Knight Frank Property for Sale in Chianti
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The traditional bastion of property in Tuscany that was the first port of call for those looking for property in Italy. Chianti still remains uniquely popular with its sweeping vistas, vineyards and olive groves. Small medieval hamlets and market towns abound and for many looking for property in Italy, Chianti remains the archetypal image. Most sought after areas for property are around Radda, Greve, Panzano, Castellina and Siena. The area stretches as far as Impruneta and Pozzolatico to the North, Montespertoli, San Gimignano and Castellina to the West with Figline and Arezzo to the East and Buonconvento, Montalcino and Siena to the South.
Climate
15/20 degrees to 30/35 in June July. The summer season is about May to September /October .
History of the area
Historically, Chianti and its surroundings are well known for its large farmsteads with main villas and surrounding farmhouses that housed the farm workers. Much of these were abandoned in the late ‘60s as farm workers headed to the town to look for work. This led to the many ruins that the first International buyers began to restore. There are fewer well positioned ruins now available, but if you are looking for a restoration property in Tuscany, they can still be found.
Unique points
Chianti is famous for its wine producers, rolling vineyards, wooded hills, olive groves and cypress trees. When planning a trip there are several recently renovated luxury hotels offering Spa treatments, and gated condominium properties of villas and apartments to rent. Agriturismi abound, providing hospitality for painting and cooking courses as well as walking and riding. Many summer festivals and traditional pageants (for example the Palio in Siena) and village ‘festas’ can be found. Or sit back relax as the sun sets over Chianti and enjoy one of the famous wines from the Chianti hills, including the famous Chianti Classico, and a wide range of super Tuscansi (Montalcino Brunello). Chianti is well known for its ‘cinghiale’ or wild boar produce and hearty traditional peasant foods.
Types of property available
Property for sale in Chianti consists of farm houses, barns, some villas, portions of larger farm buildings and castles. Restoration is not as popular and less available after a boom over the last 10 years. While many farmhouses renovated in the late seventies are now being or have been newly modernized. The market is predominantly international, and whilst there is still a demand for property in the rural locations, there is also growing interest in the towns and villages, with recently renovated borgos, that offer apartments or villas and the attraction of a managed property, becoming increasingly more popular.
Access
Owning a property in Chianti enjoys easy access links. The airports of Florence and Pisa are less than one hour away, with excellent car hire, train and bus services. The A1 motorway runs from Florence to Rome. There is the Florence/Siena superstrada and the Chiantigiana that crosses Chianti. There is a new superstrada from Perugia in Umbria, that runs through Siena towards the Maremma coast.