_Four remarkable historic homes in Italy for art lovers

Italy boasts more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world – and its properties are no exception. We take a look at some of the country’s finest historic homes currently on the market.

Canonica Estate, Todi, Italy

It’s hard to choose the more enchanting element of this sprawling estate: its picturesque appearance or rich history. Dating since 1200, the 3200 sq.m. property has been home to a fascinating array of individuals including 16th century Camaldolese monks, an American actress and the renowned artist Piero Dorazio, to name a few.

Each resident has left their own distinct mark, from the remarkable Saint Angelo bell tower to the eye-catching mosaic swimming pool designed by Dorazio himself. 

An oasis in the heart of the Todi countryside, this property is more than bricks and mortar. It’s an unfolding story – and it’s awaiting its next chapter. 

Rewind to the 18th century and this characterful four-bedroom apartment was home to Jean Baptiste Froussard – Secretary of State to Elisa Bonaparte, the Princess of Lucca (and Napoleon’s sister). The Palazzo itself was, in fact, erected to fulfil Bonaparte’s vision for urbanising the area.

Some 200 years may have passed since, but one can still imagine the Princess advising Froussard from the comfort of the south-facing living room while looking out onto the blooming private gardens below.

Warm sunlight floods through the property’s tall windows to illuminate its generous spaces and present fresh, modern living rooted in a remarkable history.  

Brusceto, Castello di Reschio Estate, Umbria, Italy 

Don’t be intimidated by the 11th century castle guarding the entrance to the Castellio di Reschio estate. Time has long moved on since it guarded the Umbrian-Tuscany border; today, it’s being transformed into a private hotel and shelters an idyllic sanctuary in the heart of the Italian countryside. 

Nestled within the estate, alongside olive groves and vineyards, are the private grounds of this beautifully restored 17th century farmhouse. Days here can be spent relaxing out on the terrace or beside the heated swimming pool or, for the more active among us, horse-riding and mountain biking. For the perfect summer evening, enjoy a long evening meal under the stars out on the courtyard.

Poggiarello, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy 

Built as a convent in the 1500s, this six-bedroom listed home was originally one of many historically religious buildings scattered across the charming area of Castelnuovo Berardenga. 

Its unusual L-shape presents spacious, open-plan living areas, with a separate apartment and meticulously landscaped pool area also within the property’s grounds. Sympathetic restoration works in the early 1990s introduced a clean minimalist aesthetic yet retained original features, including high ceilings, wooden beams and a tobacco tower. 

Just 17km away is the medieval city of Siena, where countless gothic monuments and churches – as well as local wines – wait to be explored.