The History

The History
The estate of Palagio in Scarperia was first formed in
the 16th century due to the agricultural interest from
influential families of the time. The estate originally
belonged to the noble Castellani family, and at the
end of the 19th century was inherited by the Biffi
Family. The Biffi’s
were Nobles from
the Lombardi region
under the service of
the Spanish Crown.
The frequent visits
from the European
Court along with the
prestigious positions
held by both the
Castellani and Biffi
families made the
property an ideal place to rest and socialize. Back
then, monarchs and important figures staying at the
Villa had a close relationship with its owners.
The last of the Biffi family, Jerome Biffi-Marquis of
Casa Massella, named his nephew Neri Maria Tolomei
Gucci heir to the estate in 1752. Neri was the son of Biffis
sister, and came from a noble Florentine family, enriched
by the art of silk.
Neri inherited many other properties from his uncle, and
was also given the Marchese title. He was forced to change
his last name to Tolomei-Biffi. The estate eventually came
under the rule of Neri’s son, Matteo, who declared Palagio
to be his favorite property, even better than Majano,
located on the settignano hills surrounding Florence.
Under the control of Matteo, the Palagio transformed into
a place of culture and variety which lead to great success.
Matteo was a passionate agronomist and an important
member of the Academy of Georgofili. In addition
to managing the great heritage of the family, he was
responsible for the national agricultural policies and
collaborating with the Granducato. In 1808, after becoming
an Estrucain senator, he left the legacy of Palagio to his
nephew Neri Tolomei Biffi.
In his short life, Neri was able to continue success for the
estate. Just as his uncle, he bought and collaborated with
farms in the area. He is said to have had control over 40
Palagio, a large property,
an ideal place to rest and
socialize.
farms, which made the Palagio the largest business in
Scarperia, and no doubt, among the largest in Mugello.
Neri died in 1847 at the young age of 42. He left
behind five young children and a wife, Maria Luisia
of “Principi Corsini”. Upon his death, Maria Luisa
became the head of the estate. She later married Baron
Gaetano Ricasoli, the younger brother of Bettino, the
“Iron Baron” and a main protagonist of the Italian
Unification.
Fattoria il Palagio, a historic villa dating back to the 1700’s
Maria Luisa and Gaetano loved the Palagio, often
staying for long periods of time. They passionately
fixed up the property and created a large garden
and park, which we can enjoy today. They hosted
prominent figures of the newly unified Italy, including
the first king.
Their eldest daughter, Virginia Tolomei-Biffi, married
Luigi Gugliemo of the Chambray Digny. Gugliemo was
the owner of the Sampierina di Schifanoja estate, the
mayor of Florence and eventually became the finance
minister of the kingdom. His son, James Tolomei-Biffi
was the first Gonfalonier and then held the position
as the first Mayor of Scarpeia for 25 years.
Paolo, the last of the brothers, was also the last
Tolomei of Palagio. He married Bianca de’Ricci , a
relative of the French emperor Napoleone III, and
never had children. The Borghese Princes bought the
estate in 1909 after the extinction of the family who
had controlled it for so many
years. At the time they also
had ownership of another
nearby property, Castello di
Cafaggiolo.
Marco and his wife Isabella
lived in the Villa and worked
to give it a more modern
style for the time. Many
nobles continued to visit and
stay as guests of the Prince.
Both the King of Italy, Victor
The book of sale of 1840
Emmanuel III and the head
of the government, Benito Mussolini, were among the
guests.
The ownership of the Borghese family ended in 1960 due
to the Second World War, the Italian industrial revolution
and the tendency to move away from agriculture. The
structure was left abandoned until the current owners
took over and decided to create a more modern destiny
for this beautiful location with an equally beautiful and
intriguing history.
The largest business in
Scarperia, and no doubt,
among the largest in Mugello.
Via Dante, 99/101 - 50038 Scarperia
Tel. 055 846376 / 055 8468067
www.fattoriailpalagio.com