A piece of history is up for grabs, as the iconic Villa Palmieri, once a favored retreat for Queen Victoria and repeatedly featured in a classic Italian literary work, is now on the market for €50 million ($55 million), CNN reports.
This sprawling estate, nestled in the hills outside Florence, boasts a rich past and lavish amenities for its next lucky owner.
The villa, spanning almost 43,000 square feet, sits on a nine-hectare estate, making it the second-largest park in Florence. The grounds are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a helipad for grand arrivals, a tennis court for leisurely matches, lush gardens, and an ancient swimming pool.
Inside, the villa boasts 23 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, all adorned with intricate interiors and centered around an inner courtyard. Its history dates back to the 14th century, with ownership passing through several notable hands. The Fini family first owned the property before it was acquired in 1454 by Matteo di Marco Palmieri, lending his name to the estate. In 1760, the villa was acquired by English hands when the third Earl Cowper purchased it. Subsequently, it was owned by the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres.
During this period, Queen Victoria graced the villa with her presence, choosing it as her holiday destination for a month in 1888. She returned in 1893 and 1894, leaving behind plaques on several trees in the garden commemorating her visits. Victoria ensured all her comforts were met, even arranging for a bedstead, armchairs, sofas, a writing table, a bath, and other furniture, along with two portraits of her late husband, Prince Albert, to be sent ahead of her stays.
The villa’s history extends beyond royalty, linking it to one of Italy’s most celebrated authors, Giovanni Boccaccio. It is said that Boccaccio described the villa’s gardens in his “Decameron,” a masterpiece of Italian literature.
Remnants of the villa’s illustrious past are visible throughout the property, from its frescoes and paintings to its historic busts. In recent times, the villa has hosted a Givenchy collection and has become a popular venue for events and weddings.
