Villa La Rocchetta: a Renaissance gem nestled between the hills of Fiesole and Pontassieve

An elegant 16th-century villa immersed in nature, where history, charm, and authenticity meet.

Nestled in the rolling hills between Fiesole and Pontassieve, just 18 km from Florence, Villa La Rocchetta is a historic residence of rare beauty, set in an unspoiled landscape of olive groves, meadows, and woodland.

Its panoramic position with open views to the south, the harmonious Renaissance architecture, and a perfectly preserved historic garden make it one of the most enchanting villas in Tuscany. A timeless retreat, ideal for those seeking a perfect balance of art, nature, and tranquility.

A Unique Landscape Setting

Villa La Rocchetta is located in an area of exceptional historical and natural value. Nearby lie architectural treasures such as the Parish Church of San Martino a Lubaco, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, the Masseto Estate (once owned by the noble Guadagni family), and the famed Castello del Trebbio, former residence of the Pazzi family.A true Tuscan microcosm, where art, memory, and landscape intertwine timelessly.

Origins and History of the Villa

It is said that Villa La Rocchetta was originally built as a Medici hunting lodge, though the first documented reference dates back to 1572, describing the sale of a “farm with manor house” in the area known as “La Rocchetta.”In 1580, the property passed to Pellegrino Brunaccini, a member of a prominent Florentine sailcloth merchant family, who soon married the noblewoman Maddalena Peruzzi. Their union marked the transformation of the rural estate into a noble villa with agricultural lands.The Brunaccini family retained ownership of the estate for over two and a half centuries, until 1855. In the 1920s, it was acquired by the Gobbò family, who undertook a respectful and conservative restoration.

The Historic Garden: Symmetry and Poetry

The villa’s garden is a true masterpiece, unfolding across three main terraces connected by pathways, stone ramps, and staircases.The first level welcomes guests with a large hanging lawn, the baroque private chapel, and the villa’s west façade.The central level, the heart of the garden, features geometric lawns, boxwood hedges, and a decorative basin set within a niche bearing noble coats of arms.The third level, accessed via a stairway with a nymphaeum, includes the original orchard, a formal fruit garden with a circular basin, and statues of Vertumnus and Pomona, seamlessly integrated into the 17th-century landscape.

A cypress-lined avenue leads to the burraia, a small structure once used for collecting spring water — a testament to the villa’s historic self-sufficient water management system.

Architecture and Interiors: Timeless Elegance

The villa, protected under Law 1089/39, unfolds across four floors plus a basement and attic, with a total usable surface of over 800 sqm. Its almost square rectangular layout includes spacious frescoed halls, decorated wooden ceilings, fireplaces in 15th-century style, an original panoramic loggia, service areas, and historic kitchens.

Each floor reflects a different era, yet no alteration has ever disrupted the original Renaissance layout. This rare balance has been masterfully preserved during the restoration of the 1930s, which also integrated the casa del camporaiolo—a rustic annex now an integral part of the estate.

Key Technical Details

Address: Pontassieve (Florence)

Altitude: 450 meters above sea level

Villa Surface Area: 837 sqm of usable space

Garden Area: over 5,000 sqm

Chapel, garages, and dairy room: present

Zoning: residential

Access: 400 m of white gravel road

Utilities: electricity, spring water, telephone; methane gas available for connection

Condition: excellent, faithful to the original 16th-century layout

A Place to Dream, Live, or Tell Stories

Villa La Rocchetta is more than just a historic property: it’s a Tuscan tale — a perfect example of slow, conscious, and refined living. Far from the crowds of mass tourism, yet just minutes from the vibrant heart of Florence.

Whether you're a thoughtful traveler, a restoration enthusiast, or an investor looking for a prestigious cultural asset, La Rocchetta represents a rare opportunity in the Italian real estate landscape.

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📩 Write to: benedux.studio@gmail.com