Villa il Cerretino is named after the small surrounding forest of thriving oaks (the word Cerri is an ancient dialectic way to indicate oak trees).
The unusual layout of the Villa encompassing a central courtyard and typical elements of the fortifications (like the circular corner turrets and the walls) along its strategic location, overlooking the road between Florence and Pistoia, give credit to the story that the entire building was built on the ruins of the Torrebecchi-Strozzi fortress, conquered and destroyed in 1325 by the troops of Castruccio Castracani during an attempt to conquer the nearby city of Carmignano.
The architecture recalls the military ramparts of late 15th century yet tempered by features attributable to the rural and noble villas of the 16th and 17th century. In the 15th century the building belonged to the Bini family (several coat of arms are still hanging on the wall of one tower and of the villa) before being acquired by the Medici family to which is linked the infamous story of the Villa set by Grand Duke Francesco I as Bianca Cappello’s residence, a Venetian noblewoman who was first his mistress and then became his second wife.
During the 16th century the Villa was restored by architectural standards of the time such as the large kneeling windows (still existing on the eastern and back side of the building) and the upper garden accessible by the main floor of the Villa (originally it was an empty court conveying light to the vast settings of the farm).
An ancient map of the late 16th century highlights a path running from the house to the main street known as "Viottola della Gran Duchessa” (literally the “Gran Duchess's trail”). considered to be the only path through which the two lovers could meet (see also the section Bianca Cappello e Francesco I: between History and Legend).
In the 18th century the Moldetti family took over the Villa, redeveloped the est-facing tower into a Chapel and built up the central viewpoint in the lower garden.
The Chapel, dedicated to St. Francis of Paola, was built in 1731 in loving memory of Moldetti’s son who died at an early age. Internal decorations were carried out by a Florentine artist and provide “Trinity with Angels of Glory” on the ceiling and architectures as well as statues of Faith and Hope on the walls.
The Villa passed than to the Contini Bonacossi family
who turned it into a colony until 1970s when it was purchased and restored by the current owners.