Hidden amidst the Lombardy countryside just five kilometers from Milan’s bustling heart lies Valera di Sotto. A true hidden gem it is. This isn’t just any villa. Valera di Sotto is a mid-eighteenth-century masterpiece. It boasts a completely enclosed park. The park is vast and beautiful. Imagine strolling through its 10 hectares of manicured lawns. Picture yourself admiring rare ancient trees. Feel the cool shade of its vast expanse.
Valera di Sotto is more than just a pretty face. Its history whispers tales of elegance and refined living. The main villa is a beautiful example of Lombard architecture. The central structure is stunning. It’s flanked by greenhouses and rustic outbuildings. Note the characteristic H-shaped layout. This unique design surrounds a tranquil inner courtyard. Ancient lemon trees are planted in antique vases.
The south-facing wing was designed for grand receptions. Many eighteenth-century rooms open onto a breathtaking Italian garden. This garden is a formal paradise. Four large lawns are bordered by boxwood hedges and Ticino gravel. A central fountain plays delightfully. More antique vases filled with citrus trees add to the beauty.
A stunning hornbeam-lined gallery runs along the southern wing. It leads to a captivating Moorish-style Coffee House. This unique structure is decorated with exquisite pebble mosaics. The gallery itself is quite long. It measures a hundred meters. An imposing gate interrupts the gallery. Four statued columns support this magnificent gate. The gate marks the entrance to the park. The park is the result of centuries of painstaking gardening.
Adjacent to the park and the Italian garden sits the Limonaia. This rustic building served as a winter shelter for lemon trees. It’s now used as a dining room. The Limonaia is an exceptionally bright space. High ceilings feature original chestnut beams. Many windows face south. They offer a delightful view of the Italian garden. The Limonaia is a perfect example of how the past and present blend beautifully at Valera di Sotto. The villa truly is a testament to the enduring charm of the Lombard countryside. Valera di Sotto is a place of tranquility and beauty. It’s a welcome escape from the urban chaos. Enjoy the moment. Soak it in. You’ll never forget your time here at Valera di Sotto.