Buonvisi, Tuscany Lucca

click the pictures to see a larger version

This villa is a 17th century house, originally belonging to the Buonvisi family, the most influential of the aristocratic republic of Lucca. After the downfall of the Buonvisis, the villa and the surrounding land were purchased by the Bernardinis, who had a property next door. In recent years, restoration work has been done, without detracting from the original character of the house. The ancient cotto floors, beamed ceilings, old fireplaces and most of the antique furniture, have all been preserved. The rooms are spacious and very light. In the huge kitchen, there is a beautiful big fireplace. The property also has a particularly large, flat garden on three sides of the villa, with the swimming pool in the front part. There are several shaded areas with fig and lime trees. The garden is ideal both for children, with its large spaces for running around, and for adults, who can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside, with views of the plain of Lucca below. There is also a tennis court on the estate. The property produces good wine and one of the best extra virgin olive oils in Tuscany.