Villa Libellula

Villa Libellula is a striking piece of contemporary architecture on the first hills above Lucca in Tuscany, about 200 metres above the city and roughly ten minutes away from it.

The estate covers 10 hectares of olive groves and woodland and comprises a main villa and a guesthouse, 525 square metres in all, with six bedrooms, five bathrooms and room for up to 14 guests. It is a natural fit for families and groups with an eye for design.

Created by two architects who are also artists and designers, the house rests on white marble rock and feels bright and transparent within its landscape.

Large iron shutters give shade in summer and let in more light in winter, a bold red staircase forms the centrepiece of the interior, and sculptures by the owner are placed inside and out.

Its most unusual feature is a hydraulic roof described as the first of its kind in the world: four wings totalling 170 square metres open to a 30-degree angle like a butterfly, cooling the house naturally and letting you sleep beneath the stars.

The National Geographic Channel chose it as one of the most ecological and exceptional homes in Italy.

The main villa has a master suite with a 180 cm bed, TV, opening roof and a bathroom with sunken tub and walk-in shower, plus two double bedrooms sharing a bathroom and a sofa bed.

The guesthouse holds two double bedrooms with a shared bathroom, one with a private terrace, and a master suite with opening roof, a separate room with sofa bed and its own bathroom.

20 metres deep, with a 16-metre swimming lane, and from the villa the view takes in the whole of Lucca and its walls. Daily maid service, a concierge and a chef for breakfast and one main meal are available, and a helicopter landing area can be arranged on request.

A villa with private pool near Lucca for those who value architecture as much as the view.