Rare Sottsass-designed Residence With Garden In Empoli

Set in the hilly countryside of the Empoli area, within a private residential setting, stands a 400 sqm designer villa arranged over four levels served by an internal lift. Surrounded by a private garden of 825 sqm, the residence is the only example of private residential architecture created 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 dramatic 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 entrance hall with high ceilings, illuminated by large upper windows. The ground floor comprises a bright living room, a private study and a first guest bathroom, finished with fine Impruneta Tuscan terracotta flooring. Connecting the house's various levels vertically is a dramatic internal staircase that crosses the structure diagonally, alongside the refurbished lift serving every floor.

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

The basement level is arranged for relaxation and the functional 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 both pedestrian and vehicular access. The property also benefits from permitted extensions allowing for the construction of an adjoining 120 sqm annexe and the addition of a 12x6 metre swimming pool, enabling further personalisation of the spaces.