Villa Farfalla

Architect Michel Boucquillon Designs a Lair Worthy of Bond

This exceptional property looks like it belongs in a Bond movie. Built into the side of a mountain with spectacular views overlooking the town of Lucca, it is a masterpiece of design. With the marble of the rock face incorporated into the interior design, a remarkable retractable roof, and an infinity pool that's as sculptural as the works of art inside the house, this villa for rent in Lucca designed by celebrated architect Michel Boucquillon is one for the bucket list.

There is so much to love about this Italian luxury villa. Carved out of the side of a mountain, it is a vision of bold design, with abundant light, cool art and exposed marble walls. The property consists of two buildings - the main house and the guest house. Both are built out of stone, with strong lines and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow light to flood in. Unless you use the dramatic iron shutters to block the light out.

Please note that a new annex, Villetta Farfallina, has been added to this home. They are rented as one property during high season (mid-July through early September), and for the rest of the year only Villetta Farfallina is available for rentals.

The villa has been designed over three levels. The main level is an open living room with fireplace, dining room and kitchen. There is also a bedroom with private access to the pool terrace area. The upper level has four bedrooms. The guest house is also composed of three levels, with a ground-floor master bedroom and terrace, a main level with living room with kitchen, dining room, dressing room, private terrace and outdoor whirlpool tub. The upper level is a large master with bathroom, dressing room and a sitting room.

The infinity pool wraps around the mountainside and slips gently over its edge. Elegant modern sculptures by Donia Maaoui dot the property, the most remarkable of which is the red and white staircase spiraling from the ground to the second floor like a long evening gown. The house features stone both on the exterior and in the interior, with shower walls hewn out of marble, polished floors and cool stone stairs leading from the ground level to the living area. 

But perhaps the most remarkable feature is the hydraulic roof, which opens the main house to the sky above as if it were taking flight. Quite an experience at night, under a starry sky. 

The villa was chosen as one of the most ecological and exceptional homes in Italy by National Geographic Channel.

LUCCA

Lucca, founded by the Etruscans and colonized by the Romans, is one of the most charming of the art cities of Tuscany. It's a great town to explore as it's small enough to wander by foot, and its unusually well-preserved city walls have been converted into a promenade. 

Architectural sights to enjoy are the Duomo of San Martino and the Church of San Frediano, as well as the Palazzo Pubblico, which houses a fine collection of paintings and illuminated manuscripts. Lucca is also home to a number of annual festivals, most famously the Festa della Esaltazione della Santa Croce on 13 September each year.

LOCATION

Lucca, Italy. Nearest airport: Pisa (18km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The main house is available from June 25 to September 3. The annex is available year-round.