30 bedrooms villa, 3300 m²

Valenza, Alessandria (province)

The La Voglina estate, situated atop the hill between Valenza and Alessandria, is a residence with a fascinating history and unmatched elegance. The area has been declared a heritage site of "particularly important interest" by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The hill, which extends over more than 25 hectares facing south, is part of a land and agricultural property that for two centuries made La Voglina the largest land estate in the area. Valenza, the town of the estate, is the world capital of high-end and luxury jewelry. Today, with an annual turnover of nearly 3 billion euros and less than 19,000 inhabitants, the city hosts the world's leading luxury jewelry brands, from Bulgari, which has moved its entire global jewelry production to Valenza, to Cartier and Tiffany. Alongside a substantial group of some of the world's finest jewelry artisans, it is indeed known as the city of gold and one of Italy's most important excellence districts. The estate also stands out for its harmonious symbiosis with the surrounding nature. The hills, perfectly south-facing, produced excellent wines like Barbaresco, Barbera, and Aleatico until about 30 years ago. Additionally, the property is known for the spontaneous production of summer black truffles and the famous winter white truffles, which grow in favorable environmental conditions. This rare and exquisite tuber finds a perfect habitat thanks to the symbiosis between the soil and trees. With an internal property area of 3,300 square meters, arranged over various levels, the estate alternates between suite rooms with bathrooms, private lounges, outdoor areas, and a private chapel. There is also a guest house and an entire village-style area to be restored. The property is surrounded by a wonderful centuries-old park embellished with a beautiful Italian garden and woods. The architectural imprint of the great Piedmontese architect Filippo Juvarra contributes to the harmony of the estate, which holds its podium on one of the last gentle hills of Monferrato before the floodplain leading to the gates of Lomellina in Lombardy. The interiors feature sumptuous halls with frescoed vaults and stuccos. Historically, the property was an ancient convent from the 1700s, with the papal consecration of its chapel in 1807 by Cardinal Pius VII, who desired to make it his residence. Over the years, the estate hosted officers of the Austrian troops stationed in Alessandria at the beginning of the 19th century, later replaced by Napoleon's troops, who briefly stayed at the villa during the Battle of Marengo, which took place nearby and forever changed the history of Italy and Europe. The estate has been owned by the family of the current owners since 1820. A well-known English art critic, visiting the property a few years ago, described La Voglina as "the most beautiful house in the world" and challenged anyone to dispute this statement, emphasizing that the innate elegance of this residence is irreplicable and resides in the perfect balance of proportions, emotions, and harmony.