The Tegolaia farmhouse was for many years owned by one of the most important local aristocratic families, the Gotti Lega.
The Gotti’s, a family of Volterrana origin, expanded their properties during the 19th century and with Augusto Olceste di Achille, the Gotti Lega branch began.
Among the most important Valdera families, in terms of prestige and vastness of property, they settled in Lajatico, also owning the valley where the fantastic location of the Teatro del Silenzio is currently based.
At the beginning of the 20th century Alberto Gotti Lega married Maria Masi, the only Masi family daughter from Capannoli, one of the most important landowners of that period. He owned several farms and over 100 hectares in Pian del Roglio, where the land was so lush and highly productive, they called it “God’s Land”, where a single kernel of wheat gave twenty in good years*. His properties also included Villa Masi, Capannoli’s Jewel, a villa containing prestigious artworks, such as Lanfranchi’s ‘Arrotino‘ (‘the Blade-Sharpene) statue, attributed to Michelangelo.
Among the various possessions, there was also the Tegolaja farmhouse (until the mid-19th century the “j” was inserted to avoid the triphthong, according to the guidance on the Italian language dictated by the Academy)
This was a vast piece of farmland between Santo Pietro Belvedere and the Capannoli hamlets. The homestead represented the farmhouse where the landholder’s family lived.
Upon Alberto’s death, all the properties were passed down to his son, Count Augusto Gotti Lega (1904-1979), a multifaceted figure of great impact in the area: an important militancy in the Fascist party to which he adhered from the beginning by participating in the march on Rome until becoming Duce’s Musketeer, an honor reserved for only few of Benito Mussolini’s loyalists.
After the war, Count Augusto Gotti Lega alternated between property management and his profession as a journalist and writer. He was the author of articles and many books, including ‘Quattro notti a Lajatico’ (‘Four Nights in Lajatico’), ‘Lo Zibellino’ (‘The Sable’), ‘Memorie Toscane’ (‘Tuscan Memories’) and ‘i Padroni’, (‘The Masters’), as well as a screenplay that became a successful film entitled “Il Raccomandato di ferro” (“The man with Iron Connections”), starring Mario Riva and Amedeo Nazzari.
Augusto Gotti Lega was also known for other great passions, such as a particular fondness for women, with whom he had many affairs and flirtations in the Capital and throughout Italy in the 50s and 60s.
The Tegolaja farmhouse, surrounded by several Olive groves, was always in Count Augustus’ heart and of all the various family properties, this one was his favorite, thanks to the exclusive and privileged position overlooking the Valdera and the three villages of Capannoli, Forcoli and Peccioli; destinations of the Count’s daily walks, together with his faithful dog “Nero”.
The Count hosted many memorable events and vacations in the farmhouse together with friends and illustrious guests, including Mario Pannunzio, Indro Montanelli, Donna Paola Piaggio and friends among whom we cannot forget the actress Paola Borboni, who often stayed here.
In 1970 the farmhouse, as well as the Villa di Capannoli, was searched by dozens of men from the Special Forces, armed to the teeth. In fact, it was suspected that Prince Juno Valerio Borghese had taken refuge here following the failed coup.
In the 80s the farmhouse briefly passed to the Ferretti family, of the homonymous Industrial Holdings, before being bought back by Andrea Gotti Lega, Augusto’s son, who was responsible for its recent renovation.
The farmhouse remained uninhabited for a number of years before being purchased in 2022 by its current owners who, with great respect for its wonderful location, pleasant position and its important past, intend to make it available to guests who they hope will enjoy its beauty and uniqueness.
*The masters of Augusto Gotti Lega
