Authentic 13th Century Castle Near Florence

Some homes simply slow you down the minute you arrive. I felt that at Castello Fiorentino, just outside Florence, where the entrance comes with these heavy old doors and a bit of breeze, almost like the castle itself is exhaling. The stonework goes right back to the 1200s and you can honestly see it has seen a lot. Sometimes the sun hits the walls in a way that makes you want to stand there for ages with a coffee, kind of letting everything else fade away.

This property is more than just a home. The first thing that gets you is space, not just inside but pretty much as far as you can see. There are sprawling vineyards and olive groves everywhere, and the only real sounds are wind in the trees or maybe someone working out in the fields. The main castle itself sort of rises above the valley and you get these long quiet views over the Tuscan countryside. From the tower you can see all the classic Italian patchwork fields and there's usually some distant birdlife floating past.

Inside, the castle hasn't tried to chase modern trends. The feel is traditional in the best way, with old beams and terracotta tiles that creak sometimes beneath your feet. Bedrooms are huge and kind of simple but cozy, five in all, with sunlight slipping through windows thick with history. And yeah, the kitchen is a place you'd actually want to cook, not just something for show. I kept picturing fresh bread and olive oil straight from the groves, which are literally close enough to wander out and pick an olive yourself.

You'll probably find yourself spending time out in the grounds without even meaning to. There's a sense of being in your own world here, with nearly 150 hectares surrounding you, and honestly most people might never cover it all in one afternoon. The grapevines are what people always mention but there are also stretches of woodland and fields where sometimes you glimpse deer hiding at dusk. The vibe is as much real working estate as it is luxury retreat. The winemaking is no gimmick either. With six wines made on site, there's a cellar large enough for the serious business of producing up to three hundred thousand bottles a year, mostly robust Chianti Colli Fiorentini made with Sangiovese and Colorino grapes, but you also get Merlot, Cabernet varieties, even a little Syrah and Malbec. For anyone who likes wine – or wants to learn more – this feels like the place to figure it out for real.

The olive oil has its own story, with five tonnes produced every season from groves dotted with old and young trees. Varieties include Frantoiano and Moraiolo and the bottles you find here have picked up awards around Italy. I tasted a splash with some bread right in the sun one afternoon and honestly, it is different.

What I also liked is how the outbuildings aren't neglected. They have been restored but not in a flashy way – more like they fit in naturally. These old farmhouses and staff quarters are actually lived in and feel sturdy and safe. It means extra accommodation for guests or caretakers, so there's always someone about, but you still feel totally private. There is this nice mix of function and comfort.

Florence is close enough that you can actually head into the city for the morning if you want some bustle or just a good coffee, then come back to your quiet castle. The roads wind through classic hilltowns and when the weather's clear, the drive itself is worth it. Sometimes you see families biking, other times it's just fields, birds and the odd tractor.

This is the sort of place that makes you forget schedules. Maybe you'll host friends for long weekends or maybe let things sit quiet for months while the vines do their thing. The history in the walls is real. So is the sense of escape.

You'll only know if this castle feels right by seeing it in person. If you want to walk the grounds or have questions about living here or maybe about the winemaking, I'm happy to help. At LuxuryProperty.com we keep things as easy and natural as we can, no rush. Just let me know what feels comfortable.