Historic Italian Villa Once Home Napoleon’s Sister Sale
Villa Orsucci, a historic 18th-century villa located in the picturesque Tuscan region of Lucca, is currently up for sale. This magnificent property, which was once owned by Caroline Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon I of France, sits on over 3,200 sq m of land. The estate includes the main villa, an annex, a private church, and over 6 hectares of land, complete with swimming pools, gravel paths, and additional outbuildings.
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This prestigious property is being marketed by the renowned Italian agency Lionard Luxury Real Estate, however, the asking price has not been disclosed. The villa, which was originally constructed in the 16th century, underwent significant renovations and expansions in the 18th century under the ownership of Coriolano Orsucci, an Italian silk merchant. He commissioned the renowned architect and leader of Italy’s Baroque movement, Filippo Juvara, to transform the humble villa into a grand and stately estate.
Caroline Bonaparte purchased the villa in 1836 and retained ownership until her death in 1839. As the former Queen of Naples and sister of Napoleon, Bonaparte brought a touch of regal elegance to the property. The main villa, which spans over 2,500 sq m, is a three-story building with an attic and basement. It boasts a central living room, multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas. The standout feature of the property is the double-height hall adorned with two large paintings dating back to 1710, believed to have been brought to the villa by Bonaparte. The villa also showcases other exquisite period furniture, tapestries, and stucco decorations.
The annex of the property has been fully restored and includes five bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. In total, Villa Orsucci has 10 bedrooms. Set amongst rolling hills, this idyllic villa is only minutes away from the bustling town of Lucca and approximately an hour from Florence. Lionard suggests that potential buyers may also consider purchasing the estate’s stables and farmer’s house, which are situated on an additional 15,000 sq m of land adjoining the villa’s grounds. These properties would be purchased separately from Villa Orsucci.
