A lovingly restored former Tuscan farmhouse, with views of the Arno and Sieve valleys and Florence, is for sale for £2.8 million.
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Originally a 15th century monks farm once part of the Vallombrosa Monastery, the property consists of a large six-bedroom house with four en suite bathrooms, two sitting rooms and a dining room; two one-bedroom apartments; two one-bedroom stone cottages with private gardens; extensive gardens and a large swimming pool.
There is a good deal of flexibility with the farmhouse near the village of Pelago and town of Pontassieve, says selling agent Rupert Mayhew from Aylesford Internationals Italy office (00 39 33 92 43 0972;www.aylesford.com) where he works with his father.
The owners successfully run the property as an agriturismo, similar to an upmarket country hotel in England. They also rent out the cottages for self-catering holidays, fetching from about £456 to £759 a week in the summer, says Mr Mayhew. Or, you could use the larger cottage as an office or gym or for accommodation for a guardian or housekeeper.
The house and additional buildings have been converted to a high standard, while retaining the historical structures and many original features, including stone staircases, chestnut and terracotta ceilings and original terracotta and brick flooring.
The trouble with converting property in Italy is it turns into a labour of love taking longer than it should and costing more than you originally budget. The joy of this property is the current owners, who are very committed, have done all the work for you. All you need bring is your toothbrush and you can enjoy living here immediately, adds Mr Mayhew.
Along with the landscaped gardens, the property also has a fruit orchard of about 120 trees and a generous olive grove with 200 trees, which produces its own-label olive oil. Ancient water springs bubble up to provide a constant source of pure spring water and the property is private, surrounded by woodland and accessed by a minor road running up into the hills.
