A unique opportunity to own a magnificent castle, with a history of approaching 700 years, wonderfully situated just outside the historic City of Siena amidst the glorious Tuscany countryside. The castle is currently used partly for holiday accommodation and includes some 15 hectares of land, some of which is cultivated as a vineyard.

The castle is believed to date back to 1339 and originally belonged to the Cinughis, an aristocratic feudal family from Siena. The castle was heavily involved with the War of Siena, which culminated in the defeat of the City in 1555, resulting in the end of the Republic of Siena. Evidently – and sadly, the extravagant furnishings which had filled the castle were lost in the fighting.

Following the fall of Siena and the restoration of peace in the region, the castle became a picturesque and quiet country residence which, however, still provides a dramatic original touch to the landscape and recalls a time when that landscape was, in so many ways, tormented by the struggles of rival factions, city-states and nations. Since 1885, the castle has been inhabited and beautifully preserved by the Ponticelli family.

With an area of some 1400 m2 (15,069 square feet), notable architectural features of the castle include its four angular towers, the battlements, the striking austere courtyard, the original brickwork and stonework, the terracotta floors and its characteristic stairway. The majestic position of the castle ensures that it commands the attention of anyone passing through this area near Siena, the city being only about 2 km away.

The interior of the castle includes the Owners’ Apartment, two holiday letting rooms and a holiday apartment. The impressive Drawing Room in the Owners’ Apartment features a beautiful fireplace and leads to the guest rooms and the elegant Dining Room, where breakfast is served to the holiday guests. They are welcome in the adjacent Reading Room, from where they can enjoy the magnificent views over the surrounding countryside.

The large Living Room of the Owners’ Apartment features ancient brickwork, whilst the cathedral-like ceiling is adorned with the original wooden beams. The room leads off the large airy central hall of the apartment and inside one of the towers is the charming master bedroom with its own bathroom.

The charming holiday apartment is located on the first floor and includes a comfortable living room with fireplace, kitchen, large double bedroom and bathroom. Of the two holiday rooms which are available on a “Bed and Breakfast” basis, one is located high up in one of the towers, providing magnificent all round views of the countryside, whilst the other looks on to the City of Siena.

There is a large car parking area next to the castle, which is surrounded by an Italianate garden planted with myrtle, roses and peonies, all being visible from the castle's windows. Of the 15 hectares (about 37.5 acres) of land which form part of the property, about 1.2 (about 3 acres) are cultivated as a vineyard to produce the “Chianti Colli Senesi” wine. The land also includes some 400 olive trees.

The castle must occupy one of the most enviable locations in Tuscany. The glorious countryside surrounding the city is famed for its rolling hillsides and is rich with many small medieval hamlets. The city itself is, of course, one of the most historic and most visited in Tuscany and its central area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is not often that such a property comes on to the market and interest is expected from many countries of the world. Inevitably, no brief description or even photographs will do justice to such a property and the Selling Agents Investabroad Properties and Mayfair International Realty invite enquiries from genuine prospective buyers with a view to arranging a personal inspection tour of the property.

Important Notices

1: These details are provided and intended as a general guide only and do not form a contract or any part of a contract. Intending buyers must make their own investigations and are advised to take appropriate independent legal advice. The final sale price may vary due to currency exchange fluctuations.

2: Please be aware that, if you print off these details entirely, they will include the full Disclaimer which covers numerous points, some of which may not be relevant to this property and which can be viewed by clicking on ‘Disclaimer’ at the foot of this page. To avoid this, print the pages of the actual property details individually, but it will then be assumed that you have read and are aware of the complete Disclaimer.

Disclaimer

Property reference 36114_36114_JMU_C_NG1. Details provided and maintained by INVEST ABROAD PROPERTIES, Birmingham. Countrylife.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of these details.