The heart of the borgo (village) of Villa Saletta is medieval in origin with the clock tower dating back to the 1200s. The Riccardi family, relations and bankers to the Medicis in Florence, arrived in the late 1400s.

At one time the village was self-sufficient with its own post office, bakery, wineries and numerous workshops for produce from the estate. There are some 20 case coloniche (farmhouses) scattered throughout the estate, a disused tobacco factory and a working Frantoio (olive press) where we produce our own olive oil.

The importance of Villa Saletta was endorsed by frequent visits by the Grand Duke Leopold of Tuscany, the architect of an extensive swathe of buildings in a style that is unique to the area. Few changes have been made since that time and Villa Saletta remains unfragmented and unspoiled.

Extensive works were carried out by Canon Gabriello Riccardi in the 1700s who is responsible for the Villa as we see it today. He built the private family chapel, where he is buried, houses for the workers and the old water mill at Roglio. After the bankruptcy of the Riccardis in the 19th century the estate was sold to their relations the Gamba Castelli family.

During the War the Villa was occupied by both the German and Italian armies and there was a brief visit from the SS. The US 7th army attacked this important position for 3 days until the Germans surrendered. At one end of the Villa was a centre for refugees and as many as 350 displaced people were sheltered and fed on soup made by the Countess.