Set within the Florentine hills south of the city, Villa Certosa is an important historic residence of 15th-century origin, combining centuries of architectural heritage with an exceptionally refined contemporary restoration.
Originally conceived as a single noble villa and historically associated with prominent families including the Strozzi and, subsequently, the Marchesi Malaspina, the principal residence has since been divided into two substantial portions. Casa & Country is pleased to offer one of these, comprising the beautifully restored ground-floor noble residence together with its private Italian garden, olive grove, independent atelier/custodian's house, garage, cellars and ancillary spaces.
Villa Certosa belongs to a category of historic Florentine residences increasingly difficult to find: a property of genuine architectural importance which has retained its historic identity while successfully adapting to contemporary living.
The villa dates from the 15th century and over the centuries formed part of the estates of important noble families, including the Strozzi and later the Marchesi Malaspina. The building is today protected for its historic and architectural significance and retains many of the characteristics of the original noble residence.
Although the principal villa is now divided into two privately owned portions, its architectural composition remains clearly legible. The interiors of both residences belong to the same historic context, with the separately owned upper portion preserving important 18th-century frescoes and period decorative elements, illustrating the quality and status of the original unified villa.
The portion offered by Casa & Country occupies the ground floor of the principal noble residence and has undergone an extensive and particularly sensitive restoration. The interiors have been designed to introduce the comfort and sophistication expected of a contemporary luxury home while respecting the architecture and atmosphere of the historic building.
The interiors are distinguished by the generous proportions and impressive volumes characteristic of an important Florentine villa, rather than those of a conventional country house.
The restoration and interior design have been executed to a notably high standard, creating elegant and comfortable living spaces while preserving the property's historic identity. Traditional architecture is complemented by carefully selected contemporary finishes and furnishings, resulting in an understated and sophisticated aesthetic.
Among the defining characteristics of the residence are:
At the centre of the original architectural composition lies a particularly atmospheric Renaissance courtyard, shared between the two principal portions of the villa and forming part of the historic entrance sequence.
The principal entrance courtyard and parking area are shared with the owners of the upper residence, an arrangement originating from the historical division of the palazzo.
A particularly attractive feature of the property is its private Italian garden, which provides an elegant and highly appropriate setting for the historic architecture.
Formal landscaping and mature planting create a natural continuation of the interiors, offering attractive spaces for outdoor entertaining, relaxation and dining while preserving the character expected of a historic Florentine residence.
The property also includes its own olive grove, further reinforcing the connection between the villa and the traditional Tuscan landscape.
Together, the formal garden and surrounding greenery provide an unusually appealing outdoor environment for a property located within such convenient reach of Florence.
An especially valuable element of the property is the independent custodian's house and atelier, located within another part of the historic complex and also included in the sale.
The building benefits from two separate entrances – one directly from the lane and a second from the internal courtyard – allowing it to function with a considerable degree of independence from the principal residence.
Its flexible configuration makes it suitable for a variety of uses, potentially including:
The property is further complemented by a private garage, extensive cellar accommodation and useful ancillary spaces.
The residence is classified A/8 and forms part of a historic complex protected by the Belle Arti.
Of particular interest, the second principal portion of Villa Certosa is also currently available for sale separately through another agency. For a purchaser seeking a considerably larger historic residence, this could present the rare possibility of acquiring both principal portions and potentially reuniting much of the original noble villa, subject to separate negotiation.
Villa Certosa enjoys a prestigious position in the hills just south of Florence, combining the tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside with the exceptional convenience of being close to the city.
Surrounded by olive groves, historic villas and classic Florentine landscapes, it offers a rare balance of privacy, heritage and accessibility.
Villa Certosa is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored historic residence in one of Tuscany’s most desirable locations, where countryside living and Florence are effortlessly connected.
Villa Certosa combines two characteristics that are particularly difficult to find in the Florentine market: genuine historic pedigree and a high-quality contemporary restoration. This rarity strengthens its long-term appeal as a prestige asset, especially for international buyers seeking a turnkey historic residence close to Florence rather than a property requiring major renovation.
Its proximity to central Florence, together with the privacy of the Impruneta hills and the presence of gardens, an olive grove and independent accommodation, gives the property strong potential for the high-end seasonal and short-term rental market. The villa could appeal particularly to guests looking for an authentic Tuscan experience with easy access to Florence, while the independent atelier/custodian’s house adds flexibility for guests, staff or ancillary use.
The property also offers interesting future value-enhancement potential. The second principal portion of the original villa is currently available separately through another agency, creating the possibility—subject to separate negotiation—of acquiring both parts and reuniting a substantial portion of the historic residence. Such an acquisition could significantly increase the scale, prestige and flexibility of the estate.
Beyond rental potential, Villa Certosa is well suited to buyers looking for a long-term lifestyle investment in one of Tuscany’s most established international markets. Its historic importance, restored condition and proximity to Florence position it as a property with enduring appeal, whether retained as a private residence, used as a second home with rental income, or developed further subject to the necessary permissions.
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