Description
Perched on the edge of a medieval town close to Gaiole, this majestic castle is a historical gem in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The magnificent estate, constructed entirely of white stone in the early 11th century, is steeped in history and tradition. It is believed to have been owned by the noble Ricasoli family from around 1100 AD, who used it as a strategic fortification during the tumultuous wars of the late Middle Ages. Today, the hamlet stands as one of the most captivating and well-preserved examples of a fortified medieval village.
While it requires some modernization and improvement work, the castle’s historical charm and prime location make it an exceptional prospect for anyone seeking to own a piece of Italian history and offers a unique opportunity to savor the timeless beauty of the Chianti region, serving as an oasis of tranquility in a magical, ancient atmosphere.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS
The property is located at the boundary of the inhabited village and extends into the surrounding woods and olive groves.
The castle (900 sqm – 9,684 sqft, 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms), with its impressive tower, includes an array of distinctive features and unfolds across four floors. The main entrance, accessible from the village, leads into a grand hall featuring a stunning, ancient staircase that ascends to the upper floors and the tower. On the ground floor, you will also find a spacious kitchen that opens to the garden and a stone solarium, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Adjacent to the main building is a small apartment with a separate entrance, comprising a kitchen-living room with a fireplace, a bedroom, and a bathroom.
On the first floor, the castle boasts three exquisite salons, two of which are embellished with antique fireplaces, a library with its own fireplace, and a large bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.
The second floor offers three more bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, ensuring ample space and privacy for guests or family members.
The third floor houses a stunning master bedroom nestled in the highest part of the tower, from which you can access a panoramic terrace with breathtaking 360-degree views over the Chianti countryside.
Additionally, there is a deconsecrated church (250 sqm – 2,690 sqft), currently serving as an art studio, and a charming two-story guesthouse (80 sqm – 861 sqft, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms), renovated in the 1990s, featuring two large rooms with fireplaces and two bathrooms. The estate also includes a small wine cellar (190 sqm – 2,044 sqft), and a private garage (60 sqm – 646 sqft).
EXTERIOR
The castle’s beautiful garden, enveloped by trees, extends over approximately 4,700 sqm and gently slopes down to a panoramic 16 × 8 m swimming pool set among the rocks and travertine.
The agricultural land and olive groves encompass roughly 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres). The castle is accessible through two independent entrances, one from the village and one from the castle’s garden.
CLOSEST CITIES AND TOWNS
Gaiole in Chianti (4km; 5'), Radda in Chianti (6km; 10’), Siena (25km; 30’), Greve In Chianti (26km; 35’), San Gimignano (51km; 1h), Florence (55km; 1h 5’), Arezzo (62km; 1h), Volterra (65km; 1h 20’), Montalcino (66km; 1h 10’), Montepulciano (75km; 1h 5’), Pienza (82km; 1h 15’), Cortona (83km; 1h 10’), Perugia (119km; 1h 25’), Lucca (127km; 1h 40’), Pisa (142km; 1h 50’), Forte dei Marmi (158km; 1h 55’), Rome (247km; 2h 35’)
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Firenze A. Vespucci (64km; 1h), Perugia San Francesco (130km; 1h 30’); Pisa G. Galilei (155km; 1h 40’), Bologna G. Marconi (155km; 1h 55’), Roma Ciampino (258km; 2h 30’), Roma Fiumicino (276km; 2h 40’)
