Vitigliano is a work of art in its own right. The realisation of this jewel was only possible through the perfect interplay between the subtle architectural design of the individual buildings and the conservation area planning process.

The architect, moreover, succeeded in carrying out state-of-the-art renovations which, at the same time, enhance the property‘s sustainability: ventilation technology, underfloor heating, 5 cm-thick adobe plaster, energy-saving windows and doors and air-conditioning ensure a pleasant, healthy interior climate all year long.

The estate of Vitigliano comprises several buildings:

• Heritage villa
• Tower villa
• San Pietro Martyr Chapel
• Wellness house
• Bath house

“The best architect was, in any case, the house, or rather the ruin, itself – we really didn’t want to change all that much because there’s a reason for everything having been built the way it was. Our task, rather, was to find out how everything had looked originally and find a way of incorporating high technical standards, in keeping with environmentally sustainable criteria, without compromising the historic appearance. For example, we now have ventilated underflooring, underfloor heating where possible, windows that comply with the very latest energy standards, large rainwater cisterns and even biological sewage filtration.”

The land is our garden – the beautiful Chianti hills with their vineyards, olive groves, holm oak forests, ancient cypress alleys, pines, local herbs…and native animals as deer, partridges, wild boar, foxes, goats…

Due to hill-top location of the property with 340m altitude there are stunning 360 degree views just across on the Monte San Michele, the highest mountain of the Chianti (893m), and in distance the Apennine mountains (1,000m)

The grounds cover an area of some 5 hectares. The country estate is surrounded by beautiful olive groves, vineyards and holm oak forests offering a multitude of walking paths.

The cypress-lined driveway leading to the estate is like something you would find in a picture book. Car access and parking spaces are situated unobtrusively in the olive grove so that the entire estate between the chapel and the main buildings remains a pristine haven.

Each building leads out into its own garden area. Furnished like lounges, the terraces and gazebos offer idyllic spots in which to rest and relax.

The kitchen house offers every modern convenience for celebrations or elegant dining on the terrace. Boasting a diameter of 2 metres, the centuries-old wood-fired oven used to provide for the whole village. The smokers‘ lounge is also situated here.

Beneath the terrace and enjoying a breathtaking view is the 12-metre pool complete with cabanas, daybeds and a lounge on the wide wooden sundeck.

The San Pietro Martyr Chapel was built in 1580 by Ludovico da Verrazzano. The paintings and the altar are currently under restoration. The chapel has space for 15 people for wedding ceremonies. On leaving the chapel, the view of the setting sun is simply stunning, while its forecourt offers an idyllic spot for meditation.

“We wanted to find materials that are centuries old and put them to use again here. For example, I salvaged the staircase steps from an old villa in Florence and had them built in here. A large stair tread (Serena stone) was transformed into an outside bench, the day beds around the pool were made from mossy stones, and marble slabs from a butcher’s shop serve as sunbathing decks.”