VILLA MICHAELA (FORMERLY VILLA NOTTOLINI)

Immersed in 50 acres of olive groves, hills and pine-covered gardens, Villa Michaela is an 18th-century Villa and boutique retreat in the charming village of Vorno, near Lucca. It is possible to stay at this historical residence (for a minimum stay of three nights), and it is the perfect location for weddings, tailor-made lunches, dinners and corporate events. Villa Michaela is a luxurious Tuscan retreat unlike any other. A 10-minute drive from Lucca, 30 minutes from Pisa airport and an hour from Florence, it is perfectly positioned at the centre of the birthplace of the Renaissance. The heritage, assets and sheer beauty of Villa Michaela, all nestled in the heart of Tuscany, will add a magical touch to your plans, whatever they may be.

THE HISTORY OF VILLA MICHAELA

Villa Michaela, formerly Villa Nottolini and owned by the Rhode family, is situated at the foot of Mount Zano, a short distance from the 'pieve' parish church of Vorno. The building has three floors and a basement. The original construction dates back to the 15th century, but over the years it has seen many changes and the current appearance of the Villa is that of the early 1800s when it was purchased by the Nottolini family. The main façade faces north, presenting a grand doorway with stone lintels and frames. There is also a similar entrance on the south side of the building, where the flower garden is located, featuring a pond, flower beds, rose gardens, pathways and pergolas.

The estate also includes other buildings, such as the Limonaia, where lemon trees were stored every winter, which is now a beautifully decorated fully serviced kitchen that is often used for cooking lessons and demonstrations, the Stables, where our wine cellar and tasting room is located and the 'Chapel of the Annunciation', now consecrated for Anglican wedding ceremonies, which is of great historical and artistic interest. The chapel dates back to the 18th century. The Annunziata has been owned over the years by several different families; the Giglis, the Macariuis, the Simibaldis, the Carbolanes and the Lucchesinin. In the early 18th century, it passed into the hands of the Nottolini family, who fully restored the residence and rebuilt the chapel as a public place of worship between 1860 and 1870. Services were held here every Sunday, and until the 17th century, it even had its own priest.

Every year on 25 March, a great celebration was held with processions of lights and food distributed to the poor of Vorno. The chapel has a beautiful neo-Classical façade, with an arch at the top of the edifice depicting floral motifs and the Annunciation. It is accessed via a driveway that was built in 1910 after the old Valle road which used to pass directly in front of the Annunziata was privatised by the Capannori town council. During the last century, Villa Michaela was owned by the Basttanani, Ciurlani and Rossi families. The current owners have extensively restored the Villa and all its frescoes, transforming it into a modern and luxurious property without compromising its original beauty.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES AT VILLA MICHAELA

Villa Michaela is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable holiday in the midst of the Tuscan countryside. It is also possible to rent the villa for private events and weddings.