A 12th century estate close to Montecatini Val di Cecina and Volterra is being sensitively converted into panoramic apartments full of historic charm.
The ancient palazzo looms large over graceful cypresses, gnarled olive trees and a sea of fragile vines. At its feet, the rolling hills of Tuscany are a mosaic of green and umber splashed red with poppies. Buriano, in Montecatini val di Cecina, is an extraordinary estate which captures the essence of the Tuscan dream.
Buriano’s cream and dull red buildings have been standing proud on a hilltop close to Volterra since the 12th century. A turreted palazzo soaring high over the surrounding woodland is the architectural heart of the estate, but the stone and brick homes of the borgo, sprinkled with heraldic crests, shields and engravings, are equally pretty.
Once home to Italian aristocrats, bishops and wealthy merchants, the complex is now being sensitively converted into 55 apartments under the guidance of Professor Nicoletta Novelli of the University of Florence.
Professor Novelli is an expert in sensitive restoration and in blending contemporary design with historic architecture. She intends to remain true to Buriano’s spirit and original feel while creating opulent second home with every comfort. So vaulted ceilings and period details will go hand in hand with swimming pools and spas, while windows will frame far-reaching views across lush fields, verdant vineyards and the village of Montecatini Val di Cecina.
Professor Novelli and her team also strive to reduce the development’s environmental impact by introducing eco-friendly conveniences such as solar panels to produce hot water—all this wrapped in the lush embrace of 43 hectares of olive groves and forests that have been left untouched for centuries.
“Bringing new life to an architectural jewel such as Buriano is for me an experience of great interest,” says Professor Novelli. “I believe that Buriano really has the potential to become one of the most sought-after and exclusive retreats in Tuscany.”
Renovation work has already begun on the Gatehouse, Buriano’s outermost building, which will be turned into eleven to fifteen apartments, depending on buyers’ specifications. The stone houses and old chapel of Borgo will be converted next, while the glamorous palazzo will be developed from October 2009. The project will be completed by late 2010, and owners will be able to join a managed rental scheme.
All apartments are available for sale off-plan, with prices starting from €358,000. For more information call the Buriano estate on +44 (0)131 221 6575 or visit www.buriano.co.uk.
