Rare Sottsass-designed Residence With Garden In Empoli

In the hilly countryside of the Empoli area, within a private residential setting, stands an architect-designed villa of 400 sqm arranged over four levels served by an internal lift. Embraced by a private garden of 825 sqm, the residence is the only example of private residential architecture built in Italy by the celebrated architect and designer Ettore Sottsass. The property includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, reception rooms, a cinema room, garage and perimeter loggia, offering striking volumes and avant-garde finishes 30 km from Florence.

The residence's architecture expresses the master's distinctive language, beginning with the arched portal clad in blue mosaic and the pitched roof. The entrance leads into a monumental hall with high ceilings, illuminated by large upper windows. The ground floor features a bright living room, a private study and a first guest bathroom, with floors in fine Impruneta Tuscan terracotta. Linking the different levels of the house vertically is a striking internal staircase that runs diagonally through the structure, alongside the refurbished lift serving every floor.

The sleeping area on the first floor comprises three spacious bedrooms, each with an en-suite private bathroom. On the upper level there is a further principal suite with dressing room and dedicated bathroom, overlooking a covered loggia running around the entire perimeter of the residence. The upper rooms feature wood flooring, independent underfloor heating and a Bang & Olufsen distributed audio system, ensuring excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and open views across the surrounding hills.

The lower-ground floor is arranged for relaxation and the practical management of the residence, housing a spacious TV and cinema room, a sixth guest bathroom and direct access to the garage. Outdoor living is ensured by the private garden of 825 sqm with separate pedestrian and vehicular access. The property also benefits from permitted extensions providing for the construction of an adjoining 120 sqm annex and the installation of a 12x6-metre swimming pool, allowing for further personalisation of the spaces.