Entering the old stone portal, facing on the main street of the hamlet, we are introduced at the ground floor, where it develops the living area of the dwelling house, composed of a wide living room with fireplace, kitchen with a comfortable dining area oven and a bathroom. At first floor spaces become majestic, the ceiling rises to a height of 4.90 meters to underline the richness of the main floor, with a disposition similar to the ground floor, with the majestic living room with fireplace, the double bedroom with bathrom designed for guests and the master double bedroom with fireplace and private bathroom completed with balcony overlooking the valley. At the same floor is located an apartment designed for guests that consists of a living room with fireplace, bedroom and bathroom. In the basement, are located the ancient cellar with double access either from the inside or from the outside of the property; the property is then completed with a private garden accessible through another ancient portal.

 

The building has been rediscovered thanks to the current owners, art and history lovers, who have "just" removed the “layer” of time rediscovering the noble structure with it’s precious details, bringing the ancient building to the original splendor, maintaining and enhancing the original ancient Nobility features; it has been restored with taste and deep respect for the original style, mantaining the splendid sixteenth look of coffered ceilings, fireplaces and spacious stone windows seating; the living area floors, retain the ancient brick tiles, while the sleeping area was paved with wooden decks. Particular attention has been given to the finishes implementation, to the materials and to the colors choice. The warm finishing of walls perfectly match to the shades of terra cotta floors and coffered ceilings, that creates a unique warm and enveloping atmosphere.

 

To note that the restoration was not reserved only to the structural or aesthetic level, but had interested the technological aspect to bring the property to an adequate level of comfort, wisely applying new technologies without distorting the historical origin ambience. The Palace, with the courtyard in a pebbles pavement, the access portal and the ancient stone staircase, are some of the original elements that convey to the visitors the profound historic charm that permeates the entire property and the place where rises.

Palazzo Buonvisi is ideal for lovers of art and history, in search of a dwelling place of prestige, representation, and also lends itself well to a receptive destination-type, renting rooms for holiday purposes inside a stunning ancient property.

Historical Outline

The first historical informations date back to 1274, when a document archive of the Castracani-Antelminelli's family (which belonged to the illustrious lord of Lucca, Castruccio) is a statement describing a small fortified palace placed at the entry gate of Ghivizzano where the property is located. For additional infos, again from archival sources of noble families of the area, we have to wait until 1429 (1400-1430)when Paolo Guinigi took refuge in the small palace at Ghivizzano (which belonged to  Catherine of Antelminelli, Paul's first wife)in order to escape the first stirrings revolt against his lordship.

After the collapse of the rule of the Guinigi's, the palace passed to the family Nuti (later Ghivizzani) which during the sixteenth century that had completely changed the appearance from a fortified building into  hunting house. The old medieval walls of the small village were incorporated into what will become the south facade of the building, going to create a step-walkway beneath the halls of the palace (via Sossala means under the hall); the openings from single to mullioned windows, became surrounded by large windows frames and architraves, giving to the structure itself, looking like a town palace.

In 1648, thanks to a marriage between the Nuti and Buonvisi families, the palace passed to the latter doubling its surface. From this period onwards, will always be remembered as the  hundred windows building, then in early 1900's, the home became a female convent-school by the will of Monsignor Camilli (born in this village), which later became the Fiesole Bishop.

In 2004, after several years of decline, the building was purchased by a private family that has meticulously restored it; today the old Nuti building, is reliving the great glories of the past.