Property photos
Just added
Sale by tender
20 bed château for sale
Via Vincigliata, Florence, Tuscany, Italy20 beds
4 receptions
38,524 sq. ft
Local area information
Property location
This location is approximate only. Contact the agent for the exact address.
Nearby amenities
Features and description
- Private garden
- Terrace
- Off street parking
- Fireplace
Perched above the Renaissance city of Florence, just below the town of Fiesole, stands the imposing yet romantic fortress-style Castle of Vincigliata. Its strategic location—only 5 km from central Florence and even closer to the hilltop town of Fiesole—makes it easily accessible, including from Florence’s airport and major access roads. Today, Vincigliata is a site of great historical and cultural significance that deserves to be restored to its former glory. From its panoramic position, it offers breathtaking views of Florence and the surrounding countryside.
Built in 1031, it initially belonged to the Visdomini, then the Buonaccorsi and the Albizi (who became Alessandri) families, who maintained it for three centuries. After a long period of neglect, in 1855 it was purchased by Sir John Temple Leader, an English nobleman with a passion for medieval architecture, who restored it in neo-Gothic style with architect Giuseppe Fancelli. The intervention was innovative, combining historical rigour and creativity, with the use of local materials and the involvement of Florentine craftsmen. Temple Leader transformed the area into an estate of over 700 acres with romantic gardens, cypress and pine trees and filled the property with important works of art, making it a refuge for illustrious personalities, such as Queen Victoria. After his death in 1903, the estate was inherited by his great nephew who dismembered the important art collection.
The estate comprises several buildings, including the keep, which lies at the heart of the property, spanning approximately 965 m². At one of the entrances, there are two farmhouses—one measuring 500 m² and the other 375 m²—both spread over two floors. Additionally, there is a foundry, once used by a sculptor, covering 240 m², which could be converted into another residential building. The estate also features a corner tower of 65 m² arranged over four floors and the Barbican entrance tower on the northwest side, measuring approximately 20 m², with two storage rooms.
The internal courtyard of the keep resembles that of the Bargello or Palazzo del Pretorio in Florence and features a number of sculpted ornaments and exquisite stonework. Heraldic symbols of the Usimbardi, Alessandri and Temple Leader’s adorn the architecture, complemented by a fountain. The base of the stairwell is marked by the Marzocco, the iconic Florentine lion, reminiscent again of that in the Bargello in Florence and once bore Temple Leader’s coat of arms. On the ground floor, the courtyard is encircled by several grand reception halls with marble and stone floors, including one distinguished by glass doors opening onto this internal courtyard, with ribbed Gothic vaulted ceiling and a functional stone fireplace. Another key space is the armory, as well as the castle’s main kitchen. Ascending to the first floor—accessible via both a staircase and an elevator—we find a number of bedrooms. On this floor we also access an external walkway that leads to a breathtaking panoramic terrace overlooking the entire city of Florence. The second floor, originally designed as servants’ quarters, offers the potential to be transformed into additional bedrooms or living spaces. A chemin de ronde encircles the keep, leading to its tower, notable for its beautiful frescoes.
The Italian panoramic garden, spanning approximately 3,000 m², is framed by castle spires and turrets, creating a mesmerizing setting. The front terrace showcases striking terracotta paved area and a beautiful fountain whilst an incredible wisteria plant embellishes the keep’s facade. Included in the sale are 21 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and woodland.
Castello di Vincigliata represents a rare opportunity for a new visionary project, while respecting its fascinating historical heritage.
Built in 1031, it initially belonged to the Visdomini, then the Buonaccorsi and the Albizi (who became Alessandri) families, who maintained it for three centuries. After a long period of neglect, in 1855 it was purchased by Sir John Temple Leader, an English nobleman with a passion for medieval architecture, who restored it in neo-Gothic style with architect Giuseppe Fancelli. The intervention was innovative, combining historical rigour and creativity, with the use of local materials and the involvement of Florentine craftsmen. Temple Leader transformed the area into an estate of over 700 acres with romantic gardens, cypress and pine trees and filled the property with important works of art, making it a refuge for illustrious personalities, such as Queen Victoria. After his death in 1903, the estate was inherited by his great nephew who dismembered the important art collection.
The estate comprises several buildings, including the keep, which lies at the heart of the property, spanning approximately 965 m². At one of the entrances, there are two farmhouses—one measuring 500 m² and the other 375 m²—both spread over two floors. Additionally, there is a foundry, once used by a sculptor, covering 240 m², which could be converted into another residential building. The estate also features a corner tower of 65 m² arranged over four floors and the Barbican entrance tower on the northwest side, measuring approximately 20 m², with two storage rooms.
The internal courtyard of the keep resembles that of the Bargello or Palazzo del Pretorio in Florence and features a number of sculpted ornaments and exquisite stonework. Heraldic symbols of the Usimbardi, Alessandri and Temple Leader’s adorn the architecture, complemented by a fountain. The base of the stairwell is marked by the Marzocco, the iconic Florentine lion, reminiscent again of that in the Bargello in Florence and once bore Temple Leader’s coat of arms. On the ground floor, the courtyard is encircled by several grand reception halls with marble and stone floors, including one distinguished by glass doors opening onto this internal courtyard, with ribbed Gothic vaulted ceiling and a functional stone fireplace. Another key space is the armory, as well as the castle’s main kitchen. Ascending to the first floor—accessible via both a staircase and an elevator—we find a number of bedrooms. On this floor we also access an external walkway that leads to a breathtaking panoramic terrace overlooking the entire city of Florence. The second floor, originally designed as servants’ quarters, offers the potential to be transformed into additional bedrooms or living spaces. A chemin de ronde encircles the keep, leading to its tower, notable for its beautiful frescoes.
The Italian panoramic garden, spanning approximately 3,000 m², is framed by castle spires and turrets, creating a mesmerizing setting. The front terrace showcases striking terracotta paved area and a beautiful fountain whilst an incredible wisteria plant embellishes the keep’s facade. Included in the sale are 21 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and woodland.
Castello di Vincigliata represents a rare opportunity for a new visionary project, while respecting its fascinating historical heritage.
Floor plans and tours
Floor plans
No floor plan available
Tours
No virtual tour available
More information
Listed by
San Niccolò Luxury Real Estate
View agent properties.png){kind=logo}
Property descriptions and related information displayed on this page are marketing materials provided by - San Niccolò Luxury Real Estate. Zoopla does not warrant or accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the property descriptions or related information provided here and they do not constitute property particulars. Please contact San Niccolò Luxury Real Estate for full details and further information.