Paluffo was originally a medieval tower house, a typical fortified dwelling, dominating the surrounding countryside probably dating back to 15th century. In the following centuries a small village was created around the tower, with wells, cellars and an olive mill.

At the end of the 17th century the manor house at the centre of the complex was renovated by Paluffi family with frescoes of rural landscapes and arabesque embellishments. During the Risorgimento, in 1820-1848, Paluffo became a meeting place for patriots; their activities are still visible in the escape tunnels dug into the tufa rock. Even the Italian philosopher and politician Giuseppe Mazzini is said to have stayed at Paluffo in year 1830. As late as the early 20th century, Paluffo was inhabited by four peasant families who devoted themselves to the cultivation of the surrounding land.

The name of the house derives from the name of the owner of the estate, the "Paluffi"' family, a noble Florentine family that lived this house from the 18th century. Since then the place has been commonly called the "Paluffo". Given as wedding gift from Giuseppe Paluffi, captain of the Royal Army who really loved this building, to his daughter Adelaide in the middle of the 19th century, the house has always remained among the family's properties and now is managed by Liana with love and passion as her ancestors.

The works of restoration of the building began in 2005 and, after 5 years of painstaking conservation, the building has been restored.

The building has a particular historical interest because is one of the oldest in Certaldo area. The masonry was consolidated, roof was rebuilt and the unique architectural features were recovered using bio architecture materials and traditional techniques.

Covered by white paint 17th and 18th century frescos were discovered and restored; sophisticated technologies were used for AC/heating system and electrical power in order to keep the carbon footprint of Paluffo around zero.