The host with the moat

From riverside mansions to vineyard estates and countryside idylls, here are four of the stateliest homes from across Europe

Castello de’ Medici Tuscany, Italy

Imposing grandeur Poiter, France

Built between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this listed monument has been completely renovated over the past 45 years. With abundant living space, including 24 bedrooms and suites, the château exudes majesty from its position overlooking landscaped gardens and the beautiful Vienne River. €8,000,000 Maxwell-Baynes Real Estate, Christophe Chassin, christophe@maxwellbaynes.com, +33 6 72 58 71 34

Located in a small hamlet in the hills of the Chianti countryside, this 12th-century castle has been fully renovated. Offering modern-day conveniences amid a wealth of medieval and antique furnishings and finishes, the property has enormous potential as a vacation retreat, a business venue, or a sumptuous private residence. As well as a total of 12 luxurious apartments, the magnificent estate also takes in a beautiful park, a sparkling swimming pool, a gym, and its own olive grove, and it is just an hour away from Florence Airport. Price upon request

Agenzia Romolini Immobiliare S.r.l., Riccardo Romolini, riccardo@romolini.com, +39 0575 788 948

Castle Bolenstein Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Next to the Vecht, one of the most enchanting rivers in the Netherlands, the Bolenstein estate takes in a beautiful main house, a coach house, gym, teahouse, and tennis court, as well as its own mooring. Wonderfully preserved on a verdant plot of 2.47 acres (1 ha), all the buildings are stylishly furnished and sit in the heart of the charming old village of Maarssen. Price upon request Residence 365 B.V., Leslie de Ruiter, l.deruiter@r365.nl, +31 20 2420 888

Vineyard delight Montpellier, France

Fully restored and elegantly furnished, this 19thcentury castle is a wine lover’s dream. Comprising 242 acres (98 ha), the property includes 148 acres (60 ha) of irrigated vineyards, with all the equipment necessary for wine production, an olive grove, a pine-filled park, and a gorgeous pool. Inside the manor, 10 beautiful en suite bedrooms are joined by generous living spaces and a convenient cellar. Located in a charming town, the estate is just 40 minutes from the city of Montpellier. €6,890,000 Poncet & Poncet, Hélène Dessort, h.dessort@poncet-poncet.com, +33 4 67 02 03 31