Borgo of the Rep. Fiorentina

This stunning 8-acre property sits in the pristine hills 30 minutes from Cortona.  Originally built as a garrison or customs house, in the late middle ages it was fortified to serve as a military outpost for the Florentine Republic, protecting its southern border from the Papal States in Umbria.  Structural restoration of the property began in the late 1990’s, and a more recent detailed restoration of the main home was finished in 2011.

The property contains three homes : the restructured one is ready to move-in, the other two are structurally sound and left for personalization by the new owner.  Other, smaller structures include a pentagonal edifice once thought to be the original fortress entrance, and an outdoor Tuscan oven and BBQ, all surrounded by a meter-wide defensive wall complete with “feritoie” or lookout posts.

Period details from the 1400’s can be seen in the internal and external architecture. All detail work on the property has been custom-done by artisans: doors and windows are in chestnut, the floors are terra cotta, the beams chestnut, the metal work (outdoor lighting, railings etc)  is wrought iron. The grounds contain 2 acres of olives trees; and fig, plum and walnut trees. There are rosemary, hibiscus and laurel hedges.

Inside the restored house, on the main floor, is a large living room with fireplace and French doors to the terrace, a granite-counter kitchen, and master bedroom with bathroom. Below, on the first floor is a large living area, a bathroom, a study and a bedroom.  Heating can be by natural gas or by a top-of-the line Ungaro wood pellet stove that heats the entire house.

There is a satellite dish for television reception, and internet reception via wi-fi and repeaters (fibre optic cable is now available by organizing to bring the line down to the house), the water supply is well-water at a depth of 90 meters.  A geologist has been on property to certify a pool implant within the walls of the Borgo. There is no thru-traffic, as the road ends at Rofina. There are two entry roads: one is unused and needs work, but it provides complete privacy and passes-by no other homes. The current access road passes-by three homes enroute.

Although private and secluded, the following services are available year-round: restaurant, church, doctors office and guest houses within 5 minutes; bar with grocery essentials and gas station 15 minutes; daily bread delivery upon request.

Specifics:

Land total: 3.52 hectars   ( 8.03 acres)

Total square meters livable space (3 homes): 568 m2, terrace measures 75 m2.

Distance from Cortona: 17 kilometers (11 miles); Elevation 538 meters  (Cortona 494 meters)