Hôtel Historique
Questionnaire
Année de construction : 1042
Quel est l'histoire de la propriété ?
The first document to mention the Castello di Potentino is dated 1042. It then belonged to a certain Count Pietrone or Pepone. However, the original foundations are probably Etruscan. Over the centuries the property passed through the hands of many well-known Tuscan families of noble descent - the Tolomei, the Bonsignori, and the the Salimbeni, whom in the company of Contessa Bianchina, received Saint Catherine of Siena as a guest at the castle. At the end of the 16th Century it became a centre for the charitable works of the hospital order of Santa Maria della Scala.
After this period of religious activity, the Medici Duke Ferdinando I conceded the estate to Marchese Giovan Battista Bourbon del Monte, famous commander-in-chief of the infantry of the Venetian Republic. His descendants finally sold the castle to a gentleman from Switzerland, Antonio Hemmeler, in 1906. Recently it was purchased and restored by the Greene family, who have given new life to the ancient traditions of the building.
The Greenes have owned properties in the Tuscan Maremma for over 30 years. Starting with a farmhouse near the coast, they gradually moved inland. Castello di Potentino is their second major project in the Grosseto area.
In 1989 the family purchased their first ruined castle – the Castello di Montepo, Scansano. Restoration was completed, vineyards planted and a winery established. After 10 years it was sold to a well-known wine producer from the Biondi Santi family. The next castle, Potentino, was discovered in an old guide book. Abandoned, dilapidated, overgrown, the potential was still apparent. It was for sale but had to be bought from 22 different people. Negotiations took a year and agreement finally reached with all the owners. In 2000, work commenced.
Quelle était l'époque et/ou le style architectural dans lequel la propriété a été construite ?
Late Medieval early renaissance
Le bien est-il entouré d'autres bâtiments historiques ?
No, but we are in a valley without very little modern intervention- it is very much like the land in the Sienese frescos of good and bad government.
Des travaux de restauration ont-ils eu lieu ?
Yes- the castle was restored from near collapse in 2000.
Le bâtiment présente-t-il des éléments d'une importance historique particulière ?
We have beautiful 19th century/early 20th century stencils on the beams and some 17th century paintings by the altar in the chapel by the Nasini Brothers. We also have templar artifacts in the vaulting of the castle and a templar cross above the chapel entrance. Some of the vaulting is fabulous.
Y a-t-il des invités importants ou des propriétaires précédents qui méritent d'être mentionnés ?
Saint Catherine of Siena came to visit with the Contessa Bianchina Salimbeni on their way to Rome to visit the Pope, San Bernardino was local and Saint Francis also passed through the castle. We also believe that Caravaggio hid at Potentino although he didn't leave any canvases behind!
Le bien a-t-il reçu des certifications pour son statut historique ?
We are under the Beni Culturali as a monument
Décririez-vous votre propriété comme (ou l'a-t-elle déjà été dans le passé) un : Château
Y a-t-il quelque chose que vous aimeriez souligner, ajouter ou clarifier ?
There are also Etruscan ruins in the valley- including some very old winemaking stones- palmenti.
