Property for Sale in Vaglia, Tuscany
Vaglia is a hilly comune just north of Florence, in the Province of Florence, on the old road that leads over the Apennines towards Bologna. Its wooded slopes and quiet villages lie between the city and the Mugello valley.
The Comune and Its Landmarks
Vaglia is made up of several small centres, including Pratolino, Bivigliano and Fontebuona, rather than a single town. Pratolino is home to the park of Villa Demidoff, once a famous Medici garden, where Giambologna’s colossal statue of the Appennino still stands. On a hilltop above Bivigliano, the monastery of Monte Senario has looked out over the area since the thirteenth century.
To the south are Fiesole and Florence, while the Mugello towns, including Barberino di Mugello, lie to the north.
Property for Sale in Vaglia
The listings include villas and a hotel, a sign of the large historic properties found in these hills. Prices are high, from around €1 million for a villa to several million for the larger properties.
Everyday Life and Getting There
The villages have basic shops and cafés, while larger supermarkets, schools and hospitals are in Florence and Borgo San Lorenzo. The cooler hills are popular in summer with Florentines escaping the heat.
The SS65 Bolognese road runs through the comune, and the Faentina railway line between Florence and Borgo San Lorenzo stops at Vaglia. Florence airport is the nearest, with Pisa and Bologna as alternatives.
Buying in Vaglia
Hillside villas can be exposed to snow and ice in winter, so check road access and heating. Historic properties may be listed, which means any restoration needs approval from the heritage office.
Converting or running a hotel requires specific permits, so take professional advice on its licences. Before buying any property here, a geometra should review the cadastral position and the planning history of each building.