Tuscany, Arezzo, Arezzo, Italy

A historic estate with a medieval watchtower near Cortona. Nestled in the enchanting countryside surrounding the ancient art city of Cortona, the Dardano Country House is far more than just a luxury residence in Tuscany. It is a rare architectural treasure, an ancient medieval watchtower transformed into an elegant stone estate where centuries of history blend with a refined contemporary lifestyle. With its imposing stone structure, noble Renaissance details and extraordinary private grounds, this property offers a truly unique opportunity for international buyers seeking authenticity, privacy and historical significance in one of Tuscany’s most sought-after locations. A Renaissance legacy of noble origins The soul of the Dardano Country House lies in its extraordinary historical details. Inside the residence, a majestic stone fireplace bears the original coat of arms of Pope Leo X, Giovanni de’ Medici. Historical research links the property to the noble Passerini family of Cortona and to Cardinal Silvio Passerini, a close confidant of the Medici Pope. Above the main entrance, a small period coat of arms carved from fine pietra serena welcomes guests, offering a powerful reminder of the estate’s illustrious past. Historic architecture across three levels The property spans approximately 430 m² of usable floor space and is arranged over three levels, retaining the atmosphere and proportions of a significant historic Tuscan residence. The ground floor and historic cellars feature a restored antique oven and spacious vaulted areas full of character. These areas offer exceptional potential for creating a private club, a tasting area, a wellness space or an exclusive spa. The first floor is accessed via a charming covered loggia, entwined with a lush American grapevine. This level opens onto a modern, spacious and highly functional kitchen, connected to the main drawing room with its imposing Medici-style fireplace. The ancient tower wing Adjacent to the fortified structure, the ancient tower wing reveals some of the property’s most fascinating architectural features. Here, a charming room with a second stone fireplace and uniquely shaped windows evokes the spirit of buildings dating back to before 1500. On the upper floors, the sleeping quarters comprise four elegant bedrooms and three bathrooms. The windows on the second floor are adorned with historic internal stone seats, a refined feature typical of important period residences. The top floor is crowned by a splendid Gothic window finished with traditional terracotta bricks. Private grounds, historic vines and swimming pool Outside, the Dardano Country House is surrounded by approximately 40,000 m² of private grounds, creating an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity, privacy and natural beauty. The outdoor spaces are designed for relaxation and contemplation, with a splendid shaded area beneath three magnificent historic vines, the most significant of which is over two centuries old. The private swimming pool is nestled amongst the greenery and enhanced by charming stone outbuildings, including an old granary near the pool. This building offers excellent potential to be converted into a pool house or a self-contained guest house. An imposing stone buttress is still visible on the façade, bearing witness to the estate’s original function as a fortified tower. Comfort, privacy and exceptional potential The Dardano country house combines the prestige of a historic architectural monument with the comfort of a residence ready to be enjoyed. The property is equipped with air conditioning, independent heating, a private swimming pool, historic cellars, a single garage, covered parking and extensive private grounds. Its layout, outbuildings and historic character make it ideal as a prestigious private residence, a refined country retreat or a high-end hospitality investment for the international market. A rare piece of Tuscan history With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, reception rooms, historic cellars, a private park, a swimming pool and extraordinary Renaissance details, Casale Dardano stands out from the classic Tuscan farmhouse. It offers the privilege of owning an authentic piece of Italian history: a noble stone estate with links to the Renaissance, set in seclusion and located just a few minutes from the cultural heart of Cortona.