History, luxury and charm all come together at an updated villa on the market in the rolling hills outside of Buonconvento, Italy. Near the city of Siena, the area is the epitome of traditional Tuscan countryside with sunflower fields, stone farmhouses and cypress-lined roads.
The villa is on part of the ancient Castelnuovo Tancredi estate, which today includes organic farms and is an established destination for vacationers. So, too, the stone house now for sale represents an opportunity for a business, real estate investment or a personal holiday residence, says listing agent Francesco Di Pinto of Building Heritage, which is representing the property.
“The medieval walled town of Buonconvento, with its restaurants and bars, shops selling local produce as well as a supermarket and railway station, is a short 7-minute drive,” he says. “Montalcino and its famous Brunello vineyards is just 15 minutes away whilst Siena and the hilltop towns of Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia, and the thermal baths at Bagno Vignoni, are all accessible within 30 minutes.”
The historical Tuscan residence, called San Luigi, dates to 1315 and was renovated starting in 2010. Today, the estate can accommodate up to 14 guests and includes the main villa, a recreation building and a guest house on 2.5 hectares (about 6 acres) of grounds. Olive groves cover 0.3 hectares or about three-quarters of an acre.
A broad gravel path steps up to the gated courtyard entrance while stone-paved walkways adjoin the wide swimming pool deck.
With 720 square meters (7,750 square feet) of living space, San Luigi offers roomy living, family and dining rooms—ideal for gatherings of friends and family. Arched windows, tile floors and vaulted ceilings with wooden beams are among the design elements.
The artisanal kitchen includes a pantry. A wet bar area has seating and a wine fridge.
Among the seven bedrooms is one with a fireplace and a sitting area. The nine bathrooms contain such features as stand-alone soaking tubs, dual vanities and dual-head showers. There’s also a gym.
Outside is another kitchen as well as space for al fresco dining in the brick-paved courtyard. An infinity pool takes in views of the Tuscan hills.
The asking price is €8.975 million or about US $9.5 million. Di Pinto notes that the kitchen appliances and gym equipment can be negotiated separately.
“The property is perfect for a foreigner looking for a wonderful estate in the heart of Tuscany. It’s a good investment as a short-term vacation rental,” he says, and “could be perfect as a wedding venue and primary residence.”