Villa Minolfa is a spectacular residence perched high on the green hills outside of Lucca. Its particularly elongated form and hillside position brings to mind an ancient strategy of dominion and...

Villa Minolfa is a spectacular residence perched high on the green hills outside of Lucca. Its particularly elongated form and hillside position brings to mind an ancient strategy of dominion and protection as if the villa had been built to effectively monitor the movements of any unannounced visitor.
The villa is located just a few kilometers from the marvelous town of Lucca, famous for its original city walls which are just one aspect of the city's timeless beauty that over the centuries has remained intact. Truly a gem of a Tuscan town, Lucca is easily navigable on foot or by bike and is full of delightful and romantic surprises appearing around every corner. From the villa, one can also admire the interesting and evocative Apuane Alps crowning the horizon.

In fact, observing the slopes of these mountains, one can make out some of the marble quarries that export this precious stone all over the world. These peaks, often appreciated as a destination for interesting excursions and hiking trips are renowned for their marvelous vistas stretching out towards the not-too-distant Mediterranean sea. Scattered over the mountainous terrain, one can find abandoned farm buildings, uncontaminated woods, and functional mountain refuges.

The hill on which the villa stands is divided into different terraced areas; visually impressive and typical of this area of Tuscany, this landscaping practice has produced what is referred to as "scaloni" or "grand staircases" molding the terrain. The villa itself is found on the first terrace; the second terrace hosts a beautiful swimming pool facing the vast valley and providing a lovely spot from which to enjoy the marvelous panorama.

The swimming pool 7x14 (from 1mt approximately in the lower part to 2,5 mt in the deeper part) is large and well-equipped with all the necessary amenities for relaxing or sun-bathing poolside. An additional gazebo provides a covered area where one can enjoy cool summer breezes.
A small nearby annex serves as a changing room and is also equipped with a bathroom, shower, refrigerator and two single beds.

Outside, the villa appears as a long building dressed with its original stone walls and displaying, on its left side, what looks like a series of red brick decorations. Typical of Tuscan rural buildings, the red brick patterns that today appear as decorations were once the perforated walls of barns, built in such a
way as to allow the circulation of air throughout, so as to keep the hay from rotting.

The garden is characterized by an English lawn embellished with large vases containing flowers, citrus trees, aromatic plants, and creeping vines. In fact, running all around the building is an arbor covered with different varieties of climbing plants that guarantee cool shade in the living and dining area. The house has two outdoor areas: the first, flanking the shorter wall, where couches, armchairs, and small tables provide a comfortable lounge area for relaxing moments; the second, located near the kitchen, where a table and chairs are set up for dining in the cool shade.

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