Medieval Italian villa set for auction
(MoneyWatch) Searching for your own piece of paradise? Look no further than Villa Sognare, a luxurious estate located in the historic village of Barga, Italy. The villa, originally built in the 1700s, incorporates both the medieval walls of the city and ruins of the fortification tower into its design.
The home is set to hit the auction block on June 20, with no reserve price. The enormous estate is fully furnished and features roughly 10,000 square feet of living space, including nine bedrooms, seven baths, two kitchens, two dining rooms, four sitting rooms, one "tower room," and a Turkish sauna.
Villa Sognare has panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the grounds feature an outdoor fireplace, bar, and shower. Private gardens and stone pathways surround the home, and ancient trees provide shade and privacy. Though it feels like a step back in time, the home is just minutes away from restaurants, cafes, and shops.
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Barga, located on the Serchio River in the northwest corner of Tuscany, is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It dates back to the year 1000, and today's residents get a taste of the old Barga every day. The narrow streets, town square, and steep stairwells hearken back to the quaint village's early history.
The focal point of the quaint village is the Duomo di Barga, a church founded in the ninth century and finally completed between 1500 and 1600. The church sits atop a hill at the center of Barga and has views of nearly the entire village.
Unlike bigger Italian cities, Barga is devoid of mass tourism. Residents can enjoy the scenery through a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing and skiing.
The idyllic beauty of this Italian village has historically attracted painters, poets, and writers, and continues to do so today. Barga is also known for its opera and jazz festivals, so you'll still have plenty to do if you prefer more "cultured" activities.
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Villa Sognare is a gem within this amazing city. Though there is no reserve price on the home, you won't be able to bid just for fun. Auction house Williams & Williams requires a deposit of $127,350 to place a bid. To see more photos and a floor plan of the estate, visit the Williams & Williams site.
The villa currently serves as a bed-and-breakfast and event venue, according to DC Roberts, senior director of distinctive and international sales as Williams & Williams. Roberts says the home can "easily provide a wonderful retreat for families or individuals seeking privacy or a second home in Tuscany."
The auction begins Wednesday, June 20, at 11a.m. EDT. Interested parties can place bids on-site or in real time from anywhere at auctionnetwork.com.
