I was invited to visit a beautiful palazzo in Ghivizzano, an ancient village not far from Bagni di Lucca. Palazzo Buonvisi is set into the medieval wall on the edge of the village.

Like all old buildings in the area it has an interesting past. It eventually came into the hands of the Nuti family the 16th century. They changed it from a fortified palace into a hunting lodge. In 1648 through a marriage between the Nuti and Buonvisi families the building doubled in size.

After a time it became a boarding school for girls at the behest of Monsignor Camilli who was born in Ghivizzano. He later became Bishop of Fiesole.

The ownership of the palazzo finally returned to the descendents of the Buonvisi family who have restored the beauty of the building.

After entering the portico into Ghivizzano, to the right is a tunnel on the inside of the wall.

A little further on is the entrance to the Palazzo Buonvisi.

There is a small courtyard in front of the palazzo.

The interior of the house takes the viewer back in time. Much of the furnishing and decoration is centuries old and in remarkable condition.

The bedrooms…

The bathrooms have stunning marble basins. The showers and plumbing are modern…which is a good thing.

The kitchen is fabulous, what a great place to have breakfast.

There is a tiny chapel behind doors.

There are beautiful sitting and dining rooms.

When layers of paint were scraped off some old doors the original decoration was revealed.

On the bottom floor, down stone stairs, is a spa with a sauna, jacuzzi and showers.

Across the road in front of the palazzo is a stunning walled garden with a pool, old well and a kitchen. I love the sculptures tucked into the trees.

The views from the house are gorgeous.

Stunning Palazzo Buonvisi is now available for rent…what a fabulous place to stay and experience the past glory of Italy with modern comforts!

Palazza Buonvisi…http://www.palazzobuonvisi.com