With origins from 1135, this spectacular and listed castle turned villa sits proudly on a hilltop enjoying beautiful south facing views over typical Tuscan countryside only half an hour west of Florence. The buildings were added to, over the centuries, to house the various owners from the Acciaioli family, residents from the 15th to the 19th century, who built up from the castle ruins, and prior to the current owners, the Sitwell family, aristocrats from England, who bought the Castle in 1910. The Villa measuring approximately 4400 sqm was used to safeguard great works of art from the Uffizi gallery during the 2nd world war in complete secrecy and ironically used as an SS headquarters briefly at the time. The tower dating back to 1396, is a copy from the Piazza Signoria tower in the centre of Florence. Also included on the estate is a nearby group of four buildings, one a very large farmhouse used as guest apartments, whilst the others are used as staff apartments and annexes. On the entrance floor of the castle, above the vast cellars, centered around a grand and elegant courtyard there are multiple large reception rooms and other interconnecting courtyards and staircases, some secretive and others not, creating a magical and grand atmosphere. This floor also houses some fantastic bedroom suites with direct access to the gardens. The floors above contain a richly decorative and impressive stream of suites, all wonderfully different in design and style, adding to the legend of the castle having received many important and historical visitors over the centuries. There is a romanesque-style chapel, built in 1594, beautiful terraced gardens, a secluded swimming pool area and an impressive and important grotto with mythical creatures and figures in gold mosaic and shells. There are also some important works of art throughout the property including a room entirely decorated by the painter Gino Severini in 1921 and works by Sanci, Ulivelli and Nesi. The formal garden was designed and implemented by Sir George Sitwell on the style of his Yorkshire home in England. In total there are 11 Ha of land, one of which is of parkland with 300 year old cypress trees and a private lake ; with the rest of the land made up of olive groves and pasture.