Tuscany, Lucca, Capannori, Italy

In the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among the rolling hills of Lucca and the timeless charm of Vorno, stands one of the region’s most extraordinary historic estates: Villa Controni, a magnificent 18th-century property set within more than 25 hectares of private parkland and grounds.

This exceptional estate represents a rare opportunity for investors, family offices, and international private buyers seeking an iconic asset that combines historic prestige, residential exclusivity, and outstanding value-enhancement potential within the luxury hospitality sector.

Dominated by the striking Villa Controni, an elegant noble residence arranged over three above-ground floors plus a semi-basement level, the estate embodies the full magnificence of Tuscany’s grand aristocratic villas.

The semi-basement level houses charming service areas, including historic wine cellars, technical rooms, and ancillary spaces that lend themselves perfectly to conversion into wellness areas, a private wine cellar, tasting rooms, or hospitality-related amenities.

The main floor (piano nobile) welcomes guests through an impressive formal entrance leading to four grand reception rooms, designed for entertaining, social gatherings, and refined hospitality, in addition to a spacious kitchen, pantry, and supporting service areas. These elegant interiors open harmoniously to the outdoors through a beautiful loggia, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

The first floor accommodates the sleeping quarters, featuring six elegant bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, as well as a central hall ideal for use as a private lounge, library, or intimate sitting room.

The second floor offers 5 suites with bathrooms , wellness areas, staff accommodation .

Externally, the villa is framed by refined private grounds featuring a stunning panoramic swimming pool, a historic limonaia (lemon house), ancillary buildings, a scenic ornamental grotto, and an enchanting nymphaeum, all architectural features that further enhance the estate’s charm and uniqueness.

Completing the estate is a charming private chapel, a place of great historical value and elegance, ideal for intimate celebrations, exclusive events, or moments of quiet reflection.

The property is offered together with additional prestigious independent buildings — Villa del Fattore, Villa Matteucci, and Villa Il Frantoio — creating an estate of exceptional value capable of offering multiple autonomous residences within the same private domain.

The estate is perfectly suited to various investment scenarios:

• A multigenerational private estate, with multiple villas dedicated to different family members or distinguished guests;
• An ultra-luxury rental retreat, designed for exclusive rentals, private events, and destination weddings;
• A luxury hospitality development, ideal for a boutique hotel, relais de charme, experiential resort, or wellness retreat.

The scale of the parkland, complete privacy, architectural significance, and extraordinary versatility make this estate an exceptionally rare asset within the Italian market.

Villa Controni is not merely a residence; it is a historic legacy estate destined to become one of Tuscany’s most exclusive private or hospitality destinations

The Location — Vorno, Lucca

Located in the charming village of Vorno, at the foot of Monte Pisano and just minutes from the historic center of Lucca Lucca, Villa Controni is set in one of Tuscany’s most exclusive and authentic settings.

Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and historic noble residences, Vorno is highly regarded by an international clientele for its perfect combination of privacy, nature, historical heritage, and accessibility. The area offers a refined lifestyle enriched by outstanding food and wine experiences, prestigious wine routes, and close proximity to Tuscany’s most iconic destinations.

Its strategic location allows easy access to the Versilia coastline and the exclusive Forte dei Marmi, as well as renowned art cities such as Florence and Siena.

Key Distances

• Lucca: 15 minutes
• Pisa Airport: 30 minutes
• Sea / Versilia Coast: 35 minutes
• Forte dei Marmi: 45 minutes
• Florence: 1 hour
• Siena: approximately 2 hours

An ideal location for a prestigious private residence or for the development of an exclusive luxury hospitality destination.
The Story of Coselli Collection — A Timeless Tuscan Legacy

In the heart of the Lucchese countryside, surrounded by rolling hills dotted with centuries-old olive groves, noble villas, and landscapes seemingly suspended in time, lies Coselli Collection: a place where history, elegance, and vision converge in one of Tuscany’s most extraordinary estates.

Coselli Collection is not merely a real estate asset. It is a centuries-old story, a cultural and architectural heritage passed down through generations, preserving the most authentic soul of Vorno, one of the most exclusive and sought-after villages in the Lucca area.

The earliest records of Vorno date back to the 10th century, when the village was known as Castellaccio, named after an ancient castle that once dominated the surrounding landscape. Over the centuries, these lands became home to prominent aristocratic families, including the prestigious Controni-Pfanner family, connected to the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. Thanks to these international ties, the villas welcomed distinguished guests from across Europe, including the King of Denmark.

The history of the estate later became intertwined with that of the Matteucci family, custodians of an extraordinary chapter in Italian innovation. It was within one of these villas that Felice Matteucci developed the world’s first prototype of the internal combustion engine—an invention that left an indelible mark on engineering history and is today officially recognized by the Barsanti & Matteucci Foundation.

The origins of Coselli itself reach even further back. The earliest documented evidence dates to the 13th century, when the enchanting fishpond of Borgo Bernardini was created. Still perfectly preserved and restored today, this remarkable body of water has reflected the beauty and harmony of the estate for centuries.

In 1624, Count Cosimo Bernardini, a highly influential figure in Tuscany, commissioned the construction of Villa Lenka (formerly Villa Bernardini) as a prestigious summer residence—a refined retreat away from the city. To this day, the villa retains the grandeur of that era through the magnificent frescoes adorning its noble floor, meticulously restored to their original splendor.

The modern chapter of Coselli Collection began in 1996, when the Fanucchi family acquired the two estates with a clear vision: to preserve their historic soul while reimagining them for contemporary luxury living.

Andrea Fanucchi oversaw the structural restoration, carefully modernizing walls and systems to contemporary standards, while his wife Lenka, with refined taste and tireless dedication, curated the interiors, furnishings, and decorative details, transforming each villa into a warm, elegant, and timeless sanctuary.

Their sons, David and Luca, expanded this vision internationally, establishing Coselli Collection as a globally recognized brand synonymous with excellence, discretion, and authentic Tuscan lifestyle.

Today, Coselli Collection stands ready for its natural next chapter.

Thanks to its exceptional combination of historic heritage, architectural significance, absolute privacy, and strategic location, the estate represents a rare opportunity for transformation into an ultra-luxury resort, destination spa, medical retreat, wellness sanctuary, or exclusive private members’ estate.

Some places are acquired.
Others are entrusted to those who preserve them.

Coselli Collection belongs to the latter: a legacy to protect, enhance, and pass on to future generations.