One among Italy’s most iconic properties, Villa Certosa on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast, is now up on the market marking the top of period — and for a mighty worth, in addition.
This sprawling Mediterranean unfold, as soon as the playground for the late Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his world chief company, is now being supplied to potential consumers for a staggering $538 million, in keeping with a report within the Monetary Occasions. The itemizing itself is hush-hush and being dealt with privately with no public promoting.
The attract of Villa Certosa extends past its opulent facilities, which embrace 68 rooms, a lagoon and a Grecian-style amphitheater — all unfold throughout 271 acres.
It additionally homes historical past, serving as a backdrop for Berlusconi’s extravagant soirées and diplomatic gatherings.
“I’ve by no means had a night just like the one I had in Sardinia,” stated Cherie Blair, recalling her 2004 go to to Villa Certosa together with her husband. “Fireworks lit up the phrases ‘Viva Tony,’ and all of us sang ‘Summertime’ collectively.”
Berlusconi, identified for his flamboyant way of life and charismatic persona, spared no expense in remodeling Villa Certosa right into a haven for high-profile company.
The villa’s pièce de résistance: a secret tunnel accessible solely by boat that added an air of mystique to the property. The tunnel alone reportedly price $400 million to construct. As soon as inside, guests disembarked right into a cave earlier than ascending through a elevate to the hilltop residence.
Over time, Villa Certosa performed host to an array of world leaders, together with American President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nevertheless, its status was not with out controversy, with whispers of scandal sometimes tarnishing its illustrious façade.
Whereas Berlusconi’s Villa San Martino in Milan gained infamy for its purported “bunga bunga” events, Villa Certosa confronted its personal share of scrutiny when images surfaced of Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek in a compromising place throughout a go to.
Regardless of periodic rumors of its sale, Berlusconi vehemently denied any intentions to half with Villa Certosa. Nevertheless, following his passing in June 2023, his 5 youngsters — the inheritors of his huge property — have determined to relinquish possession of the storied property.
Villa Certosa’s itemizing comes amid a flurry of high-profile properties hitting the market, together with the Rome property of the Gucci heirs