Villa Orfeain Lucca, Province of Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Villa Orfea is a wonderful villa that dates back to the 15th century and has been completely and painstakingly renovated. Many features make this property perfect for families. The estate is gated and completely fenced, the swimming pool has a shallow side, there is a children's playground and the nearby city of Lucca offers a wide range of things to see.   

As soon as you enter the foyer you will feel the special atmosphere that permeates the villa. The neutral and earth-toned colours used in the family room, such as golden yellow and terra cotta, typical of the Tuscan style, create an airy and fresh ambience with frescoed walls, a large fireplace and a beautiful crystal chandelier setting an elegant tone. The very generous formal dining room has seating for up to fifty people. The room features lit china cabinets, a coffered ceiling, classic art on the walls, and tall arched French doors opening onto the garden: everything works together to create the ultimate formal dining experience. The professional-grade kitchen boasts ample counter space for prepping meals alongside a gorgeous central stove, vaulted ceiling and access to the garden. A lounge room with a large flat-screen satellite TV, a well-stocked library room, and a guest bathroom complete the ground floor.

The first floor offers a traditional sitting room with a working fireplace and soft sofas serving as a nice spot for afternoon reading or cosy conversations. The lower level houses a state-of-the-art private wellness area (2,100 square feet) which includes a Turkish bath, sauna, emotional shower, salt room and meditation room. Also on this floor, is a stone cellar with a wine-tasting room and fireplace.

The villa also features a charming 'Pool House', a quaint two-story stone house carefully restored and tastefully furnished. On the ground floor is a generous open floorplan with a sitting area and eat-in kitchen, brightened by travertine marble floors in a neutral colour. A bathroom is also on this floor. The sitting area opens onto the main garden and offers a nice al-fresco dining area.

The 'Red House' is a three-story annexe adjacent to the main villa (opposite side of The Pool House)

Outdoor features include extensive manicured grounds including an Italian-style garden with a romantic pergola, alfresco dining areas, a large private swimming pool with a whirlpool area, high-quality lounge furniture and parasols, a children's playground and a covered private parking area.

No matter what your ideal vacation looks like, the medieval city of Lucca and its surroundings offer many activities. If you like keeping up with your workout, the city’s 16th-century walls are a glorious backdrop for strolling, power-walking, jogging or cycling. For beach lovers, the coastal strip of Versilia is the place to be and is within a 30-minute drive; and for music aficionados, many classical and rock/pop music festivals are held here throughout the year. For these reasons and more, Lucca is becoming one of the most elite summer destinations in Tuscany.