Villa Casa dell'Olio di Oliva is an exquisitely decorated and furnished luxuriously-restored late 18th-century casa padronale (4200SF) set in very beautiful walled gardens within a forty-acre olive and wine estate on its own hilltop just ten minutes from Lucca: awesome panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and olive groves to majestic undulating hills and, in the distance, a glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The property is located off a very quiet country lane: automatic gates open onto a long olive tree-flanked drive leading past lawns and flowering bushes to a parking area discretely located out of sight of the villa; a short walk to the front porch where ancient Tuscan terracotta pots enhance the beautiful faade.

The imposing front door opens into a large and elegant hall (400SF) with commanding views over the countryside towards Pisa: library with Italian history, art, and travel books.

At the far end of the hall to the right, en-suite double bedroom with king-size bed, desk, fax, and internet area leading to a working artists luminous studio with cathedral ceiling, desk and internet area; to the left, en-suite double bedroom with king-size bed, fireplace, stereo and steps up to a large bathroom with twin vanities, a foot-and-claw bath, and a double shower.

Stairs from the entry level to the upper floor: a spacious hallway; double bedroom (twin or king) with exposed painted beams and en-suite shower bathroom; larger double bedroom with king-size bed, a full bathroom and separate shower.

All bedrooms are around 250-300SF and have expansive, state-of-the-art, marble bathrooms with white, retro-style porcelain vanities, lovely tiles, cotta floors, and exposed beams.

Stairs from the hall lead down to the kitchen at one end of a gorgeous ground floor open-plan living area (1400sf) in three sections: long sitting area-games room with a very lovely 16th-century fireplace, triple sofas and big-screen cable TV; formal dining room (300sf) with double French windows to the terrace; very beautiful contemporary kitchen with marble surfaces, antique dining table, American fridge, five-ring oven, and double French windows to the terrace.

Off the sitting area, bedroom with a queen-size bed, fireplace, and garden access; independent shower bathroom that can be linked to the bedroom to create an independent enclave. Steps up to the studio.

The décor is the epitome of contemporary Italian good taste with old-style terracotta floors, hand stuccoed walls in various pastel colours, Tuscan ceilings with the beautiful exposed chestnut beams as well as a host of decorative refinements including the use of Brazilian tiles.

The furnishings are an inspired blend of the finest quality modern and original antique pieces; fine rugs and curtains, mirrors and wall lights, giant vases, elegant lamps, antique etchings, old botanical prints, and objets d'art as well as fine collectables all combining to create an absolutely wonderful atmosphere with light, colour and beauty everywhere.

The villa is superbly equipped with very good quality dinnerware, cutlery and glasses as well as fine household linen and bathrobes; central hearing; central air conditioning on the upper floor and units in the other bedrooms; CD and DVD player, stereo system, barbecue, teak garden furniture, and good alarm system.

The walled gardens are particularly beautiful and immaculately maintained: lawns, flower beds, rock gardens, olive trees, flowering bushes, a rose-bedecked old well, a traditional pizza oven, low hedges, pathways and lavender beds all combine to create a haven of peace and beauty; orchard; and vegetable garden.

Outside areas: magnificent covered dining terrace with marble dining table for ten; expansive seating area under a vine-covered pergola with splendid views over the pool and on to the surrounding hills; at a slightly lower level, superb, 58ft x 18ft, all round perpetual overflow mosaic swimming pool with shallow entry and 180-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

The villa is fully-staffed with full-time, non-resident housekeeper and a part-time, very talented, non-resident chef.

Lucca is a fifteen-minute drive and the chic Versilian Riviera resort of Forte dei Marmi with its boutiques, cafés, and elegant beach clubs is just a 30-minute drive; Florence, Greve in Chianti, San Gimignano, and Siena are all within 90 minutes drive; the world-famous Cinque Terra villages can easily be visited.

Pisa international airport with daily flights from New York and London is about half an hours drive: very convenient for American, European and Asian clients.

Villa Casa dell'Olio di Oliva is a world-class home created by a retired businessman, aesthete, and garden enthusiast with his talented artist wife--just perfect for a large family seeking total peace and absolute privacy in extremely elegant and comfortable surroundings within easy reach of a village, the many charms of Lucca, the exuberant beach style of Forte dei Marmi, and the many treasures of Tuscany.