Villa Contrada
Description
The splendid parkland surrounding this historic villa Contrada may offer a clue to its origins.
Dating back 1,000 years this grandiose Tuscan villa was once a boar hunting lodge. The main part of the villa was fashioned in the 18th-century by Count Cosimo Bernardini as an elegant, aristocratic retreat. Fully restored, it remains exactly that today. It even retains his name: Borgo Bernardini.
Villa Contrada carefully integrates its heritage with contemporary comforts and timeless style. The original stone chapel is now a luxurious bedroom, overlooking the swimming pool and lemon tree-filled courtyard. Other bedrooms centre around a 17th-century fountain. Add in en suites with Jacuzzis and trellised frescoes and you’ll appreciate how Borgo Bernardini rolls.
In all there are 12 individually styled suites. These offer warm colours, terracotta floors and wood beamed ceilings. Reception rooms include a wine library, a billiard room, a music room, a grand banquet room and several comfortable sitting rooms. If you haven’t tired yourself out exploring all of these there’s a gym as well.
The spacious grounds are crammed full of features to discover on lazy strolls. Ornamental ponds, antique fountains, calm courtyards and Italian gardens are offset exquisitely by the Tuscan backdrop of Lucchese hills, olive groves and the walled city of Lucca.
Villa Contrada is a retreat that offers all the aristocratic grace of years gone past with the contemporary comforts today’s discerning traveller demands. It’s unique and exclusive. It could well be the ultimate Tuscan villa.
Enhance Your Stay
At Villa Contrada, we offer a variety of personalized services designed to elevate your experience and make every moment unforgettable. Explore our exclusive concierge offerings:
Pre-Arrival Grocery Shopping: Arrive to a fully stocked kitchen with your preferred items, allowing you to settle in seamlessly and enjoy your first meal without any hassle.
Private Chef and Custom Meals: Savor gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, tailored to your taste and dietary preferences. From intimate dinners to family feasts, every dish is crafted to perfection.
Curated Excursions and Activities: Discover the best of Tuscany with private tours, sunset yacht cruises, and other custom experiences designed just for you.
Each service can be arranged by our dedicated concierge team to enhance your stay with thoughtful, memorable touches. Let us know how we can tailor your time at Villa Contrada to be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Staying at Villa Contrada offers a wealth of experiences that blend luxury, history, and the natural beauty of Tuscany. Here are some memorable activities to consider during your stay:
Stroll Through the Historic Grounds
- Discover the Past: Explore the splendid parkland and imagine the villa’s origins as a boar hunting lodge from over a thousand years ago. The Italian gardens, antique fountains, and calm courtyards add a sense of serenity and grandeur.
- Enjoy the Olive Groves and Lucchese Hills: Walk through the olive groves and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Lucchese hills, creating the perfect backdrop for a peaceful stroll.
Indulge in Wine Tastings in the Villa’s Wine Library
- Savor Local Tuscan Wines: Spend an evening sampling some of Tuscany’s finest wines in the villa’s private wine library. A guided tasting can offer insights into the local vineyards and the region’s rich wine heritage.
Take a Dip in the Pool and Relax in the Courtyard
- Poolside Relaxation: Enjoy leisurely afternoons by the pool, surrounded by lemon trees and the tranquility of the 17th-century fountain. This beautiful setting is ideal for lounging with a book or soaking up the Tuscan sun.
- Private Jacuzzis: Unwind in en suite Jacuzzis, perfect for a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Enjoy a Game in the Billiard Room or a Music Session
- Billiards and Music: Challenge friends or family to a game in the villa’s elegant billiard room, or head to the music room for a session on the piano. These spaces invite you to unwind and enjoy the villa’s opulent charm.
- Gather in the Banquet Room: Host an unforgettable meal in the grand banquet room, where you can arrange a catered Tuscan feast or intimate family gathering.
Work Out in the On-Site Gym
- Stay Active: Keep up with your fitness routine in the villa’s private gym, offering you a convenient way to stay energized during your retreat.
Explore the Nearby Walled City of Lucca
- Historic Exploration: Just a short drive away, Lucca offers cobblestone streets, Renaissance walls, and vibrant piazzas. Wander through its historic streets, visit iconic sites like the Guinigi Tower, and sample the city’s renowned local cuisine.
- Biking on the City Walls: Rent bikes and cycle along Lucca’s walls—a unique way to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Arrange a Private Cooking Class or Chef Dinner
- Tuscan Culinary Experiences: Learn the secrets of Italian cooking with a private chef-led class, or enjoy an authentic Italian meal prepared on-site, featuring local ingredients and traditional Tuscan flavors.
Meditate or Relax in the Stone Chapel
- Serenity in a Historic Setting: The villa’s original stone chapel, now a luxurious bedroom, offers a unique place for meditation or quiet reflection. Its views over the pool and courtyard create a peaceful atmosphere.
Capture Photos of the Villa and Gardens
- Photographic Moments: The villa’s picturesque architecture, lush gardens, and historic features make it a dream location for photography. Capture memories of your stay with stunning backdrops of Italian elegance.
Plan Day Trips to Nearby Tuscan Highlights
- Tuscan Wine Tours: Arrange for private vineyard tours in the nearby Chianti region or Montecarlo for a full immersion into Tuscany’s wine culture.
- Visit Pisa and Florence: Explore nearby cities like Pisa with its iconic leaning tower or Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, both of which are within a comfortable driving distance.
Villa Contrada is a rare blend of aristocratic charm and modern luxury, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of Tuscany. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet day by the pool or venturing into nearby towns, every experience at Villa Contrada promises to be unforgettable
CIN IT046007B4OJAKTUA2
LEARN MORE Taste of Tuscany: A Culinary Journey
Availability
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Food Policy-> Daily Chef + waiters service for preparation of breakfast and one meal (lunch or dinner) 6 days a week (Wednesday day off):
Italian Continental breakfast= 15€ per person. The breakfast will be composed by: traditional food hand made by the chef, eggs and bacon, cold cuts, cheese, fresh fruits, fresh mozzarella, tomato, cereals, biscuits, jam, Nutella, peanut butter, fresh juices, yogurt water, soft drinks, coffee and we are always open to requests made by the guest.
Classic Menu= 45€ per person and composed by: starter, main course , dessert hands made by the chef, water soft drinks and 1 bottle of wine every 4 pax (this menu can be either fish or meat)
Deluxe Italian Menu=55€ per person and composed by: starter, first course, second course with side dish, dessert hand made by the chef, water soft drinks and 1 bottle of wine every 4 pax (this menu can be either fish or meat)
Buffet Italiano= 55€ per person and composed by: 2 starters, 2 first course, 1 second course with side dish, dessert hand made by the chef, water soft drinks and 1 bottle of wine every 4 pax (this menu can be either fish or meat)
