14th-century stone house, pool and guest cottage, Vallombrosa - Pelago
Historic Tuscan house restored with superb stone walls, garden with swimming pool, guest barn, on 30 hectares of land, for sale near Pelago, Florence. Set amidst the timeless tranquillity of the Vallombrosa Valley, a landscape of rare natural beauty where dense fir forests give way to rolling hills lined with olive groves, stands this historic Tuscan house dating back to the late 14th century. Once owned by the Vallombrosan monks, spiritual and agricultural custodians of much of the surrounding land, the property still bears silent testimony to its monastic past, with carved inscriptions and stone emblems preserved upon its ancient walls. The main house, extending to approximately 300 sq m (3,230 sq ft), presents beamed ceilings, terracotta floors, and exposed stone walls that evoke centuries of history. Arranged over two floors, the interiors comprise on the ground level a grand reception room with an open fireplace, a dining room, a rustic kitchen and a bathroom. The upper floor features three double bedrooms and a further bathroom, each space imbued with warmth and authenticity. Adjacent to the main house, a converted stone barn of 200 sq m (2,150 sq ft) has been transformed into four self-contained guest apartments, each offering a living area with kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom, ideal for hosting family, guests or as an intimate hospitality retreat. The estate unfolds over approximately 30 hectares (74 acres), encompassing a mature olive grove with some 300 trees, a vast woodland of more than 20,000 firs, and a landscaped garden surrounding the house. At its heart lies a swimming pool with Roman steps, seamlessly integrated into the natural setting and offering serene views across the hills. A 12 sq m (129 sq ft) garage and generous outdoor areas for dining and relaxation complete the property. Enjoying absolute privacy, yet situated just 5 km (3 miles) from Pelago and 30 km (19 miles) from Florence, this remarkable residence represents a fusion of authenticity and heritage. It is an ideal country retreat for those seeking to embrace the purest expression of Tuscan living, within one of the most captivating valleys of the Florentine countryside.