According to some historical documents, the castle of Vincigliata has been existing since 1031. At that time, the estate belonged to the Vinsodmini and Alessandri families. In the following centuries the castle underwent several passages of property. John Temple Leader, a young English Lord, bought it in 1840.

Temple Leader had the castle renovated in twelve years in the so-called "Gothic Revival" style. The castle houses a cycle of frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
Not only the building was renovated, but also the surrounding estate was reorganised. With the collaboration of Florentine craftsmen and artists, Temple Leader transformed the castle in a sort of museum for the exhibition of his collections of armours, bas-reliefs and frescoes.

A plaque on the Kaffehaus in the wide park of the castle celebrates the fact that Queen Victoria stayed in the castle of Vincigliata in 1893.

When Temple Leader died, in 1903, the castle passed in the hands of Lord Westbury.

The castle of Vincigliata is renowned for the story of Bianca, a girl that had fallen in love with the son of an enemy of her family. Bianca`s brothers killed the groom right on the wedding day. Bianca witnessed the event and died of a broken heart, wearing her wedding dress. According to the legend, her spirit still haunts the castle.