Peek Inside Valentino’s Ornate Tuscan Villa, Listed For $13.2M

Set on a private 27-acre estate, the rare 18th-century abode even comes with underground tunnels and a 200-seat stone amphitheater.

Text by

Kathryn M.

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The King of Couture, Valentino Garavani, has officially listed his palatial vacation home located in the quiet Tuscan town of Cetona, Italy.

Known as 'Villa La Vagnola,' the 17,216-square-foot residence is enveloped by a secluded 27-acre estate, containing Italianate gardens and a leafy parkland laid out by landscape architect Paolo Pejrone.

Situated in the medieval town of Cetona, Italy, Villa La Vagnola was built in 1750 and sits on an expansive 27-acre estate. For 33 years, it has served as a retreat for legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani and his lifetime partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

Built in 1750, the 269-year-old property was completely reimagined in the 1980s by Renzo Mongiardino, an acclaimed Italian designer who infused extravagant touches all throughout the home.

Italian designer Renzo Mongiardino revamped the 269-year-old property in the 1980s, enhancing the home's neoclassical and Middle Eastern design detailing.

With many of the ornate designs still intact, including hand-painted murals and marble-tiled floors that, as listing agent Riccardo Romolini describes, "are almost too beautiful to tread upon," walking through the villa is a dream-like experience.

Complete with stenciled ceilings, frescoed walls, and twisted columns, the lavish interior spaces also feature polychrome marble fireplaces, and terra-cotta and marble-tiled floors.

With an abundance of lavish details throughout, the luxurious home houses 15 bedrooms, a number of formal living areas, a game room, gym, sauna, and wine cellar.

Layered with textured fabrics and collected antiques, the living spaces create a feast for the eyes while fully embodying the couple's distinct taste.

Yet, it's not just the exquisite interiors that make Villa La Vagnola one of a kind. Whoever is the lucky buyer will also obtain a unique piece of Italian history, as beneath the property is a maze of underground tunnels and caves covered in stalactites and stalagmites.

Each of the 15 bedroom suites are thoughtfully decorated in different styles.

Additional rarities found throughout the 27-acre estate include a 200-seat stone amphitheater, as well as an ancient Etruscan tomb dating back to 7th-century BC.

A look at one of the elaborate dining areas, offering direct access to the outdoors.

A majestic hand-painted ceiling elevates the regal aesthetic in the upstairs game room.

The legendary fashion designer has owned the property for over 30 years with his lifetime partner, businessman Giancarlo Giammetti. "They would escape here from Rome’s frenetic lifestyle—it was their retreat where they could find peace and silence, and occasionally hold fashion events and parties," notes Romolini.

Filled with floral-covered chairs and sofas, the spacious conservatory features striking stained glass which gorgeously illuminates the room with natural light.

A terrace, located above the conservatory, provides a tranquil place to soak up the sun.

"The setting is ideal—the residence overlooks the sunny main piazza at a walking distance from the cafes and restaurants," adds Romolini. "But at the same time, it is hidden and tucked away far into the Tuscan countryside within a fully fenced piece of fertile land, granting unrivaled privacy."