Description

The city of Lucca attracts tourists from around the world to its historic sights. The Duomo Cathedral, St. Michael's Church and the streets and squares of Old Town are favorite destinations. A three mile series of ramparts, complete with eleven bastions and four gateways was erected around the city in the 16th and 17th centuries for protection. It's fun for the energetic to walk the length of this wall. The incredible Piccolo Versailles is a one-of-a-kind property, in the category of palaces and grand chateaus. In fact it's valued by the Italian Government as a registered historical property. The original owners spent spring through autumn at the property during which time they received kings, princes, dukes, ambassadors, and literary celebrities for lavish balls, concerts, and presentations. The famous neo-classical architect Nottolini designed the villa that was constructed in the early 1800's on a well chosen site overlooking the beautiful Lucca plains. The vast landscape was designed and planted according to the fashion of the late 1700 era when many palace owners modified the scenographic plans of their gardens according to the English style of that time that gave free development to nature and escaped the usual geometric schemes of the Italian garden. The garden is maintained by a permanent gardener. The present owners have restored the interior and exterior to original grandeur, as well as upgrading with modern conveniences such as an alarm system. Visitors often refer to this splendid villa as "little Versailles". There are several other buildings on the estate, including the lemon house that is often used for weddings, the steward's house which dates to 1600 and was the original villa of the estate, a private chapel, and pool house. Furnishings include many elegant antiques of the original period and the rooms are decorated with great fresco paintings on many of the walls and ceilings, In this place you are encircled with grand history and culture, and a staff of 3 (butler, cook, and maid) are at your disposal. The price includes a welcome dinner your first night at the villa as well as the staff.

Piccolo Versailles includes a massive 8000 square feet of living space and 70 hectares (about 30 acres) of land which makes it a perfect setting for large reunion parties, weddings, and elegant and private holidays. On the ground floor there is a large and impressive foyer opening onto the back garden, a living room, library, dining room, another large living room with grand piano that seats up to 50 people for parties and banquets, an old tuscan kitchen used as a breakfast room, another fully equipped kitchen, service rooms, and a bathroom. The first floor has a vast and elegant reception / living room, a television / music / play room, and a single twin bedroom with ensuite bath. The second floor has two double bedrooms with ensuite baths, and one single twin bedroom with ensuite bath that are all equipped with fans and screens. There are three additional bedrooms: one double bedroom and two single bedrooms, plus two baths. The villa has modern central heating, an alarm system, and a fax. The butler, maid, and a very good cook are included in the price as well as preparation and groceries for your first evening meal. Sorry, because of the beauty and historical value of the house, no children under 12 allowed unless with assigned nanny. Here in the heart of one of many wine-producing areas of Italy, your home-away-from-home is an ideal location for short jaunts to the most renowned sites of Tuscany. Florence is less than an hour away by car, and Forte dei Marmi for golf and the famous beaches of the Medtiterranean only a half hour. Pietrasanta, the artists' town is a must see. Pisa and Carrara and the Michelangelo marble caves are nearby as well.