Villa La Castellaccia Sansepolcro - Tuscany.

1614 was the year in which the Gherardi family's coat of arms was carved above the entrance door of Villa la Castellaccia, thus signaling the conclusion of building works designed to transform a small rural dwelling built on the site of a medieval watch tower into a magnificent patrician residence. The works had been commissioned by the new owner of the Castellaccia estate: Girolamo Gherardi, a military knight who, via the 'nobility of the sword' had ascended to the rank of aristocrat. To this very day, visitors can read the words "Hironymus Gherardius Eques" (Knight Girolamo Gherardi) above one of the villa's windows.

In the 1980's, today's owner and descendent of Gherardi, Lamberto Aloigi Luzzi, commenced restoration works on the villa, which included the installation of central heating and modern bathrooms, with the intention of transforming part of his elegant period home in exquisite holiday accommodation. The furnishings and artworks are those which have embellished the villa for centuries. The high vaulted ceilings are emblazoned with frescoes by Tuscan artists, no doubt inspired by the works of the famous Sansepolcro-born renaissance painter, Piero della Francesca. The large private park surrounding the villa is, itself, a period masterpiece, and features a number of centuries-old trees.

In 1995, the region of Tuscany officially recognized Villa la Castellaccia as "period residence", thereby giving holidaymakers the chance to sojourn within the walls of the historic house. The villa is divided in two separate wings. One entire wing, comprised of 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room and kitchen is available for single let. Guests staying in this part of the villa are granted exclusive use of the swimming pool and park. Bed & Breakfast accommodation is available in 2 bedrooms located in the other wing of the villa, which is still inhabited by the owners.

Villa la Castellaccia is situated in the Tuscan countryside just outside the historic town of Sansepolcro and just minutes away from the city of Arezzo. Lake Montedoglio, where guests can fish, canoe or wind surf, lies within easy walking distance of the property. Numerous trekking trails wind their way through the beautiful landscapes of the Tiber valley. Some of the most attractive towns in Tuscany and Umbria, such as Cortona and Citta di Castello, are less than an hour's drive away.