Valdarnese Castle

In the heart of Valdarno, in a land rich of historical memories and legends, stands an ancient fortress built in 1330 that over the centuries has determined the history of these places. Today, all that is left of the fortress are the remains of the 14th-century tower and the imposing walls that protected it to the east. After the unification of Italy it lost its military and defensive function, becoming a noble residence and symbol of the town. The property consists of a main building of about 340 square meters on three levels that houses a large living room, kitchen and dining room on the ground floor, a study and three bedrooms on the first floor. The basement houses a cellar, a tavern and storage rooms. A few meters away is a 225-square-meter Art Nouveau cottage that needs minor renovations, but over time has been preserved in its authenticity. Of particular note are both the parquet floors in the living room, consisting of a mosaic of different types of wood, and the master bedroom on the second floor. The three buildings embrace an Italian-style garden in excellent care. Near the tower is a panoramic “limonaia,” ideal for use as a studio. The property is completed by a plot of about 6,000 square meters.

Laterina was originally an important castle surrounded by high and strong walls and defended on the eastern side by a fortress which formed a safe and fearsome refuge for the powerful families of Valdarno. Strong due to its defensive works, it was regarded as the key to the entrance of the Upper Valdarno and considered of great importance because of its position on the main road from Florence to Arezzo. It owes its name to the handmade terracotta industry having hosted an important kiln for more than two centuries. Located at the southernmost point of Valdarno, it has easy access to Chianti, Casentino and Valdichiana. The highway can be reached in about 20 minutes, and connections to Rome, Florence, Perugia and everywhere else in central Italy are easy.