Villa Collina | Lucca | ITA314

Villa Collina is located in northwestern Tuscany near Vicopelago and just five kilometers from the medieval city of Lucca. Surrounded by high Tuscan hills, protected by a gated wall at the front and enclosed by lush gardens, the villa offers privacy and seclusion.

The nearby city of Lucca is rich in history dating back to Roman times. Although the original Roman amphitheatre is long gone, the central square of the city preserves its shape scribing the outline of the ancient building.  Many perfectly preserved buildings from the Middle Ages are revealed along the winding medieval-planned streets throughout this old city.  The massive walls that now surround the city date back to the Renaissance era of seventeenth century although earlier fortifications predate them by many centuries.  Now they support four kilometers of parkland and are fine place for a picnic, a walk or bicycling.

Villa Collina is also just a short drive from the Versilia on the Tuscan Riviera, the coastal strip between Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi noted for its nightlife and posh beach resorts.

The grounds of the villa are accessed at the front by passing through a gate in a protective wall where a long passageway between tall cypress trees frames the front entranceway of the villa.  A broad lawn extends to either side and is bounded by a park like setting of plantings that include lime trees, oaks, olives trees, magnolias, aromatic shrubs and roses.  A pergola of bougainvillea makes a pleasant stop on a stroll or for an outdoor meal.  The swimming pool is set into the lawn with a brick terrace complete with loungers for sunning and relaxing.

The villa was built in the seventeenth century as a Tuscan home of nobility and reveals the features common in the period.  The noble, or main floor is above the country floor and is entered from the top of a two staircases on each side of the entrance.   The country floor (or ground floor) is also accessed from the front and offers a dining area with a large fireplace and a wine cellar.

The villa was designed in a symmetrical layout with rooms situated around the central salon.  There are two formal sitting rooms displaying rich fabrics on sofas and drapes.  A study/library room offers a more casual place for conversation or reading.  A well-equipped, renovated, and modern kitchen retains the original open beam ceiling and has an eat-in dining area.

A central courtyard outside holds a dining area as well as a pizza oven and barbecue.

There are six bedrooms in Villa Collina, each with its own color scheme and character.  All have en-suite baths.

Villa Collina is well-suited for hosting family gatherings, weddings or visits with friends. It’s a gracious home with a noble history that offers privacy, as well as access to all the art, culture, antiquities and food that make Tuscany so extraordinary.

*Prices may vary according to currency exchange rates