Who Needs A $6 Million New York Townhouse When You Can Buy a 600-Year-Old, 26,000 Square Foot Castle In The Tuscan Hills Instead?

New York City is infamous for its multi-million-dollar lofts, luxury condos, and townhomes. Brooklyn Nets player Mikal Bridges purchased one earlier this year for $6 million, and although the Big Apple has its charms, he could have stretched his money a lot further overseas. For another $500,000 or so, Bridges could have bought a 26,000-square-foot castle in the hills of the Tuscan wine country. Benzinga looks at both properties and asks which would you prefer.

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According to a story in the New York Post, Bridges purchased his Tribeca duplex at auction for $5.99 million last May. It has 5,225 square feet of living space and a 625 square foot outdoor terrace. It also features 12 ½ foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other luxury trappings include a home gym, a gourmet kitchen, and a yoga studio.

It's quite an impressive overall package that gives Bridges easy access to the best Tribeca has to offer. Considering that Bridges plies his trade nearby at the Barclays Center, this is an ideal property that probably checked off all the boxes on his list. With that said, he may want to consider Tuscany's Castle Cavalcanti as an option for his summer home.

This castle, which was built in 1427 and is currently listed by Forbes Real Estate for €6 million (roughly $6.4 million), is the polar opposite of a Tribeca duplex. First, the area itself is as famous for its pristine natural beauty and serenity as NYC is for its fast pace and skyline. Ironically, many of Tuscany's finest wines are popular items in Tribeca's best restaurants.

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In addition to its size, Cavalcanti Castle has a rich history. It was originally constructed by Guido Cavalcanti, who is rumored to have been a friend of the famed author Dante Alighieri. The Cavalcantis would further consolidate their power through marriage to a member of the famed Medici family, Over the years, the castle expanded in size and underwent several renovations.

Its roots as a Medieval castle are apparent the minute you look at it, as parapets dominate its roofline. Originally a watchtower, this solid stone monolith is perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the entire valley beneath it. The landscape surrounding Castle Cavalcanti is lush and features dozens of fully-grown trees that add both shade and sophistication to the structure.

It has also been upgraded with modern touches, such as an interior garden and a giant swimming pool that looks straight out of a country club brochure. The interior features a grand hall, frescoes, and dramatic vaulted ceilings. The 26,000 square feet are spread out over three floors and a basement, which probably includes an impressive wine cellar.

The region of Tuscany is rich in history that dates to the Renaissance era. It is also famous for its wines and gastronomy, having been featured on TV by some of the world's most famous chefs. The lifestyle here is very different than in New York, but the quality of life is high. So, if you had $6 million to spend, would you go with Bridges' Tribeca duplex or the Cavalcanti castle?

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