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This magnificent villa is one of the "Regal Villas" of the old Republic of Lucca. Villa Lucchese, as well as the handful of other villas from this period were generally used by their owners from Spring to Autumn. During this time it was customary to entertain and receive kings, princes, dukes, ambassadors and important artists of the time.
This was built by the Guinigi family, one of the greatest Lucchese families who for centuries owned palaces and towers within the walls of Lucca. The Stewart's home, located at the gate of the property dates to 1600 and the Lemonia to the late 1700's. The great Villa Lucchese (we used to call it Guinigi, but no one could pronounce the name), as others palaces and villas built at the beginning of 1800, reflects the style of architect Lorenzo Nottolini from Segromigno, who was the leader of neo-classical design. This impressive place has been used for magazine covers and interior design magazines. It has been called "a little Versailles" for the sumptuous interior, impressive frescoes, sculptures, neo-classic details and expansive property that includes a large lemon house and the Stewards house. The vast park, on the Italian Governmental list for Historic Places followed the fashion of the late 1700 early 1800, when many villas owners modified the sculpted Italian grounds to the English style of free (but controlled) nature. This also has a water fountain at the very rear on a hill above the property, another fountain in front of the property and water garden in the end. The water flows via gravity from the hills above through the fountains underneath the villa and coming to the water garden in the very front of the park. It's quite interesting. The result today is a property of scale and impressive detail.
The interior, space, furnishings and decorations are befitting the historic nature of the villa. Palacial as Lucchese is, the maximum capacity is eight - providing maximum comfort in this historic place.
This rental includes a couple - butler and cook - who have tended to the running of the house for the past 20 years, and there is a maid as well. Antoinette (cook) happens to be fabulous. There are also two full time gardeners maintaining the property. Lucchesiano is history for 8 lucky people. "Grandisimo, imposing and regal," our friend in Lucca says. And she's right - it is sumptuous by old standards. And we think it is one of our best deals, as the price is surprisingly affordable for the rental you get.
Villa Lucchese stands head and shoulders above any villa experience you can imagine. Of the five or so large and magnificent historic villas in the region of Lucca, there is only one that is most respected and available for the discerning client. And we have it: Villa Lucchese. Elegant, sumptuous, beautiful and rich in neo-classical decoration and details. It is also very, very large, with its own park of 350,000 square feet, pool and staff.
Perfect for: Small group, couples with some singles.
The Details:
Ground floor: entranceway, living room, library, a second living room with grand piano, expansive gallery used for parties and banquets, dining room, old tuscan kitchen, a second fully equipped kitchen, service room for maid and butler use, and one bathroom.
First floor: salon, large sitting room, television/sitting room, music room, play room, single bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
Second floor: double bedroom, bathroom, single bedroom (the three can be combined into a master suite), a twin bedroom (easily converted to a double), two single bedrooms, two more bathrooms.
Services, Features, Amenities:
Central Heating, Chef on Staff, Al Fresco Dining, Balcony, Central Heating, Fans, Screens on Windows, Washing Machine, Golf Nearby , Tennis Nearby, Stereo, Full Maid Service, Refridgerator, Oven, Ice box/Freezer, American Coffee Maker, CD Player, Detached, Dishwasher, Dryer, DVD, Fireplace, Satellite TV, Microwave, Private Parking, VCR, Screens
Weekly Rate Per Seasons
One Price All Year: 13,400€ / WEEK
Rates include our Lucca Concierge.
Additional costs payable on the spot:
Security deposit: 4000€, Final Cleaning: included, Heat: metered and payable when used, Gas: included, Electricity: included, Telephone: metered and payable when used, Maid: included, Chef: included. Welcome dinner included. No pets. Food and wine not included.
*Reservations are always Saturday to Saturday, except for the lowest season when it is flexible. Rates are current and based on when the majority of the week is within the price range stated above. All of our rentals include linens and towels. One set per reservation unless otherwise stated. Request for change/cleaning may incur a charge.
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Just east and north of Pisa through the mountain is the intriguing walled city of Lucca. The walls are the most substantial of all of Italy. Where most walled cities erected high and thin walls some 1 - 2 meters thick, Lucca created a massive moat and walls of some 20 meters thick. Large enough that it now serves as a wonderful promenade for the village people. This is a must - be in Lucca at the time of the "passeggiata" 5:00 - 7:00pm. The town strolls leisurely around the city on top of the wall and along the historic street that encircles the oval piazza anfiteatro, once the location of an oval Roman amphitheater. Julius Ceaser is said to have walked this passeggiata in 85 BC. "Passeggiate" is a delightful Italian custom. All towns and villages have one and allow the informed traveler, to rub elbows with the locals.
Touring Ideas:
Lucca 3 km
Pisa 20 km
Florence 60 km
Viareggio 20 km
Carrara 40 km
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