Queen Victoria's cherished Tuscan villa up for purchase at over $55 million dollars.
Perched on the hills, just beyond Florence's city limits, this villa stretches leisurely over about 4,000 square meters (43,000 sq ft), according to Dreamer Real Estate, who are managing its sale. According to their statement to CNN, the villa's garden covers nearly nine hectares (22 acres), making it the second-largest park within the city.
Guests can access the villa via the helipad before indulging in the tennis court, verdant gardens, and a relic of an antique swimming pool. The interior boasts an impressive 23 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, each a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, neatly arranged around a central courtyard.
The villa can trace its roots back to the 14th century, with the Fini family being its initial owners. Matteo di Marco Palmieri later acquired it in 1454, bestowing the property with his name. In 1760, the villa was added to the English aristocracy's roster when the third Earl Cowper purchased it. The ownership then shifted to the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres.
During this era, Queen Victoria made her presence felt, spending a month at the villa in 1888, before visiting again in 1893 and 1894. Commemorative plaques marking her stay can still be found on certain trees within the gardens.
While at the villa, Victoria ensured her comforts were never compromised, arranging for a bed, armchairs, sofas, a writing desk, a bath, and furniture to be delivered ahead of her arrival. The New York Times reported in 1888 that Victoria appreciated the villa's complete seclusion and the tranquility it offered.
Before Victoria, the villa had already gained notoriety as Giovanni Boccaccio's muse. The famous Italian writer reportedly described the villa's gardens in his "Decameron," which now holds a significant place in the Italian literary pantheon.
The villa also carries echoes of its rich history in its frescoes, paintings, and sculptures. Recently, it has played host to a Givenchy fashion collection and has functioned as a venue for events and weddings.
The architecture of the villa, with its grand facade and intricate details, showcases various styles from different eras of its ownership. The bedrooms and bathrooms, each a work of art, are a testament to the exquisite style of their respective periods.
