Historical Estate With Italian Garden And Lake North Of Vicenza

Perched on a panoramic plateau, this imposing historical villa is distinguished by its timeless charm and majestic natural setting. The property extends over approximately 11 hectares, including a refined Italian garden, a centuries-old park and a charming private lake. The complex covers an indoor area of approximately 3,000 sqm, offering spacious frescoed rooms, period architectural details and an aristocratic atmosphere. Strategically located, the property is close to the town centre but immersed in absolute tranquillity, perfect for those seeking an exclusive home or a high-level accommodation facility.

Surrounded by a vast private park, the villa enjoys a privileged landscape setting, with manicured gardens, ancient trees and a path leading to the lake. The position chosen for the villa is exceptional and allows a panoramic view of the valley: on one side Monte Cimone and Cengio, on the other Summano and Priaforà. The garden itself has the important task of both beautifying the property and refreshing the environment during the summer heat. The entire property offers a unique atmosphere in which its noble past merges with the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscape. While guaranteeing maximum privacy, the property allows easy access to the area's main attractions. Vicenza and its territory offer a rich artistic and cultural heritage, with Palladian villas, historic towns and renowned food and wine locations.

The history of the property is rooted in the past: the original construction dates back to an ancient medieval fortress, the remains of which can still be seen nearby. The current structure was built in 1752 by Count Girolamo di Velo, son of Giambattista, who transformed it into a noble residence. At the time, the family's properties extended around Velo d'Astico and Arsiero. Count Girolamo, nephew of the uncle of the same name who in 1685 requested the construction of the noble chapel, belonged to a wealthy family that had become rich from the silk trade. His father Giambattista was a deputy, consul, advisor to the King of Denmark and ambassador to Vienna. Girolamo was granted feudal investiture in 1740 and was later appointed Prince of the Olympic Academicians. During his stewardship, the villa underwent a major extension and a series of structural consolidation works, including the reinforcement of the foundations and the construction of an additional residential floor. At the end of the work, the villa consisted of the private residence, the stables, the farmer's house, the portico, the colombara and the adjacent building, which is thought to be the original residence dating back to the end of the 15th century.

This magnificent estate also owes its fame to the writer Antonio Fogazzaro, who placed the home of Daniele Cortis, the protagonist of the 1885 novel of the same name, in this very villa. Famous is the presence of the broken column, which is mentioned several times in the novel as a symbol of the broken love between Daniele and his cousin Elena. The red marble column, which still stands in the garden of the villa, was recovered from the Baths of Caracalla in Rome by Girolamo Egidio di Velo, son of Girolamo Giuseppe. Originally from Egypt, the column was first placed in the park and later moved to the garden in front of the central palace. The count was a Palladian enthusiast and excavated in Rome between 1824 and 1827. The materials found in the excavation were first taken to Velo d'Astico and later donated to the Municipality of Vicenza. 

The architectural ensemble, which could return to its ancient splendour thanks to a renovation project, is composed of three buildings that harmoniously complement each other: the 15th-century main body with Gothic and Renaissance references, the elegant 18th-century wing with the barchessa and the colombara, and an Italian-style garden enriched by a scenographic fountain. Among the improvements desired by Count Girolamo are the reinforcement of the load-bearing structures and the addition of a storey to the residential dwelling. The stucco work, ceilings, floors and some frescoes were also commissioned by the Count, giving the interior an aura of extraordinary elegance and refinement.

The interior of the villa is on three levels, with large reception rooms, ceilings decorated with stuccoes and frescoes attributed to Pietro Moro, and striking original architectural elements. One wing of the villa, now used for events and receptions, has already been renovated, with a new electrical system, restored stucco work and exposed beams. The spaces, rich in period details, offer an exclusive and refined atmosphere. 

The exterior of the property is an authentic landscape masterpiece. The Italian garden, attributed to the architect Negrin, introduces the villa with its geometric paths and a splendid fountain. A tree-lined avenue crosses the private woodland and leads to the pond, creating an evocative and relaxing path. The entire estate extends over 11 hectares, guaranteeing absolute privacy and an authentic connection with nature. 

This estate is a unique opportunity for those who desire a prestigious residence or intend to invest in the creation of a luxury boutique hotel, a location for exclusive events or a charming accommodation facility with an important history behind it. Buying this villa means investing in an authentic historical jewel, in a context of rare beauty, where art, culture and nature are harmoniously blended together.