Farmhouse in the Chianti region near Florence

Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse with natural stone façade in the hills near Florence (formerly a nunnery), which has been converted into an ecologically sustainable property. The interior area of the main building is 434 m² and is spread over three floors. The property is 1,780 m² and has a biopool 10 x 5 x 1.2/1.8 m, turnkey, free, partially furnished.

This property is in excellent structural condition and is located 30 km from Florence in the Chianti region.

The building dates back to the 14th century and is rich in history. Originally a modest farmhouse, it was later used as a hunting lodge by a noble Florentine family. It then became a convent for the Sisters of Nevers. Today it is a private residence.

A thorough renovation from 2011 to 2013 transformed this farmhouse/monastery into a real gem. The result is the combination of atmospheric, centuries-old architecture with modern technology. The property has thus become an estate that is fully committed to ecological sustainability.

– Photovoltaic system with a capacity of 7 kW, with the surplus electricity being fed into the national energy system
– Solar thermal panels with an average production of 500 liters of hot water per day, available for sanitary use
– Rainwater storage in concrete cisterns with a total capacity of 70 m³, thus autonomy for the water supply of the kitchen and garden as well as for the systems c onnected to the toilets.
– Bio-pool with natural phyto-cleaning system – Heating with city gas Bio-pool with natural phyto-cleaning system
– Heating with town gas
– No air conditioning, because good natural air conditioning thanks to intelligent structural measures
– Alarm system, fast internet

The farmhouse/monastery

The structural parts have undergone a conservative renovation:

– “ventilated roof” for effective heat/cold insulation
– Resin waterproofing of the Tuscan Pietra Serena façades 

The first floor: two separate entrances on different sides.

One page leads to:

– large living area with fireplace and bookcase made of solid chestnut wood
– dining area with bar and pizza oven
– a large kitchen, which is also perfectly equipped for the needs of large family groups with guests and for events
– WC

The other side leads to a reserved area, which is furnished as a mini apartment (28 m²) with kitchenette, double bedroom, bathroom and small terrace with access to the outside.

On the second floor:

The rooms are distributed in such a way that they can accommodate large groups of families and guests:

– 1 suite of 35 m² (a real mini-apartment with its own entrance)
– 5 twin rooms, each with shower and toilet
– 2 service bathrooms

In the basement, at garden level, is the wellness area with:

– Fitness area
– Sauna
– Relaxation area
– Whirlpool with panoramic view

High-quality materials were used in the renovation: sandblasted porcelain stoneware floors with a wood look, solid chestnut wood doors with fire protection, sanitary and heating systems of the highest standard.

Outdoor areas

The property is situated on a hill 470 m above sea level, which ensures a pleasant microclimate.

The large terrace adjoining the farmhouse offers an incomparable view of the Valdarno valley and the small villages scattered in the typical Tuscan countryside.

The southern exposure and the northern protection of the Pratomagno mountains ensure a dry and mild climate in winter and a cool climate in summer, usually with a gentle breeze.

The terrace was repaved with the original stones that were there. A clever technical solution makes it possible to channel rainwater directly into underground cisterns. This means that the water can be used later and the patio will be dry again in no time, even after storms.

The surrounding grounds are 1,740 m² in size. It extends over several terraced levels, which are connected by comfortable stone steps.

Fruit trees and other valuable trees surround the beautiful swimming pool, which has also been designed with sustainability in mind. It is a bio-pool equipped with a natural phyto-cleaning system, without chemicals or chlorine. The entire area is located in a solarium protected from the wind. If required, the pool could also be converted to a chlorine or polyphosphate system.  

There is also a small boccia court, which is located in a secluded part of the garden.

Two parking spaces: on the upper level for 4-5 cars, on the lower level there is an access ramp where 3 more cars can be parked.

Why buy this property?

It meets the expectations of those looking for a property

– habitable all year round, ideal for the private use of large families and guests
– located outside the city and in contact with nature
– in the hills with a favorable climate all year round
– with excellent logistics close to Florence and services
– suitable for those considering a move to Tuscany in search of a relaxed and sustainable standard of living.

It is also a suitable structure for those who want to organize a small reception activity at certain times of the year for a small number of guests or the organization of a so-called “didactic farm”.

A little bit of history….

A modest farmhouse, where wheat was threshed and bread was baked in a large oven for families from all over the region, became the hunting lodge of a noble Florentine family over the course of time. Later, the house became a convent, a place of prayer for the Sisters of Nevers. Traces of the convent chapel can still be seen today in one of the rooms.

In addition to lush nature with sunsets and fairytale landscapes and inspiring tranquillity, you can also breathe in the centuries-old history of the place. The small villages of the Valdarno, together with the famous “Balze” (rocks) of a prehistoric lake, have been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. (Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci once came here on horseback and later painted the same Balze on the back of the Mona Lisa. There are famous destinations for “religious tourism” in the area, such as the famous Benedictine abbey of Vallombrosa and the Casentino with the religious hermitages of La Verna and Camaldoli.

A curiosity

It is perhaps no coincidence that this estate also hides “something magical and mysterious” in this density of history and nature. There is an almond tree here that blossoms in January, when the surrounding countryside is only covered in snow for a few days. This phenomenon is due to the special microclimate of this place. If you like, this leads to a mystical and spiritual aura that permeates this place.

Logistics

The villa is located in a privileged geographical position. It is located on the famous Setteponti road, which was built in the Medici era to connect Florence with the southern areas of Tuscany towards Rome. The location is strategic for visiting Florence, which is only 25 km away, the Chianti area and the entire region. Services and transportation are very efficient. The area is easily accessible by car, just a few kilometers from the A1 freeway, where there are all the main services, stores, bus stops and the train station.

Distances

Town center with 15,000 inhabitants, good infrastructure, restaurants and stores 800 m
Historical center of Florence: 25 km
Florence train station: 20 km
Greve in Chianti: 25 km
Arezzo: 60 km
San Gimignano: 65 km
Siena: 80 km
Pisa: 100 km
Lucca: 100 km
Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi: 100 km
Pienza and Val d’Orcia Unesco sites: around 100 km.
Rome: 250 km
Milan: 330 km
Florence airport: 30 km
Pisa Airport: 100 km
Bologna Airport: 135 km