It seems timeless and far removed from the turbulent currents of history. But as its chatelaine Baroness Caterina de Renzis Sonnino tells us, the property has quite a past.
During the Renaissance, it belonged to the Machiavelli family and later it was home to First World War statesman Sidney Sonnino, an architect of both the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.
However, during much of the last century the castle stood empty, until, in 1987, Caterina and her late husband Baron Alessandro determined to bring it back to life.
The couple not only carried out a flawless restoration, they also revived Sonnino's wine-making skills, so that today some of the finest Chiantis hail from here.
Above all, they turned the ancient fortress into an idyllic family home.
Now, with children Virginia and Leone joining her to welcome us, Caterina reveals proudly: "We are the first Sonnino generation to live as a family in this house children, friends, dogs and all!"
Caterina, what was your first impression of the castle?
"I felt a bit scared to be honest because I knew nothing about it and since it was all closed up it was very dark.
"Then I threw open some shutters, sunlight burst in and I found myself standing in the most beautiful enchanted garden filled with birds and flowers.
"That was my first view of the Flora and Fauna Room and I decided right then to stay."
This property has been in your family for two centuries. What can you tell us about it?
"Its standout feature is the perfectly preserved medieval bell tower, which dates back to the 12th century, but the place is even older, originating as a Roman castrum or army camp.
"The main villa was built in the 16th century by the Machiavelli family and is typical of the Renaissance period.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THROWING IT BACK TO THE 1990S 'VOGUE' ERA OF THE SUPERMODEL
KATE MOSS LEADS FAMOUS FACES REFLECTING ON FASHION HEYDAY
FORMER 'MADE IN CHELSEA' STAR FRAN NEWMAN-YOUNG
DAZZLES IN BESPOKE WEDDING GOWN AS SHE TIES THE KNOT IN STYLE IN MAJORCA
LENDING SUPPORT TO CHILDREN'S HOSPICE PRINCESSES BEATRICE AND EUGENIE
BRING LIGHT INTO LITTLE ONES' LIVES AS THEY PLANT A SYMBOL OF HOPE
ON BUOYANT FORM AFTER HIS WIFE'S GOOD NEWS THE PRINCE OF WALES
DISHES OUT THE HUGS ON VISIT FROM THE HEART
WITH AN INCREDIBLE GLIMPSE INTO FAMILY LIFE THE PRINCESS OF WALES
SHARES MESSAGE OF HOPE AS SHE LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AND BALANCING HER ROLE
IN HIGH SPIRITS AT THE BRAEMAR HIGHLAND GAMES THE KING AND QUEEN
ENJOY LAUGHS APLENTY AT A FAVOURITE EVENT BEFORE MONARCH QUIETLY MARKS TWO YEARS ON THE THRONE
AS HOLLY WILLOUGHBY RETURNS NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS
STARS DAZZLE ON NIGHT OF GLAMOUR AND GONGS
CREATING A NEW SISTER ACT ELIZABETH OLSEN
ON CO-STARRING WITH NATASHA LYONNE AND CARRIE COON
MAKING HISTORY AT STARSTUDDED EVENT IN NEW YORK TAYLOR SWIFT
SMASHES IT WITH SEVEN OF THE BEST AT THE V.M.As
KIM KARDASHIAN AND DAKOTA JOHNSONS
FASHION AND COMPASSION AT A-LIST CHARITY EVENT