Tuscany, Pisa, Chianni, Italy

An historical palazzo building set (470 sqm) in the beautiful town of Chianni in the very heart of Tuscany. The building breathes elegance and atmosphere, with a palpable sense of history. The garden has panoramic views over the open Tuscan countryside, across olive groves and cypress trees. It is easy to get lost in time and imagine the Italian 'Nonnas' who have rolled out dough in the kitchen, and to smell the sweet aroma of almonds and honey of the amaretti biscuits in the oven. The building currently holds eight bedrooms and plenty of flexible living space. There is a wonderful balcony on the top floor with an exceptional wide-open view over the countryside.

The property lends itself to a variety of uses. It would be a very special large family home, it could be a successful rental opportunity, or a combination of the two, or it could easily become a business opportunity. The house is presented in excellent condition. Currently the accommodation is comprised of three self-contained apartments, one on each floor:

Ground floor - Stunning, spacious entrance hallway with columns and original tiled floors with an elegant open stairwell. The living space comprises a spacious living room, good kitchen with fireplace and terracotta stove, two large double bedrooms and bathroom;

First floor - Accommodation comprises living room, kitchen and dining room, three bedrooms and bathroom;

Second floor - Living room with dominant fireplace, large kitchen in chestnut wood. From the kitchen there is a large balcony with a fantastic panoramic view. Also on this level is a study/additional bedroom, two bedrooms and bathroom.

There are extensive cantina and fondi (store rooms) below the house. The garden is lovely, just over 2,000 sqm (around half an acre), and includes lawned areas, cypress trees and olive groves. There is an impressive pizza oven in the garden making it a perfect place to socialise with friends. The view is stunning. Garage.

Perfect as a large family home, for a guest house or for home/business use.Much of the furniture can be included in the sale. Much is antique in nature and some has been custom-made to fit in the house.

Villa Maria Paola is set in the heart of Chianni, a pretty well-kept and perfectly Tuscan town, covered in pots of red geraniums and full of cobbled narrow lanes which open onto intimate little piazzas: stunning churches around every corner. The ancient little town rises above the rolling Tuscan hills, so there are open views in all directions. There are good services including shops, banks, excellent restaurants, post office, friendly cafes and interesting events throughout the year. The most important of these are the olive oil festival and the wild boar festival in the summer. Chianni is in the heart of Tuscany so within easy reach are all the best sights: the hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano, the cities of art of Florence, Lucca and Pisa are all on the doorstep. Pisa airport is only 40 minutes away.

Distances: Chianni - on the doorstep, Volterra 30 km, Castiglioncello (beaches) 30 km, San Gimignano 40 km, Pisa (airport) 40 km, Lucca 50 km, Florence 60 km, Siena 80 km.