Medici Country House · Cor438

An 18th-century Tuscan estate with an aristocratic heritage, near Cortona
Just eight kilometres from Cortona, nestled within the timeless landscape of the Tuscan countryside, Casale dei Medici is a stately 18th-century estate that combines an aristocratic heritage, spacious living areas and extraordinary potential. A private driveway lined with centuries-old cypress trees leads to the property, revealing at first glance the authentic character of a historic Italian country residence. Once the home of a descendant of the Medici family of Florence, the estate still preserves architectural and decorative details that discreetly tell the story of its noble past.
The identity of Casale dei Medici is inextricably linked to its history. Traces of its aristocratic origins are still visible throughout the residence, such as the delicate lime-wash decorations made with natural earth-based pigments along the internal staircases. Far from being recreated to imitate a historical Tuscan style, these elements are an integral part of the property’s original architecture, lending the villa a sense of authenticity that is increasingly rare to find.
The estate covers approximately 985 m² and centres on the main villa, spread over three floors, each of which retains its own function and atmosphere, reflecting the traditional layout of a large Tuscan country residence. The ground floor houses the original historic cellars, spaces that preserve the memory of the estate’s agricultural roots and offer considerable potential for reimagination. The first floor houses the main reception and living areas: bright and welcoming lounges overlook the surrounding countryside and open onto a panoramic terrace, sheltered by the villa’s characteristic front portico. Accessible from both inside and outside, the terrace is a natural extension of the interior spaces, the ideal setting for al fresco dining, entertaining guests or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the estate. The upper floor of the main villa is entirely dedicated to the sleeping quarters: five bedrooms and two bathrooms maintain a clear separation between the reception areas and the private quarters. The building’s generous proportions leave ample scope to reconfigure or enhance the interiors according to the needs of a future owner.
Adjacent to the main residence are three independent flats, a feature that significantly enhances the estate’s versatility: the first has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, whilst the second and third each offer two bedrooms and one bathroom. Currently let, these flats demonstrate the property’s tangible income-generating potential, opening up immediate opportunities for long-term rentals, guest accommodation or integration into a broader hospitality project.
Among the estate’s most distinctive architectural features is the small private chapel, currently used as a storeroom but offering extraordinary potential: it could be transformed into a studio, a private workspace, a meditation room, or an evocative setting for intimate ceremonies. For those wishing to develop a hospitality business, the chapel could become a distinctive feature for weddings and private events, subject to obtaining the necessary authorisations.
Casale dei Medici is surrounded by approximately two hectares of private land, comprising a productive olive grove, a small vineyard and a vegetable garden: a mosaic that preserves the agricultural character traditionally associated with large Tuscan country residences, offering both visual variety and an authentic connection to the land. Within the property lies an original pond, currently awaiting restoration. Its restoration could become a valuable part of the landscaping project, introducing an atmospheric water feature and further enhancing the surrounding grounds — an opportunity, together with the mature vegetation and cultivated areas, to create an outdoor space of great refinement and character.
A further advantage of the estate is its water self-sufficiency: the property benefits from private water sources at no cost and a cistern dedicated to collecting rainwater. For an estate of this size, with extensive gardens and agricultural land, this is a significant practical advantage, as well as a factor in long-term sustainability.
Casale dei Medici is more than just a prestigious private residence. The three self-contained apartments already demonstrate its potential to generate income, whilst the size of the villa, the private chapel, the surrounding land and its proximity to Cortona open up further possibilities in the luxury hospitality market: an exclusive country retreat, a niche accommodation facility, or a venue for private events and destination weddings, subject to the necessary authorisations.
Despite the privacy afforded by its location in the open countryside, the estate is just eight kilometres from Cortona, allowing residents and guests to enjoy one of Tuscany’s most internationally celebrated historic towns, before returning to the peace, space and independence of a private estate. It is precisely this balance between accessibility and seclusion that makes properties in the Cortona countryside so attractive to the international market.
A rare historic estate in Tuscany, Casale dei Medici represents a unique opportunity to acquire a vast 18th-century property where history, architecture and landscape remain closely intertwined. With nearly 1,000 m² of buildings, three self-contained flats, a private chapel and approximately two hectares of land comprising olive groves, vineyards and historic features, the property combines the character of a noble Tuscan residence with the flexibility required for a contemporary lifestyle or a hospitality venture. For those seeking authenticity rather than imitation, Casale dei Medici offers the privilege of owning not merely a country house, but an estate shaped by centuries of Tuscan history.