Tuscan Time Travel: The Grandeur of Villa Controni
Waking up at Villa Controni feels less like a hotel stay and more like stepping into an 18th-century period film. Located on the outskirts of Lucca, this stately property—once owned by silk merchants and the inventor of the internal combustion engine—serves as a bridge between 12th-century history and neoclassical luxury.
Old-World Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
Following a meticulous renovation by the Fanucchi family, the 11-bedroom villa exudes baroque decadence. Expect:
- Baroque Interiors: Ornate red velvet headboards, mahogany wardrobes, and grand banquet rooms.
- Modern Sanctuaries: While the ground floor offers a gym, pool, and Wi-Fi, the upper floors remain a sanctuary to “unplug” and gaze at the rolling Tuscan hills.
- Magic Outdoors: The grounds feature an olive grove and Italian gardens where, on summer nights, fireflies dance among the camellias like “tiny fairies.”
The Viaggio Lifestyle: A Boutique Experience
While renting a grand villa is often a massive undertaking, New Zealand hosts Lance and Lisa Green (Viaggio Lifestyle Vacations) offer a clever alternative. During July and August, the villa operates as a boutique hotel, allowing guests to book individual rooms.
The experience is deeply personal. Lance prepares flavor-rich, locally sourced Tuscan meals and invites guests to join him on market runs, while Lisa ensures the villa is dotted with Bulgari toiletries and fresh flowers.
Beyond the Villa Walls
A stay at Villa Controni provides the perfect base for exploring the heart of Tuscany:
- Lucca (10 mins away): A charming town enclosed by 16th-century walls. It’s a haven for cycling, “passeggiata” (evening strolls), and an “obscene number” of excellent shoe shops.
- Authentic Dining: From house-made gnocchi at Miro to the boisterous atmosphere of Trattoria da Leo, the local culinary scene is quintessentially Italian.
- Day Trips: The villa is perfectly positioned for visits to Florence, Pisa, the marble mines, and the famous spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Whether you’re a “go-go-go” explorer or a “lazy-by-the-pool” dreamer, Villa Controni offers a slice of Italian summer magic that makes you forget the modern world exists.
