Historic fully restored Convent and Castle in the Chianti region of Tuscany, close to Florence.
Bedrooms: 8
Bathrooms: 5
Living: 700m²
Plot: 30,000m2 (7.4 acres) approx.
Dating from the 13th century this former convent has been lovingly restored and maintained by its current owners. Comprising of a main house and guest apartment and set within over 7 acres of grounds with manicured gardens, swimming pool, woodland and olive groves.
The tranquil hilltop position provides 360 degree views with the lights of Florence visible in the distance in the evening and is just a short drive to the small town of Tavarnelle with good local amenities.
The estate is approached via a classic cypress tree lined avenue to the main gates. Passing through the gates, green lawns sweep to either side and a box hedge ‘Viale’ leads one to the main doorway into the stone tower of the southern facade. A huge door opens onto a charming, enclosed courtyard; it’s wonderful, cobbled floor and loggia provide an environment perfect for summer dining and receptions, manifestly encapsulating the atmosphere of the convent’s historical past.
The principal reception rooms on the ground floor have high ceilings, antique terracotta floors and impressive features such as the huge fireplace in the dining room, carved oak beams, vaulted ceilings and an elegant stairway.
The ground floor provides two drawing rooms, a dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms sharing two bathrooms and a bedroom with ensuite bathroom. A grand stairway leads to the upper floor as well as a stairway to the cellars.
The upper floor there is a spacious apartment with kitchen, open plan living-dining room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms; the bedroom within the tower is particularly charming and provides magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
To the west wing of the first floor one can access a small one bedroom apartment which would be ideal as service or nanny accommodation.
On the lower level of the property, there are two large rooms, currently used for storage but could be adapted to create an impressive wine cellar and tasting room.
The Eastern façade of the property is perhaps its most impressive with its painted stucco, stone window surrounds and architraves and the established creeper weaving up to the stone tower. This garden area, accessed from the stone stairway from the kitchen and dining rooms, is ideal for dining ‘al-fresco’ and entertaining.
Annexes
To the lower terrace, along the west wing of the property, there is a two bedroom apartment of 60 m2 with ‘open-plan’ living/dining room.
In addition, there is a barn of 150m2 which could be used for storage, garaging or additional accommodation.
Gardens and Land
The house is surrounded by approximately 3 hectares of land comprising of manicured gardens, a separate pool area with a 12m x 6m swimming pool with magnificent views, woodland and olive groves.
