Are you interested in buying a villa in Tuscany or, in particular, in Reggello?
In the Florentine countryside, in Reggello, Columbus International offers for sale a splendid villa to be restored. The property includes a main house with two residential units, with the upper floor in fair condition and the ground floor to be restored. Also included is a barn already deruralized with relative charges already paid, which can, among other things, if necessary, also be moved by about 40-50 m.
The land of about 4 and a half hectares is mixed with olive groves and woods. The Reggello area is known as the “city of oil” as it is very famous for the quality of the oil that is grown there.
American fund targets Tuscany’s hospitality sector with ambitious resort project near Florence
KRF Capital, a U.S.-based private capital firm specializing in real estate, energy, and credit investments, has marked its Italian market debut with the acquisition of a 99-acre property in Reggello, just outside Florence. The firm plans to transform the site into a luxury hotel and exclusive membership club, representing an estimated $32 million investment over the coming years.
The strategic acquisition positions KRF Capital to capitalize on Italy’s robust luxury tourism sector, particularly in Tuscany’s coveted Florence region, where high-end hospitality demand continues to outpace supply. The project underscores growing international investor appetite for Italian real estate assets, especially those targeting the premium hospitality market.
While KRF Capital declined to provide specific details about the exact location or development timeline when contacted by industry publication BeBeez, the investment represents a significant commitment to the Italian market. The firm’s entry comes at a time when private equity groups are increasingly viewing Italian hospitality real estate as an attractive asset class, driven by the country’s tourism recovery and infrastructure modernization efforts.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Global law firm DLA Piper advised KRF Capital on the complex transaction structure, which involved acquiring 100% ownership of the company holding the real estate assets. The legal team also navigated the regulatory approval process for urban planning modifications to expand the tourism-hospitality designation and increase the developable square footage of the property.
The transaction highlights the intricate legal considerations foreign investors must navigate when entering the Italian real estate market, particularly for projects requiring zoning changes and development permits. Italy’s regulatory environment for foreign investment has become increasingly streamlined, though luxury hospitality projects still require careful coordination with local authorities.
Market Context and Growth Potential
The Reggello area, located in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti region, has experienced increased investor interest as luxury travelers seek authentic Italian experiences beyond traditional tourist centers. The location offers proximity to Florence’s cultural attractions while providing the privacy and exclusivity that high-net-worth travelers increasingly demand.
KRF Capital’s investment strategy aligns with broader trends in the European hospitality sector, where private equity firms are targeting assets that can command premium pricing through unique positioning and exclusive amenities. The membership club component suggests a focus on recurring revenue streams beyond traditional hotel operations.
The project’s scale and investment commitment signal KRF Capital’s confidence in Italy’s long-term tourism prospects, despite ongoing economic uncertainties in the European market. For the firm, the Italian expansion represents diversification beyond its traditional U.S. markets while tapping into Europe’s resilient luxury travel segment.
This article was adapted from original reporting by BeBeez and La Nazione.