TUSCANY VILLA

Villa Controni, an elegant 19th century Lucchese villa with its own chapel, olive oil press and castle ruins, is set on a vast estate of terraced olive groves and an equestrian center.

This area, nestled below Monte Pisano, is historically noted as being one of the main battlefields in the wars between Pisa and Lucca, which first started in 1000 and continued for over 400 years.

The villa itself was built as the summer residence for the Pfanner family from Lucca, who used the fertile estate for the cultivation of rare flowers. It then became the home of Felice Matteucci, who, in the summer of 1854, invented the first stroke engine.

Throughout the years, Villa Controni has always been, and still is, a much loved home. Beyond the camellia garden, with its curious fountain, lies the swimming pool, surrounded by lawns, fragrant lavender, and terra cotta pots of lemon trees. There is a BBQ next to the loggia.

From the frantoio where olive oil has been pressed since1850, the olive covered hill opens up to magnificent views over Lucca, Nottolini's acquaduct and the tree lined avenue of the equestrian center.

Walk, mountain bike, or ride - the estate is yours to be discovered. In keeping with Villa Controni's gentle atmosphere, all of the rooms are elegantly furnished; from the angel frescoed ceiling of the living room and the grand music room, to the arched loggia with views across the camellia garden.

The pillars and arches of the entrance hall lead up the staircase to the first floor, where all of the bedroom windows frame a panoramica across Lucca and the surrounding countryside.

Distances: Airports: Pisa - 30 min. , Florence - 50 min., A 11 autostrada - 10 min., Lucca - 10 min., Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti - less than 1.5 hrs.

Ground floor: Main entrance hall - Kitchen - Living room with fireplace - Domed dining room - Arched loggia with tables and chairs for al fresco dining - Card room & library - Music room with CD system - TV room with VCR - Bath - Office with telephone, fax, computer and internet access - Wine cellar - Manager's quarters
First floor: Living room - Four double bedroom, one twin bedroom (3 with en-suite baths) - Bath

Outdoor facilities: Flood lit swimming pool with shower facilities - Mountain bikes - BBQ - Table tennis - Equestrian center - Olive oil press - Chapel(available for weddings, christenings) - Woodland walks

Staff services: House manager provides cleaning service of 8 hours per day, 6 days per week; and is based on site to advise and assist you. Gardener who takes care of grounds and pool. Chef on request at extra charge. Laundry service at extra charge

To Make Reservations

Contact: A. Alaniz
Phone: 210.535.0952

View : Tuscany Villas : Villa Controni