16th Century Villa Of Carolina Bonaparte In Lucca

In the heart of the most authentic Tuscany, among the gentle profiles of the Lucca hills and a few minutes from the famous Renaissance walls of Lucca, Dreamer Luxury Real Estate presents to the market one of the most extraordinary historic residences in Italy: the villa that belonged to Carolina Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon and Queen of Naples.

It is one of the most impressive country villas in the Lucca area, a place where art, nature, and historical memory coexist harmoniously, bearing witness to centuries of aristocratic life, historical events, and priceless art collections.

The property, which has its origins in the 16th century, was purchased in 1836 by Caroline Bonaparte, wife of Joachim Murat and Queen of Naples until 1815. She spent her last years here, until her death in 1839, bringing with her precious works of art, furnishings, and tapestries that still adorn the main rooms today.

The villa extends over a total area of over 3,200 m2: approximately 2,500 m2 of the main residence, spread over three levels, and 700 m2 between outbuildings and service buildings.   with rooms that testify to the splendor of the grand 18th-century residences. The heart of the residence is the double-height hall, the largest in the Lucca area, spanning 125 square meters and boasting an 8-meter-high ceiling. The walls are decorated with stuccoes attributed to maestro Sebastiano Puccini, while two monumental canvases by Pier Dandini—The Battle of the Milvian Bridge and The Rape of the Sabine Women—dominate the scene, evoking the magnificence of the great European courts.

Adjacent to the hall are a series of state rooms, including the famous Red Room, draped in silk and furnished by local 18th-century craftsmen. The large windows offer unique views of the park and surrounding hills, creating a sense of harmony between architecture and landscape.

The main villa is completed by the ancient kitchens on the ground floor, service areas restored with respect for the original structures, and the second floor, currently in need of renovation, which offers additional living space.

In addition to the main building, the property includes a finely restored annex with 5 independent suites, a perfectly preserved 18th-century private church, and a historic lemon house of over 200 square meters, once used to store more than one hundred potted lemon trees.

The monumental park, which extends over approximately 5 hectares, is one of the most spectacular examples of a Tuscan garden: gravel paths, sculpted hedges, terracotta statues, and centuries-old trees alternate in a measured balance between order and nature. Two panoramic pools blend discreetly into the landscape, offering spectacular views of the Lucca countryside and Lake Bientina.

The villa enjoys a prime location: nestled in the quiet hills of Lucca, yet just minutes from the center of Lucca, an internationally renowned city of art, and close to Pisa, Florence, and the Versilia coast. This location, combined with its accessibility to major transportation hubs, further enhances its appeal to an international clientele.

REF. 6542