If you were given a chance to move to other country, what would you choose? Densely populated European capital? Little house on the coast? And it might be worth a closer look at one of the most beautiful regions of Italy - Tuscany?
Tuscany ... It's numerous monuments, from the Piazza del Campo to the famous Pisa Tower. Here worked Michelangelo, Dante and Petrarch, Leonardo da Vinci. Here everything is steeped in the spirit of amazing past. Tuscany is a mild and pleasant climate, this grape fields and cypress groves, excellent cuisine, medieval costume festivals, pleasing countryside ...
TO become closer to that magnificent region is now easier and more affordable than it was 8 years ago. Since 2008, prices for luxury Tuscan estate decreased by 15-20%. Luxury Italian villas are no longer the property of the higher castes, your Tuscan dream may become a reality ... For you to see it by yourself, we have prepared a review of several luxury villas for sale from our partners «Lionard» real estate agency.
1. Villa of Count Hochberga and Tammaru da Marinis
The manor is located 5 kilometers from the center of Florence, surrounded by greenery. One of its main attractions - planted in 1600 camphor laurel. The landscape complements the garden of round shape. Mansion, though retained the features of buildings of 17-18 centuries, is decorated with elements from other eras.
Plaster sculpture, dating from the late 19th century, fully reflect the style of neo-Rococo. Somebody of the eminent owners of the villa has transformed an old chapel in the Golden Hall of St. Louis. This is the first place that see the guests. Heritage of Count Hochberga is a furnished with excellent taste Ballroom. At the villa there are also greenhouses and industrial buildings.
2. Villa of the late 19th century with views of the Tyrrhenian sea
In addition to the luxurious mansion and outbuildings, attention should be paid to this pool with sea water and park area of 4055 m2. The main villa has 4 floors. On the ground level there is a terrace with direct access to the sea. Cabinet for business meetings, dining and billiard rooms, a kitchen located on the ground floor. Above the second floor is adorned tiny "turret" with open space.
3. Villa in an old mansion of the second half of the 14th century
For 400 years the estate belonged to the same noble family. When in the 19th century villa has been sold, the new owners restored the building, and added to the architectural ensemble the canopy in the form of an umbrella in the Chinese style. In the 20th century on the villa appeared the musical Lodge, as well as statues, stylized in 15th and 17th century.
The main villa has a long history - its current asymmetric shape is acquired by combining two different buildings. In addition to 3 floors above ground here there are 2 underground levels. And the present meeting room equipped with technical rooms and restrooms, was previously used as a concert hall.
The special charm to the villa gives the park with ideal lawns, palm trees, pine trees and bamboo. At the entrance to the park there is a caretaker house , built in the 19th century.
From 1617 to 1631 Galileo worked here, and later, in the 19th century - the French artist Marcel Debuten.
4. The ancient castle of Ghibellines
Luxurious villa, built in the period from1000 to 1200 years., is situated close to the Arno river valley. Centuries ago Ghibellines there lived - Guelph opponents and supporters of the Pope. In later periods, the castle belonged to all sorts of Italian aristocrats.
200 years ago the manor was restored by one of the students of architect Adolfo Coppedè. Therefore, an observation tower and the facades of the buildings have features of the neo-Gothic. Among other unique decorations of the villa - a family chapel with frescoes by Francesco Granacci. The massive walls, which enclose the whole area, still remind of the past glory of the villa owners.
Around the castle, whose area is 2000 m2, there are fields, forests, olive groves ... This villa is located just 12 kilometers from Florence.
5. Villa in Castiglioncello with private access to the sea
The villa, hidden from outsiders in rocky terrain, rises majestically above the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian sea. Constructed in the years 30 of the last century, it was completely renovated before sale.
In the course of reconstruction works were used the most modern materials and technology, luxury furniture. The main building occupies 450 m2, farmstead - 1600 m2. Fans of boating will be pleased with private access to the sea and a individual place for mooring.
"Pitfalls" in the purchase of real estate in Tuscany
Buying a luxury properties in Italy is a great investment. How to become the owner of the unique villas in Tuscany and how the registration of the transaction works? What obligations will have the new owners of historical objects? We talked about it with Demetrius Corti, owner of «Lionard» real estate agency.
- How profitable is to invest in luxury properties in Italy?
- Paradoxically, despite the crisis, demand for such facilities is increasing as investment in luxury real estate will always be a risk-free investments. Historical properties with the time become more expensive - the price of luxury villas and castles in the long term perspective, obviously, will grow, and grow significantly. On the other hand, we can note that now the sellers are more open to dialogue and negotiation.
- How does the purchase of luxury real estate in Italy work?
- Buying property in Italy, you get the house and also residence permit, which entails a commitment to be is in the country one day every six months. After 5 years it will automatically be issued the following residence permit, also for 5 years. Then you can get Italian citizenship.
Terms are ranging from several days to several months, depending on the complexity of the negotiations. The first step is to formulate an offer to purchase, on the basis of which a preliminary sales contract is signed. In the future, there will be a final contract. There is also the opportunity to sign the final contract from the very beginning and thus accelerate the timing of the transaction.
- What obligations will have the new owners of the objects that have cultural and historical significance?
- As a rule, foreign buyers are slightly scary about it. If you purchase the property that has any frescoes, antique objects (such as fireplaces of 15-17 centuries), then in principle no obligation arises. You by yourself would not want to break down and rebuild it.
As in any country, reconstruction and alterations can be made upon receipt of appropriate permits. If you want to rebuilt something radically, and property has a cultural value, then you need to understand that no one will give you to demolish the building, where there is a sculpture by Michelangelo.
You will be able to rebuild it, but you need to follow certain rules. They ensure that you do not spoil what was done before you. If this is a historic villa, you can not turn it into a cement building with a steel structure and the french windows. Italians are cherished for their architecture, culture treasure. To avoid red tape in obtaining permits, you should refer to specialists with big experience in this area.
Text - Alyona Eliseeva, ee24
Photocredit villa-v-italii.ru