A Medieval Hamlet Estate Above the Florentine Hills #21539
For those looking to buy villa in Tuscany within easy reach of Florence, this estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa is in a dominant position on the Chianti hills, just 12 kilometres from the city. The property is the main part of an ancient hilltop hamlet of medieval origins, dating back to around 1400, and includes a Romanesque chapel from 1260 that is an architectural rarity of genuine historical significance.
The estate was restored in the 1980s by Florentine architect Pier Niccolò Berardi, who combined the traditional character of the original structure with modern comforts and high-quality finishes. Exposed wooden beams, terracotta floors, and stucco walls are preserved throughout, alongside updated systems and contemporary materials where needed. The result is a 550 square meter property that reads as a historic residence first and a renovated house second.
The Living Spaces
The layout extends across four floors, with a triple living room as the centerpiece. The living space is divided into three distinct sections and opens to panoramic views across the Chianti hills. A professional kitchen with pantry, a dining room, and the main living areas are arranged for both daily use and large-scale entertaining.
Across the different floors, the property includes a library and study, a cinema room, a wine cellar, a room with wood-fired pizza and bread ovens, and traditional staff quarters. The variety of rooms gives the property a flexibility that is difficult to find at this scale. Four terraces are distributed across the exterior, each positioned to capture views of the surrounding hills and the Tuscan landscape beyond.
The Bedrooms
Five bedrooms are spread across the floors, four of which include en-suite bathrooms. The top-floor bedroom benefits from the most elevated position on the property, with the widest sightlines across the valley and surrounding countryside.
The Romanesque Chapel
The chapel on the estate dates back to 1260 and is one of the defining features of the property. It is an architectural gem that connects the estate to over seven centuries of local history in the Chianti hills. Few residential properties in the region include a structure of this age and character within their grounds.
The Land and Setting
The hamlet is set within a private wooded area of 27 hectares, shared with four other properties within what was historically a hunting reserve of the Medici. The woods and hills surrounding the estate provide a level of privacy and natural depth that is rarely available this close to Florence. A private road leads to the property through ancient electric gates, ensuring security and seclusion from arrival.
The connected garden of 3,000 square meters surrounds the main buildings directly. A previous concession to build a swimming pool was granted on the estate; however, the permit has since expired and would need to be reinstated by the buyer.
Practical Details and Opportunity
Heating is provided by LPG with solar panels supplementing the hot water system. A condominium aqueduct with water softener serves the property. Air conditioning is available throughout. Annual maintenance costs for the condominium road amount to approximately 2,000 euros per year.
For buyers looking to buy a villa in Tuscany with genuine medieval character, architectural distinction, and direct proximity to Florence, this estate in Chiesanuova represents a serious opportunity. The combination of the 1260 chapel, the former Medici woodland, and the restoration by a noted Florentine architect gives the property a depth of history and quality that sets it apart from other properties in the region.