luxury villa with terrace for sale Lessona, Italy

We present a prestigious historic villa located among the hills of Biella. Built in the 1880s in Art Nouveau style and restored in the 1920s by architect Chevalley, the villa still preserves many original furnishings, creating an atmosphere that recalls past eras.For a long time, this villa was an important meeting place for intellectuals and prominent political figures of the 20th century, frequented by distinguished writers and personalities such as Giulio Einaudi, Norberto Bobbio, Cesare Pavese, Augusto Monti, Leone Ginzburg, Pirandello, Montale, Levi, and the owner himself, Franco Antonicelli.A majestic double staircase leads to the main entrance of the villa, known as the Poets' Room, adorned with refined French stucco decorations, opening into four themed rooms: the Billiard Room, the Tea Room, the Dining Room, and the Games Room. At the center of the villa is the grand ballroom, from which a magnificent marble staircase leads to the upper floor, where the elegant bedrooms are located, furnished with exquisite period pieces, alongside the library and the gallery.The villa boasts 13 bedrooms, including several charming suites and spacious bathrooms enhanced with elegant marble finishes.The residence also includes numerous service areas, a study, a pantry, and other rooms distinguished by luxurious details such as frescoed ceilings, large windows with views over the park, original fine wooden floors, and several functional marble fireplaces.Completing the property is a guest annex of approximately 200 m² and a sophisticated two-level orangery, with a total area of approximately 500 m², ideal for accommodation use.The property is surrounded by tall stone walls ensuring maximum privacy and enjoys a splendid centuries-old park with the scenic backdrop of the Biella Prealps.Designed in 1910 by the renowned Biella nurseryman De Bois, the park is a landscape masterpiece and includes an Italian-style garden with boxwood hedges and ancient roses, along with a rich variety of Mediterranean shrubs and plants. The villa and park frequently host artworks by internationally acclaimed artists, including a recent sculpture by renowned local artist Michelangelo Pistoletto.This villa offers privacy and tranquility while being only a few kilometers from the city center and about an hour from the famed Mont Blanc ski area.Biella is a picturesque city in Piedmont located at the foothills of the Alps, known for its historic textile tradition and high-quality wool fabrics produced by internationally renowned companies. The city is divided into two main parts, Biella Piano and Biella Piazzo, and boasts a charming medieval historic center, with period buildings such as Palazzo La Marmora and the Church of San Sebastiano.In terms of natural beauty, Biella is surrounded by alpine landscapes that offer numerous hiking and outdoor activity opportunities. Among the main attractions is the Oropa Sanctuary, a significant Marian pilgrimage site and UNESCO heritage location, set in a breathtaking mountain setting. Nearby, the Burcina Park and small villages provide additional exploration opportunities.Distances:Milan Malpensa Airport - 97 kmMilan Linate Airport - 119 kmCourmayeur - 117 kmSestriere - 174 kmMilan - 100 kmTurin - 77 km

Historic villa overlooking Lake Orta (NO) with park, outbuilding, and private dock In the splendid and secluded setting of Lake Orta, considered one of Italy's most romantic lakes, we offer for sale a majestic historic villa directly overlooking the lake, immersed in a large private park that slopes gently towards the water.A one-of-a-kind property, where period charm blends with the timeless atmosphere of the lake, creating a place of rare beauty and tranquility.The main villa, of approximately 380 m2, is spread over several levels:Ground floor: An elegant entrance hall welcomes you, followed by a double living room with a dining room, offering breathtaking views of Lake Orta, providing a relaxing backdrop, and a guest bathroom. First floor: A dramatic internal staircase leads to the upper floor, where you'll find another living room with access to a stunning terrace with panoramic lake views, an eat-in kitchen, and a second bathroom. Second floor: The sleeping area features three spacious double bedrooms, one with a balcony, and a third bathroom with a window.The bright interiors retain original period details: high, ornate ceilings, large panoramic windows, wood and antique terrazzo floors, stone fireplaces, and lakeside terraces offering spectacular views of San Giulio Island and the surrounding landscape.The spacious and well-organized spaces lend themselves both to a representative private residence and to an exclusive hospitality project.The property also includes several independent units that complement the elegance and functionality of the complex:an annex of approximately 65 square meters, perfect for guests or staff; a covered dock with a small apartment above of approximately 40 square meters, allowing you to fully experience the lake and nautical activities; a detached lakeside house of approximately 67 square meters, a true gem with a private terrace overlooking the water, ideal for relaxing moments or hosting friends; two independent apartments, for a total of approximately 300 square meters, which can be used for hospitality, a studio, or additional independent residences.The large, well-kept garden frames the villa with centuries-old trees, flower-lined paths, and picturesque views of the lake, offering complete privacy and tranquility.Every corner of this home tells a story, with a discreet elegance reminiscent of the great historic Italian residences.The location is absolutely excellent: the property is located approximately 3 km from the centre of Orta San Giulio, reachable in a few minutes by car, and 15 km from the Borgomanero motorway exit (A26 Genova-Gravellona Toce), which quickly connects to the national motorway network.Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes, while Novara is approximately 40 km away.A unique residence, where history, elegance, and nature meet in perfect harmony: the ideal choice for those wishing to live or invest in one of Piedmont's most charming and authentic locations, with direct lake access and unparalleled panoramic views.