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The Bonsi estate lies on the hills overlooking
Florence and the Arno valley.
Built in 1400 as a turreted manor house defending
the florentine family Bonsi della Ruota, it was
transformed during the 17th century into a convent,
the omnership passed to the Carmelite Friars of
Florence. In the course of the 19th century came
to
the Budini Gattai family who decided to make it
their country residence of neo gothic taste reflecting
the projects of Raffaello Sorbi.
Today
I Bonsi, where the proprietors still live, maintains
intact the projects carried
out during the last century, although some of
these remained unfinished; this can be seen not
only in the Villa, the towers,
the park, the tree lined pathway, the garden and
the 17th century Church,
but also by a system of terraces with a grand
view of the valleys.
The estate can be visited by appointment
and its dining halls and garden can be used to
hold conventions, meetings and receptions.
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