Description
Designed by the Livorno engineer Carlo Cartier and built between 1896 and 1898, this villa blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish elements. Its tower, arrow slits, rusticated stonework, pointed-arch windows and friezes, as well as the colonnaded loggia, are a testament to the eclecticism that characterized the residences of the wealthy bourgeoisie and nobility in Europe during the second half of the 19th century. The sloping red-tiled roofs evoke the style of Alpine buildings, while elegant pierced friezes decorate the central part of the house and are repeated in the arches of doors and windows, even in the inner courtyard.
Three of the four wrought-iron gates leading to the villa are supported by turrets with acroteria, while the main gate is held up by two ancient original towers, once used as guard posts. These towers, with their pointed-arch windows and ornamental friezes, face the main street, creating a majestic and striking entrance.
The villa covers an area of 2000 sqm and includes the main house, a large park-garden, outbuildings, a hunting lodge, and a large courtyard. Inside, elegant stairs with ancient stone balustrades lead to the living room, dining room, and a room illuminated by an overhead loggia with polychrome glass and delicate floral decorations.
A side staircase leads to a loggia with large windows overlooking the garden.
The private area of the villa, located on the raised ground floor, comprises twelve rooms, along with numerous service rooms. An internal staircase connects the loggia to the “parterre” on the first floor.
On the ground floor, a terrace with steps leads to the garden and orchard.
A large courtyard to the northwest connects the villa to the outbuildings, which include servants' rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, a shed, a granary, and a hunters' room. Over the years, some parts of the villa have been annexed to increase the functionality and livability of the property.
