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Deserted 800 year-old Tuscan village brought back to life

Monday, 17 October 2011 2:20 PM

An 800 year-old Tuscan village deserted by its inhabitants is undergoing a spectacular revamp.

Inhabitants of Castelfalfi left in droves during the rural exodus of the 1960s, leaving a picturesque and traditional Tuscan hamlet behind.

Now life is being breathed back into Castelfalfi. The original buildings are to be renovated and sold as desirable apartments giving owners the chance to live a traditional Tuscan lifestyle.

Castelfalfi

Eighteen farmhouses are to be redesigned based on the preferences and tastes of buyers and 11 exclusive golf villas are also being built.

Castelfalfi Golf and Country club boasts an 18-hole golf course, which has quickly become known as one of Italy's most challenging since its launch last year. Nine more holes are due to be added this autumn.

At the heart of Castelfalfi is the borgo, which contains nine rural residential units, a restaurant and 41 apartments, providing a chance to be at the very centre of the hustle and bustle of the Tuscan village.

The borgo

There is also a castle, which is being renovated and will soon include a new restaurant, bar and cookery school.

Three new villages are under construction in the area, San Pietro, Starnino and La Collina. Nestled in the hills these will offer breathtaking views, generous terraces and balconies, but will also be built to reflect traditional rural architecture.

Castelfalfi

Apartments are available for roughly €230,000 to €805,000 with a completion date set of 2013, golf villas are priced at €1.2m or more and farmhouse prices are available on request.

Castelfalfi

Promotion of the residences is being carried out by Knight Frank, whose head of international residential development James Price, said: "Castelfalfi offers owners a wonderful combination of first class facilities, a hassle free living in a managed and secure environment, and an incredible setting with the beautiful borgo perched above classic Tuscan scenery.

"However, the approach to the development is also a strength; with the fundamentals of infrastructure and commercial assets being put in place from the start, rather than waiting for residences to sell first."

Castelfalfi

As demonstrated by the pictures – Castelfalfi is beautiful and a big opportunity for prospective investors to grab their own little slice of Tuscany.

Castelfalfi

Knight Frank are the UK Agents for Castelfalfi.

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