Siena

From Ruins to Riches: How an American Lawyer Saved a Medieval Tuscan Village

By Columbus International,2 December 20242 December 2024

The rebirth of a medieval village: this is the story of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, a small village of just fourteen inhabitants in the municipality of Sarteano. The turning point came in 2003, when Michael Cioffi, a lawyer from Cincinnati, fell in love with this 900-year-old ancient settlement, deciding to save it from abandonment.

Before Cioffi’s intervention, the village was in a state of decay, with crumbling buildings and vegetation invading the streets. But the American lawyer glimpsed the hidden potential among those ancient walls, attracted by the millennial history of the place and determined to bring it back to life. The restoration project, which began in 2005, led to the creation of Monteverdi Tuscany in 2012, an exclusive scattered hotel named after the famous composer.

The transformation wasn’t limited to accommodation facilities: the village’s small church was converted into an auditorium, while the kitchen was entrusted to chef Riccardo Bacciottini from Poggibonsi, who delights guests with traditional local dishes.

This intervention saved Castiglioncello del Trinoro from a fate of abandonment and ruin. However, the “touristification” of historic villages remains a controversial topic, as demonstrated by the controversies that arose in similar cases: in Chiusure, in the municipality of Asciano, historic residents opposed similar operations, while in Monticchiello, in the territory of Pienza, a group of intellectuals led by Alberto Asor Rosa opposed the construction of new houses near the historic walls.

In Castiglioncello del Trinoro, however, the transformation occurred without conflicts, giving new life to the village. A success that also made Andrea Franchetti happy, a pioneering entrepreneur who started a winery in an area considered by many to be unpromising for viticulture.

Sources: Corriere di Siena e Cibotoday.it

The Castles of Gaiole in Chianti and San Donato in Perano: Stories of History, Wine and Real Estate

By Columbus International,22 January 2024

Gaiole in Chianti, in the heart of the province of Siena, continues to be the stage for an epic narrative involving two castles steeped in history, noble houses, and winemaking traditions. While the Castle of Gaiole still seeks its guardian, another fortress, the Castle of San Donato in Perano, awaits a new chapter in its millennia-long story. San Donato in Perano is a fortress that speaks of centuries-old battles and nobility, of hills holding secrets between heaven and earth, and of wine flowing like vital blood through the history of Chianti. Despite its medieval charm, the fortress has failed to find buyers in past auctions, including the one in 2017.

Now, it prepares for a new sales attempt on April 8th, with a starting bid of 3.2 million euros. San Donato in Perano is not merely a testament of stone and history; it was the pulsating heart of Chianti Classico production. However, the crisis severely impacted the industrious agricultural estate of the Strozzi family, leading to the sale of its viticultural part, now owned by Frescobaldi. Despite the castle retaining its majesty amidst the gentle hills of Siena, the absence of its vineyards seems to have compromised its appeal in the eyes of investors.

The castle, with its vastness encompassing villas, residences, and chapels with ancient souls, seeks to allure distinguished buyers with a collection of precious furnishings and historical machinery. However, without its vineyards, the castle risks losing part of its allure, failing to engage those who seek not only history but also profitability. The future of San Donato in Perano hangs in limbo, and speculations about its transformation are diverse. Some dream of seeing it turned into an exclusive resort, while others hope for a patron who can enhance its history.

Enthusiasts of culture and historical heritage hold their breath, hoping that this castle does not become yet another forgotten beauty. While awaiting that spring auction, Chianti looks at its castles with a mix of nostalgia and hope. It is wished that someone can recognize in them not just real estate but true pieces of Italian history to preserve and cherish for future generations.

Agenzia investimenti immobiliari | Chianti

Tuscany: The Ultimate Real Estate Dream for Foreign Buyers. Discover the Latest Trends and Insights!

By Columbus International,9 October 2023

Foreign buyers are making waves in the Tuscan real estate scene, ready to splash out an average of over 500,000 euros. Hailing mainly from the United States and Germany, they’re dreaming of homes, and if there’s a garden, even better!

Lucca province is their prime pick, accounting for the lion’s share of requests, with Pisa, Massa-Carrara, and Siena following suit. This captivating real estate portrait comes courtesy of Gate-away. Americans lead the charge, snapping up 29% of the real estate pie, followed by Germany at 14%, and the UK at 7.6%. Even Canada is joining the party, showing a 5.2% increase in interest. While apartments still hold the crown with 23.7% of the demand, villas are gaining ground at 12.7%.

A pool, garden, or some land to call their own isn’t a deal-breaker, but gardens take the gold with a whopping 69% preference rate. In the first four months of 2023, investments are hot in the sub-100,000 euro range, representing 33.9% of total requests. The 100-250,000 euro bracket is next in line at 23.5%, followed by 250-500,000 euros (18.3%), 500,000-1 million euros (14.6%), and over 1 million euros (9.5%). The average property sought? A cool 516,865 euros.