Dardano House · Cor432

An ancient 15th-century medieval tower with a Medici fireplace, 430 square metres spread over three floors, a swimming pool and 4 hectares of private grounds near Cortona
Ref. COR432
Set in the countryside surrounding Cortona, Casale Dardano is more than just a luxury stone residence. It is an ancient medieval watchtower transformed into a historic estate, where centuries of history blend with a refined contemporary lifestyle. Inside, a majestic stone fireplace bears the original coat of arms of Pope Leo X, Giovanni de’ Medici. Historical research links the property to the noble Passerini family of Cortona and to Cardinal Silvio Passerini, a close confidant of the Medici Pope. Above the main entrance, a small period coat of arms carved from fine pietra serena welcomes guests with an immediate nod to the estate’s illustrious past.

The architecture
The property covers approximately 430 square metres spread over three levels, retaining the proportions and atmosphere of a distinguished historic Tuscan residence. On the ground floor, the historic vaulted cellars house a restored antique oven and spacious rooms full of character, offering exceptional potential for creating a private club, a tasting area or an exclusive spa.
On the first floor, accessible via a covered loggia entwined with a lush American vine, lies the modern and functional kitchen, which opens onto the main drawing room featuring a Medici-style fireplace. The wing of the ancient tower reveals some of the property’s most fascinating architectural features: a room with a second stone fireplace and uniquely shaped windows evokes the spirit of buildings dating from before 1500. The windows on the second floor retain historic internal stone sills, a refined feature typical of important period residences. The upper level is crowned by a splendid Gothic window finished with traditional terracotta bricks.

The sleeping quarters
On the upper floors, the sleeping quarters comprise four bedrooms and three bathrooms, arranged vertically in keeping with the tower’s layout.

The grounds, swimming pool and outbuildings
The estate is surrounded by approximately 40,000 square metres of private land. The private swimming pool is set amongst the greenery and complemented by charming stone outbuildings, including an historic barn in the immediate vicinity, which offers excellent potential for conversion into a pool house or a self-contained guest house. An imposing stone buttress is still visible on the façade, bearing witness to the property’s original function as a fortified tower. A shaded area beneath three historic vines, the oldest of which is over two hundred years old, completes the outdoor spaces.

Facilities
Air conditioning, independent heating, private swimming pool, historic cellars, single garage and covered parking.