14th Century Grand Estate Just Outside Florence

Just 15 minutes from the historic center of Florence and only 5 minutes from the international airport, Villa Gerini di Colonnata is one of Tuscany’s most distinguished historic estates — a place where centuries of history, art, and nature come together in perfect harmony.

Set within 22,000 square meters of private parkland, the villa offers a secluded oasis with independent access from the main road. The grounds are a masterpiece of landscape design, blending centuries-old trees, sweeping lawns, and a private lake, creating a rare sense of peace and exclusivity in the heart of the city. The park also offers ample space for the addition of a swimming pool or further amenities, making it ideal for both private enjoyment and refined hospitality use.

A Villa Steeped in History
The origins of Villa Gerini date back to the 14th century, when the site was part of a rural estate belonging to the Cappelli family, a prominent Florentine lineage of Mugello origin. In the mid-17th century, the property was acquired by Cavalier Ferrante Capponi, who initiated extensive renovations, transforming the original country house into a noble villa adorned with frescoes, fountains, and decorative details.

After Capponi’s death in 1688, the estate passed to the Del Benino family, who enriched it with Baroque elements and a formal Italian garden. In the 19th century, the property became part of the holdings of the Gerini family, one of Florence’s most respected noble dynasties. The architect Giuseppe Poggi, famed for redesigning Florence’s cityscape, reimagined the villa and its gardens in romantic and neoclassical style, creating the refined and balanced appearance we admire today.

Over the centuries, popes, kings, and artists are said to have been welcomed within these walls, drawn by the villa’s beauty and its proximity to Florence — yet its true charm lies in how it remains untouched by time, preserving the soul of the Tuscan countryside.

Architectural Grandeur
The villa opens onto an impressive monumental entrance hall, leading to a series of grand reception rooms designed for both elegance and comfort. At its heart lies the magnificent 170-square-meter ballroom, featuring lofty ceilings and generous proportions — an ideal setting for formal gatherings, concerts, or private events. Surrounding halls retain original stuccoes, frescoes, and decorative floors that evoke the splendor of past centuries.

A sweeping staircase in cast iron and stone leads to the piano nobile, where the next owner can redesign the layout to create luxurious suites, private apartments, or hospitality spaces. The flexibility of the interiors offers endless possibilities: from a private family residence to a boutique hotel, cultural retreat, or exclusive event venue.

Among the villa’s most fascinating features is the Baroque grotto, attributed to Carlo Marcellini, richly decorated with shells, travertine, and mosaics — a rare example of 17th-century artistry and a testament to the villa’s long-standing connection to Florentine art.

A Park of Timeless Beauty
The surrounding landscape park embodies the 19th-century romantic ideal: meandering paths, hidden viewpoints, and sculptural trees framing breathtaking vistas. A tranquil lake with two small islands reflects the villa’s façade, while ancient species such as a centuries-old yew tree and a majestic cedar of Nepal lend a sense of permanence and grace.

An Unrepeatable Opportunity
Over the past few years, the park and the ground floor of the villa have been elegantly used as venues for private events and weddings, preserving their charm and maintaining them in excellent condition. The first floor, however, has not been in use for more than two decades and now requires renovation, offering the opportunity to redesign the interiors to modern standards while respecting the villa’s historic character.
Some sections of the roof would also benefit from restoration. With a thoughtful investment, this remarkable estate can easily regain its former prestige and splendor, continuing its legacy as one of the most distinguished historic properties in the Florentine area.

Rarely does a property of such heritage, beauty, and potential come to the market. Held in the same family for generations, Villa Gerini di Colonnata now opens its gates to a new chapter. Whether envisioned as an exceptional private estate, a luxury hospitality venture, or a cultural landmark, it offers a unique chance to own a living piece of Tuscany’s noble history.

Where art, nature, and history converge, Villa Gerini invites its next custodian to continue a story that began more than six centuries ago — and to make it their own.