Introduction to the Property
Sammezzano Castle, a breathtaking 365-room castle located in the Tuscan town of Reggello, Italy, is currently on the market. Positioned midway between Florence and Arezzo, this fortress spans across 65 acres of land. With a selling price of approximately £14.6 million, this property offers a luxurious lifestyle in the heart of the Italian countryside.
Architectural Highlights
- Historical Background: Originally constructed in 1605 by a Spaniard, the castle was extensively restored in the 19th century by an Italian politician.
- Design and Decor: The castle showcases the Orientalist architectural style, highlighted by its intricate ceramic-tile mosaics, sculptural bas reliefs, and elaborately carved domes and arches.
- Unique Features: Each of the castle’s rooms bears a whimsical name, such as the Peacock Room and the Hall of Mirrors, and has gained popularity as a picturesque location on Instagram.
Exterior and Grounds
- Flora and Fauna: The castle grounds balance exotic plants with Italy’s largest collection of old-growth sequoia trees imported from California.
- Architectural Elements: The estate also features Moorish-inspired elements such as pools, fountains, and terracotta garden statues.
- Scenic Views: The vast green lawns offer expansive views, including a clear sight of the castle’s clock tower façade.
Historical Significance
- Prominent Previous Owners: The castle was once part of the Medici estates and is rumored to have hosted Charlemagne.
- Varied Uses: It has served various purposes, including functioning as a hotel from the 1970s to the 1990s.
- Current State: Despite its rich history, the castle has been unoccupied for the last two decades and awaits a new owner.
Future Potential
- Development Plans: There were initial plans in the early 2000s to transform the castle into a luxury hotel, although these plans eventually stalled.
- Community Initiatives: A local campaign aimed to convert the castle into a public museum did not succeed.
- Market Outlook: The hope remains that a new owner will emerge to restore the castle to its former glory and perhaps give it a “fairy tale ending.”
