Description
MARIANNA- A few kilometers from the center of Lucca, in a secluded and easily accessible hillside location, this extraordinary Renaissance villa is for sale, surrounded by a large private park.
Built in the early 16th century to a design by the illustrious architect Nicolao Civitali, this luxury residence, for sale in Lucca, was conceived to offer the nascent Republic of Lucca a prestigious residence, intended to welcome kings, emperors, and popes. Over the centuries, the villa has hosted noble families, princes, bankers, and intellectuals, leaving an indelible mark of refinement and history.
In 1548, the property passed to the Duke of Amalfi. Over time, the villa has been enriched with works of art, precious furnishings, and architectural modifications. During the 18th century, under the ownership of Marianna Montecatini, the villa was redesigned in accordance with the romantic taste of the time, with the expansion of the park and the creation of characteristic elements such as the English garden and the monumental staircases that adorn the main façade. As evidence of the nobility of this residence, there is a record of Napoleon III's stay in 1870: the villa still preserves paintings and furnishings from that period, including depictions of the emperor and his consort. The interior of the villa stands out for its excellent preservation and artistic elegance, enriched by antique furnishings. Access to the property is provided by two driveways and a third pedestrian entrance, which leads to the parking area via the impressive avenue that crosses the well-kept park.
The square-shaped manor house, typical of the period, is spread over four levels: basement, mezzanine, first and second floors, for a total of approximately 2,300 square metres, in addition to the large third floor in the attic of approximately 600 square metres.
The main entrance, located on the mezzanine floor, is reached via a magnificent 18th-century staircase and gives access to large reception rooms, opening onto a frescoed loggia with arches. Here you can enjoy moments of relaxation in every season, admiring the view of the park and the lotus lake. Completing this level are a spacious library, a recently renovated kitchen, a formal dining room and two bathrooms.
From the first floor, accessible via an original stone staircase, you enter a space that is a true artistic masterpiece: 17th-century frescoes decorate the ceilings and walls with nymphs, mythological figures, ancient views and romantic scenes, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. The ballroom, with its 16-metre-high vaulted ceiling, is a truly impressive space, adorned with frescoes depicting Greek gods and zodiac symbols. Also on the main floor are other large halls, private sitting rooms and two bedrooms, as well as two bathrooms, all decorated with original frescoes, fine marble and terracotta floors, and vaulted ceilings that characterise every room in the villa.
The second floor houses a large independent flat, consisting of a living room with large wooden floorboards, a kitchen, six bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is generously sized.
The third floor attic comprises rustic lofts with minimum heights of 1.2 metres around the perimeter and a maximum height of 3.75 metres at the ridge, which are partially convertible into multi-purpose spaces.
The basement, accessible both from the inside via a fine marble staircase and from the outside via two independent entrances, houses the original large kitchen, embellished with cross vaults, the historic cellars, the laundry room, the technical room and an independent flat for the caretaker with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
The park of approximately 4.8 hectares is partly shared with a nearby historic residence, while the property's exclusive park covers approximately 2 hectares of land.A truly charming park, combining elements of Italian gardens with the romantic appeal of English parks. Centuries-old trees, lawns, camellia woods, lotus and water lily ponds, as well as picturesque walks, constitute a botanical heritage of great value, bearing witness to the transformations desired by the owner in the 18th century. In addition to the historic villa, the property also includes a 63 m² noble chapel and an old 104 m² lemon house, which could be restored and used as a relaxation area.
Currently, the villa is used as a venue for events and ceremonies, thanks to its timeless charm and enchanting park. However, it is also suitable as a high-end representative residence.
Plans are also underway through the Superintendency of Fine Arts to install an internal lift, making the villa more accessible and functional, as well as adding further value.
This luxury residence, for sale in the hills of Lucca, represents a unique piece of Italian history: a habitable work of art in the heart of Tuscany, in Lucca, a city of cultural heritage and inestimable beauty.
