HISTORICAL GARDENS | WINE TOURThe origins of the current villa date back to the Middle Ages, originally belonging to the Da Quona family, vassals of the Guidi counts, whose castle was destroyed in 1143 by the Florentines. In the 15th century, a "lordly" house must have been built in the center of extensive estates, which in the Florentine land registry of 1427 belonged to Bartolomeo di Andrea di Domenico, a "forzerinaio" (ironmonger). In 1546, it is mentioned in a division of assets between two brothers of the Tolomei family. In 1587, Constance, widow of Daniello degli Alberti and a Tolomei by marriage, resided there, and in 1592, probably at her death, it was redeemed by the debtors of her son, who sold it to Bartolomeo di Bernardo Gondi. His family has continuously owned it to the present day. In the deed of transfer, the villa is mentioned with "meadow, chapel, and eight attached estates," and Bartolomeo also added a neighboring estate of his own since 1516. Since then, a family settlement was established for the male descendants of the family, provided they reside in Florence.
In the second half of the 18th century, Niccolò Antonino Gondi had the villa rebuilt, expanding and adorning it with new, rich decorations. This also included the chapel, transformed into a true oratory with three altars, an organ, sacristy, and small choirs from which the family could attend separate functions from their workers. One of the choirs was designated for the villa's domestic staff. The chapel also served as the burial place for all Gondis who directly owned the villa.
In 1878-1884, the villa underwent another restructuring, converting the inner courtyard into a hall, adding a floor for the staff and wardrobe, enlarging the cellars, and redesigning the park with cedar trees, holm oaks, and an Italian garden in front of the facade. These changes were made for the young French widow of Francesco Gondi, Maria de la Bruierre, who, not fond of city life, often lived here.
Today, the villa, still inhabited and cultivated by the Gondi family, is at the center of a 315-acre estate, including vineyards, olive groves, woods, and cereal fields.TENUTA BOSSI | MARCHESI GONDI
TENUTA BOSSI | MARCHESI GONDIGIARDINI STORICI IN TOSCANA
