This luxurious, aristocratic villa, once known as Mansi-Menocchi, after two of the area’s most noble families, nestles against a hill in Lucchesia, Cappella di Lucca, in the very heart of the countryside and yet only fifteen minutes away from Lucca town centre.

The property’s architectural style is a stunning example of the distinctive ‘Villa Lucchese’ design, as classified and recorded in 1500 by Samminiati, a local architect of great renown. As such, it combines classical simplicity of line with supreme formal elegance, which remind us even today of the villa’s historic grandeur and prestige.

Great care was taken during the latest restoration work to preserve all its original design features, such as the terracotta-tiled floors; tiled/beamed ceilings; internal brick archways; large fireplaces with chimneys; white-washed walls; the traditional downstairs ‘loggia’ (a porticoed terrace), with its splendid arches, columns, capitals and fresco-decorations; as well as the spacious 16th century partitioning of the rooms. Wherever possible, natural, eco-friendly, typically Tuscan building materials were used for both the structure and furnishings, including stonework, terracotta, marble, dark wood and hand-crafted wrought-iron.

ACCOMODATION

This three-storey villa extends over 1300 square metres and, being built into a hillside, the floors work on split levels.

Ground floor: This comprises one hall measuring 70 square metres, featuring an attractive, brick-vaulted/wood-beamed ceiling, and a second with a large central fireplace; a rustic-style, fully-fitted kitchen with wood-burning oven; a laundry; and three bedrooms. One of these is housed in the former wine-cellar, while another is the converted olive-oil store. They share two bathrooms.

First floor: This accommodates the former aristocratic daytime-quarters, which include a majestic living-room (150 square metres), where the original central stone fireplace stills stands in pride of place. From here, French windows open on to the beautiful ‘loggia’, a porticoed terrace with a partially frescoed ceiling, that looks out over the olive groves and woods to the rear of the house.

On this floor you also find another living-room, as well as the dining-room, a study and a service-bathroom. A further living space is provided by the charming tower-room, where the superb original fireplace and the terracotta-tiled/wood-beamed ceiling and wooden floors have been eye-catchingly retained.

Second floor: The uppermost floor accommodates a vast hall, whose high ceiling features terracotta tiling and wooden beams. Here again the massive old fireplace forms a focal point. In addition, there are six bedrooms, one likewise with fireplace. All are ensuite and some of their private bathrooms incorporate a jacuzzi shower or bathtub. Spectacular top-floor views over the unspoilt surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from this level.

To complement the elegant, historical setting, the villa has been furnished throughout with simple but high-quality antique pieces in a variety of traditional styles, featuring lovely natural woods and comfortable plush upholstery. Sat.TV and PC with USB Key internet connection are available in the main halls and under-floor heating is built-in throughout, with the exception of the tower-room, where there are normal radiators.

GARDEN & SWIMMING POOL

The villa is set in extensive grounds, which include a delightful olive grove, and as such offers a peaceful haven of retreat. There is ample informal parking space on the gravel forecourt, from where a double flight of stairs proceeds to the first-floor living quarters.

One of the property’s most significant assets is its superb rear ‘loggia’, where five graceful, open archways look out on to the relaxing green of the gardens, vineyards and wooded hills beyond. This is undoubtedly the perfect spot to linger over an aperitif or enjoy a leisurely outdoor meal, shaded by the frescoed ceiling. Comfortably upholstered wicker chairs invite you to relax and unwind, while large, brightly planted terracotta tubs adorn the surroundings, from where a staircase leads down directly into the gardens.

Screened by low shrubs, trees and exotic pot-plants, the former Renaissance ‘fish-pond’, easily accessible from these stairs, has been transformed into a truly aristocratic swimming pool, set in a sheltered, yet suntrap position. Here, sunbeds tempt you to take it easy between dips in the refreshing waters of the pool.

In one corner of the grounds, on a raised lawn terrace to the rear of the villa, lies a second, organically curvaceous pool, in natural stone. This too boasts a wonderful, uninterrupted backdrop of wooded hills and is likewise screened by hedges, so that poolside sunbathers are guaranteed undisturbed privacy.

To one side of the villa, an extensive gravel terrace, bordered by lawns and shaded by tall trees and a pergola covered by a profusely rambling grapevine, is appointed with tables, chairs and large cream sunshades, thereby offering another idyllic venue for outdoor recreation.