Luxurious 15th Century Estate Near Lucca

Nestled among the rolling hills south of Lucca, in a commanding panoramic position yet just a short distance from a charming village, this exquisite period villa embodies a rare blend of historic elegance and the tranquil beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by a beautifully maintained park dotted with olive trees, the property offers enchanting views and an atmosphere of timeless charm.

The villa has been meticulously restored with great care and respect for its heritage, revealing stunning decorative features that had long been hidden. Frescoes, painted details, and ornamental elements have been brought back to life through a painstaking conservation process, giving each room a unique character and refined beauty. The additional outbuildings, currently in need of renovation, offer exciting potential for conversion into guest accommodations or service areas. Within the park, a 12 × 6 meter swimming pool with solarium provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The main villa (approximately 470 sqm) is arranged over four levels and offers generous, well-balanced living spaces. The basement houses a large cellar, currently used for storage. On the ground floor, an elegant reception hall is complemented by a cozy sitting room, a bright double dining room opening onto a portico, a kitchen, private study, a bedroom with bathroom, a charming private chapel, and a laundry area tucked beneath the staircase. The first floor features an additional living room, a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, four further bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The top floor includes partially habitable attic spaces, offering further versatility.

Behind the villa lies a small outbuilding (approx. 25 sqm) with a traditional oven, entirely in need of renovation but ideal as a summer kitchen. At the entrance to the estate, above the historic driveway that follows the line of the original carriage road, stands a large rustic building (approx. 245 sqm) constructed in stone and brick, also to be restored and perfectly suited for conversion into a guesthouse. Adjacent to it is a ruin of approximately 70 sqm, offering additional development potential.

The villa dates back to the 16th century, with its present layout shaped by expansions carried out between the 18th and 19th centuries. Although it passed through the Liberty period in the early 20th century, the building has retained its predominantly 18th-century architectural character. Inside, the style is richly layered: the ground floor reception hall blends Renaissance and Liberty influences, with decorative works attributed to the Lucchese painter Vincenzo Barsotti. On the first floor, a grand salon features trompe-l’œil frescoes depicting the surrounding countryside, including a striking neo-Gothic colonnade inspired by architectural elements once present on the estate. The bedrooms are adorned with painted drapery motifs reminiscent of the Empire style, combined with 16th-century decorative schemes.

Every detail seen today is the result of a careful and scholarly restoration. Layers of plaster applied in the mid-20th century had concealed and damaged the original decorations; their removal revealed a hidden treasure. Despite the deterioration, the imagery was partially preserved and has been skillfully reintegrated through meticulous research into historical materials and pigments.

Externally, the villa is set within a landscaped park of approximately 4,900 sqm, offering shaded areas and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The estate also includes agricultural land divided into approximately 2.2 hectares of arable land, 1.8 hectares of olive grove, and 2.4 hectares of Mediterranean woodland to the north, ensuring privacy, tranquility, and natural protection from noise.

The location is both peaceful and convenient: essential services are available in the nearby village, reachable on foot in less than one kilometer, while Lucca and Capannori are just a 20-minute drive away. The renowned beaches of Versilia are also within easy reach, making this property an ideal primary residence, holiday retreat, or prestigious investment in the heart of Tuscany.