Podere La Lecceta

During one of the many wars between Florence and Pisa the Florentine troops were victorious under the command of Gino di Neri Capponi (1350-1421). The Capponi family was one of Florence's most distinguished families and its history goes back to the 12th century. In appreciation of the victory the Florentine Republic gave Gino this villa, which immediately became a fortified outpost against the Pisans. Through the centuries the villa underwent great changes, and many big houses were built for farmers, servants and other employees in the extensive grounds belonging to the estate. Thus the Capponi family has a superb estate that gives them a sizeable income, and at the same time provides them with a summer residence when the heat becomes too much in Florence.

When the last Marquis Capponi died in 1876 without leaving a male heir, the lineage died out and his daughter inherited the estate. She had married into the Genovean family, Gentile Farinola (also aristocratic), and the estate remained in their possession until it was sold in 1953 to the Piaggio family (of Vespa fame). Today the main villa Varramista is the preferred base for Antonella Bechi Piaggio, duchess of Visconti di Modrone and her daughter.

But there is a limit to demands for space even by the aristocracy, so a number of different houses on the estate are hired out today. One of these is Podere La Lecceta.

All the apartments are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, stereo, telephone, fax and ISDN line. The kitchens have a cooker with four hot plates, oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher.  All apartments have own garden with garden furniture, and they share a laundry room with washing machine, car park and swimming pool (7.5 m x 5 m and 1.20/2.60 cm deep) with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Podere La Lecceta consists of the following apartments: