Imagine walking through centuries of European history, crossing a gate and entering the elegance of an era that shaped the continent: this is Carolina Bonaparte’s historic mansion. Just minutes from Lucca’s Renaissance walls, this royal residence holds five centuries of European heritage. Nestled among rolling hills and overlooking the timeless beauty of Lucca, the mansion blends aristocratic memory with contemporary luxury.
Here lived Carolina Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon and Queen of Naples, a woman of charisma and vision who left her mark on history and on this villa, turning it into a symbol of refinement and prestige.
“The villa of Carolina Bonaparte is far more than a historic residence: it is an irreplaceable cultural and artistic asset, destined for collectors, family offices, investors, and hospitality operators seeking a unique property in terms of prestige and potential.” – Andrea Busoni, General Manager at Dreamer Real Estate.
Carolina Bonaparte: The Queen Who Chose Lucca
Carolina was a queen and a passionate art collector, a woman of taste who transformed this Lucchese villa into an aristocratic retreat of absolute prestige. Between 1836 and 1839, she spent the last years of her life here, bringing with her artworks, furnishings, and precious textiles that still enrich the villa today.
This mansion is a direct connection to Europe’s cultural heritage. An extraordinary legacy where every room tells the story of 18th-century courts and the charm of a royal past.
Discover the regal charm of the 16th-century Villa of Carolina Bonaparte in Lucca.
One of the Grandest 18th-Century Country Villa in Lucca
When Carolina Bonaparte, widow of Joachim Murat, acquired the property in 1836, she chose this mansion for its noble grandeur and refined cultural context. Originating in the 16th century, it had been transformed by the Orsucci family in the 18th century into a monumental country villa, rivaling the city palaces of Lucca.
In this aristocratic and discreet city, Carolina found the perfect balance between her royal heritage and the beauty of Tuscany. The villa soon became one of the most imposing country villas in Lucca, enriched with tapestries, artworks, and fine décor. Today is a living testimony to the greatness of the Bonaparte legacy.
After her passing, the mansion remained a landmark for Italian aristocracy, passing into the hands of illustrious families such as the Tossizza and the Zanardi Prosperi marquises. Each era left its mark, shaping the villa into a document of European history, where art, nature, and heritage coexist in perfect harmony.
Napoleon’s Sister Historic Villa in Lucca
The Bonapartes’ Villa Interiors: A Stage for European Magnificence
The luxury property in Lucca extends over 3,200 sqm in total:
- approx. 2,500 sqm for the main villa across three levels;
- plus 700 sqm across guesthouses and service buildings.
Its heart is the grand double-height hall, the largest in Lucca, with stuccoes by Sebastiano Puccini and two monumental paintings by Pier Dandini: The Battle of Ponte Milvio and The Rape of the Sabines.
This villa preserves the famous silk Red Room, the original kitchens, and the upper floor, in need of renovation, offering spaces for modern reinterpretation without compromising its soul. The façade, with its rusticated pilasters, Guamo stone cornices, and a scenographic double staircase, reflects the classic layout of 18th-century villas, with Filippo Juvarra’s influence evident in the garden’s monumental entrance.
Secret Gardens and Luxury Outdoor Spaces: 18th-Century Settings
The six-hectare landscaped park of Carolina Bonaparte’s villa is a masterpiece of Tuscan garden art: gravel paths, sculpted box hedges, terracotta statues, and centuries-old trees. The property also includes:
- a guesthouse with 5 independent suites;
- a private 18th-century chapel;
- the restored 200 sqm Limonaia, ideal for events and exhibitions.
2 panoramic swimming pools, spacious lounge areas, a gazebo, and a hot tub create an exclusive outdoor lifestyle. Already authorized projects open the possibility for a wellness area, a third infinity pool, or even a private helipad, making the mansion ready for contemporary luxury living.
“The feeling of crossing the threshold of this residence is unique: the silence of the park, the light filtering through the grand windows, the frescoes narrating centuries of life. It is not just a villa, it is a journey through European memory, a place that welcomes and envelops you with its extraordinary energy.” – concludes Andrea Busoni.
Step into the world of the Bonaparte mansion: explore the gallery and book your private visit with Dreamer Real Estate.
The Bonaparte Legacy in Lucca: A Prime Location for Investment in Tuscany
The villa’s location adds to its prestige. Nestled in the quiet of Lucca’s hills, just minutes from the historic city center and within easy reach of Pisa, Florence, and the Versilia coast. A perfect blend of privacy and international connectivity, ideal for those seeking a luxury residence, a high-value real estate investment, or opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Lucca is among the most sought-after markets for luxury homebuyers in Italy, with the province holding the country’s highest concentration of premium properties in the €1-3M range. International demand for historic villas is rising steadily, making this royal mansion not only a lifestyle purchase but also a strategic long-term investment. Read here Historic Homes for Sale: The Mansions of History’s Most Illustrious Figures.
Luxury and Heritage: The Ultimate Royal Villa Investment in Lucca
Stepping into Carolina Bonaparte’s villa means experiencing centuries of art, aristocracy, and European history. Every room, every garden, every architectural detail recounts the life of a queen, the grandeur of an era, and the timeless harmony of Tuscany.
