificently restored castle is ideally located to explore the region’s cultural highlights and natural wonders. With breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, this exclusive property is the perfect base for unforgettable day trips to the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. It offers a unique opportunity to admire the splendid landscapes while soaking up the region’s incredibly rich historical and cultural heritage.

The villa is just a few kilometres from San Gimignano, one of Italy’s best-preserved mediaeval towns. From afar, San Gimignano resembles a scene from a Renaissance painting: a circle of 13th-century walls enclosing tall, teetering stone towers. Its towers make it instantly recognisable, but the art treasures within its walls are just as remarkable. Although the town is small, it has enough art, architecture, and fine food to keep you busy for more than a day.

The villa is also close to Florence, a treasure trove of art with an astonishing contemporary vibe. Beyond its extraordinary artistic heritage, a testament to centuries of civilisation, the best way to enjoy Florence is to stroll along the riverside avenues at sunset or to explore the city’s myriad alleyways in the bohemian Oltrarno district or the narrow streets of San Niccolò, where you’ll feel transported to another time along its centuries-old walls.

The villa is also a few kilometres from Volterra, one of Tuscany’s most dramatic hilltop towns. Despite its many attractions, Volterra sees fewer tourists than other Tuscan towns, so you can explore its winding stone streets and ancient sites without the crowds. Founded by the Etruscans and surrounded by mediaeval walls, Volterra has a notable historic centre filled with fascinating Roman ruins, mediaeval buildings, and alabaster workshops.

The villa is also close to the mediaeval town of Siena. Its ancient red brick buildings, the scallop-shaped Piazza del Campo, and the Cathedral Square dominated by the zebra-striped Duomo make it a must-see for anyone travelling to Tuscany. Effectively an open-air museum celebrating Gothic architecture, Siena boasts monuments that have retained both their mediaeval forms and exceptional art collections.

In just one hour and ten minutes by car, you can reach Pisa, famously known for its Leaning Tower. As you move through its alleys and riversides, you’ll discover architectural gems such as Santa Maria della Spina, the Scuola Normale Superiore in Piazza dei Cavalieri, the exhibitions at Palazzo Blu, and the magnetic charm of Piazza dei Miracoli. Start at the Baptistery and head to the 130-meter Camposanto Monumentale overlooking the square.

Property 216 is 36 km from Florence Amerigo Vespucci International Airport, 65 km from Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport, 126 km from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and 319 km from Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. San Gimignano is 24 km from the villa, Florence is 38 km, Volterra is 40 km, Siena is 59 km, Lucca is 69 km, Pisa is 70 km, Livorno is 76 km, Viareggio is 103 km, Forte dei Marmi is 109 km.

The Property
Perched on a hill with charming views of the surrounding area, Property 216 provides the perfect retreat for those seeking complete privacy and relaxation in the heart of Tuscany. Surrounded by serene countryside with gently rolling hills, this property has been completely restored while maintaining the spirit and atmosphere of a noble mansion. Dating back to 1210, this elegant castle can accommodate up to twelve guests in six bedrooms (4 double bedrooms and 2 twin rooms), each with an en-suite bathroom.

The castle’s history dates back to 1210, when the Counts Alberti di Certaldo, leaders of the ruling Longobard family that dominated the nearby Elsa valley, built Caput Aulae as the center of Val d'Elsa's court. The Alberti family owned and resided in this magnificent castle, later transforming it into an elegant mansion, until the 17th century. Traces of the original 13th-century fortified castle are still visible in the square brick tower and the defensive walls surrounding the villa.

Luxurious facilities complement the villa, including a private pool, a consecrated chapel, a 13th-century tower, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In front of the villa, you will find a generous garden with views of the Tuscan landscape. A staircase leads down to the exclusive swimming pool, which is surrounded by a lawn and an arcaded loggia. The poolside area offers a calm atmosphere, making it an idyllic spot for sunbathing and enjoying moments of relaxation.

On the ground floor, the front door opens into a spacious living room with a fireplace. To the left, a beautiful marble staircase ascends to the first floor. From the living room, a corridor provides access to the rest of the house. The spacious and fully equipped kitchen features terracotta floors and beamed ceilings. Along the corridor, beyond a guest bathroom, is a sumptuous dining room with French windows opening onto the courtyard. This floor also includes a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi tub.

On the first floor, at the top of the marble staircase, a long corridor leads to the bedrooms. On the right is a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with a shower and a Jacuzzi tub. To the left are two twin bedrooms, each with its own bathroom—one with a shower and tub, and the other with a Jacuzzi and shower. This floor also includes a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi tub and shower, as well as a balcony overlooking the front yard.

The annex is a medieval tower adjacent to the villa with its own access. From the ground floor living room, a staircase leads to a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with a shower. This level also features a breathtaking roof terrace. The Limonaia has been converted into a casual sitting room with six arched windows offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. In the garden, there is also a 13th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, restored during the 18th century, which contains a crypt.