Private estate · Florence hills

A 12th century castle, all to yourselves for your retreat

Woods, olive groves and panoramic terraces a quarter of an hour from Florence. An entire castle, reserved for a single group at a time.

Not a hotel. Not a conference hall. A place that belongs to those who inhabit it, for as long as they do.

The castle, in its original 12th-century form, has been restored while preserving its historic finishes and adding contemporary comforts — professional kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, modern heating.

The estate is rented in its entirety: the group that books it is the only one present, amid woods, olive groves and terraces overlooking the Florentine hills.


Stone facade of Castello di Belforte with the tower
The main building

The Castle

1,000 m² across three floors plus the tower, in exposed stone. The ground floor houses spacious reception halls, kitchens and sitting rooms; the first floor is entirely dedicated to the 7 bedrooms — 6 doubles and 1 single — and guest bathrooms. The building can be experienced as a single grand residence or divided into independent apartments — useful for separating staff, families or work groups during a retreat.

The tower, reachable by elevator, awaits a restoration that will give it a panoramic room with private bathroom, overlooking the hills on all sides.

1,000 m²
Floor area
7
Bedrooms (6 doubles + 1 single)
7
Bathrooms
3+tower
Floors
Interior hall of the castle with vaulted ceiling and period furnishings
Stone, wood, ancient vaults

The Interiors

Soffitti a travi originali, camini in pietra serena, pavimenti in cotto: il restauro ha conservato ogni finitura storica, affiancandola a bagni nuovi, riscaldamento e cucine attrezzate. Ogni salone racconta otto secoli di storia, restando comodo per viverci oggi.

The common spaces lend themselves to different uses within the same stay: one hall for plenary sessions, another for shared meals, more intimate corners for small-group work.

A taste of the estate

The Spaces

Bedrooms, common rooms and period details: a selection of the spaces you will find at Castello di Belforte.

Woods, olive groves, gardens

The Grounds

An expansive centuries-old wood surrounds the castle on every side, absorbing all outside noise and sight: the estate is reached via a single private access and has no neighbors in view. Beyond the trees, the property includes productive olive groves and cultivated land, sloping gently toward the surrounding hills.

Aerial view of the private gardens and courtyard between the estate's buildings
The private gardens

Around the main building, an Italian-style garden with manicured lawns and shaped hedges connects the castle to the outbuildings via stone pathways. The inner courtyards, sheltered from the wind and hidden by the woods, offer intimate corners for outdoor breakfasts, reading or small meditation circles, while the outer terraces open onto views of the hills.

One space, four vocations

For Your Retreat

The venue adapts to the size of your group: from a single wing of the castle for a few guests, to the entire estate reserved for events of up to several dozen people.

Panoramic terrace overlooking the hills, ideal for outdoor practice

Yoga & Wellness

Panoramic terraces and lawns for outdoor practice, historic halls for indoor sessions, silence guaranteed by the surrounding woods.

Dining hall with fireplace, suitable for meetings and group meals

Corporate & Team Building

Grand halls for plenary sessions, separate rooms for breakout sessions, ample outdoor spaces for group activities.

Table set under the pergola with a view of the hills at sunset

Culinary Experience

Tuscan cooking classes, themed dinners and tastings featuring produce from the olive grove: the castle's kitchens lend themselves to convivial experiences for small and large groups.

Room with antique table and arched doors, natural light

Creative & Workshop

Writing, art, photography: natural light, historic atmosphere and intimate settings for working in small groups.

Pool set within the estate's garden

Private Events

Celebrations, anniversaries, family gatherings: the entire estate reserved exclusively, with no other guests on the property.

Services on request

Private Chef

For carefully prepared dinners, lunches or breakfasts without leaving the estate, a dedicated chef can accompany your stay with several options.

Chef available — breakfast only

A dedicated chef takes care of preparing breakfast. Includes service and kitchen cleanup; ingredients and beverages not included.

Chef available — dinner only (or lunch)

A dedicated chef takes care of preparing the meal. Includes service and kitchen cleanup; ingredients and beverages not included.

Chef available — breakfast and dinner (or lunch)

Coverage for both main meals of the day, with the same chef. Includes service and kitchen cleanup; ingredients and beverages not included.

Chef and waitstaff — dinner only (or lunch)

A dedicated waiter joins the kitchen service for the table, useful for group dinners or corporate events.

Chef and waitstaff — breakfast and dinner (or lunch)

The most complete option, with chef and waitstaff for both main meals. Ingredients and beverages not included.

Options and availability on request at the time of booking.

Cellar selection

Wine Delivery

On request, the estate can arrange delivery of a selection of Tuscan wines directly to the castle, to accompany dinners, tastings or evenings among guests.

Chianti Rufina DOCG

Villa Travignoli

100% Sangiovese, dalle vigne sulle colline di Pelago. Colore rosso rubino vivace, con aromi di frutti rossi, note erbacee e viola; corpo leggero e slanciato. Affina 6 mesi in barrique e altrettanti in acciaio prima dell'imbottigliamento.

On request, a guided tour of the cellar can be arranged, among vineyards and barrels, with tasting on site.

Chianti Classico DOCG

Azienda Agricola Fontodi

100% Sangiovese, coltivato nella Conca d'Oro di Panzano in Chianti. Fermentazione spontanea con lieviti autoctoni e macerazione in acciaio per almeno tre settimane; affina poi in barrique e botti di rovere francese per un minimo di 18 mesi.

Delivery reserved for adults, on request and subject to cellar availability.

A quarter of an hour from Florence

Getting There

Immersed in the countryside yet very close to the historic center of Florence, and well connected to the main cities and art destinations of Tuscany.

Nearest cities

Bagno a Ripoli5 km10'
Fiesole8 km20'
Florence9 km15'
Impruneta20 km25'
San Gimignano61 km1h
Montecatini Terme63 km45'
Arezzo75 km55'
Siena77 km1h
Volterra89 km1h35'
Lucca90 km1h
Pisa99 km1h20'
Montepulciano112 km1h25'
Pienza118 km1h35'
Forte dei Marmi123 km1h25'

Nearest airports

Firenze A. Vespucci28 km30'
Pisa G. Galilei95 km1h10'
Bologna G. Marconi119 km1h25'
Perugia San Francesco159 km1h45'
Roma Ciampino285 km2h50'
Roma Fiumicino302 km3h
Availability & quotes

Tell us about your retreat

Write to us with indicative dates, number of participants and type of event: we will reply with availability and the most suitable rental option.

LocationBagno a Ripoli, Florence