Pavarotti Country House

Modena, Italy

• Marketed by Alina Aeby, COMPASS San Francisco

THIS EXCEPTIONAL 10 ACRES  ESTATE WAS BUILT IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY BY A WEALTHY MODENESE FAMILY.  THE FAMOUS OPERA TENOR, LUCIANO PAVAROTTI AND HIS WIFE, ADUA, PURCHASED THE PROPERTY IN 1978 AND MADE IT THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE.

This beautiful, green and spacious estate was built in the late 19th century by a wealthy Modenese family. The famous opera tenor, Luciano Pavarotti and his wife, Adua, purchased the property in 1978 and made it their primary residence after sparing no expense on a careful and meticulous restoration. The 10 acres estate is a centuries-old tree park that contains a 19th-century villa (with a rectangular plan); a large complex of converted farm buildings (part office, part apartments); a service building used as stables, greenhouse and garage. Additionally, there’s an extraordinary, frescoed pavilion, which holds an ancient underground icebox and two cellars beneath it.

The Main Villa
The charming ocher-colored residence retains its original 19th century architectural features characteristic of country houses in the region: a solid, unadorned building graced with a central tower, tall, narrow windows with balconies, and a side entrance formerly used as the main entrance. It boasts approx. 8,700 square feet (808 square meters) on three floors of spacious living space.

The Chalet
The painted chalet lies at the back of the house and on its grounds are the wine cellar and a “caveau”, formerly used for storing food underground before the advent of refrigerators. It features two floors  and approximately 1,400 square feet (130 square meters).

The East Side Building is of generous proportions, being approximately 14,800 square feet (1.376 square meters) on two floors.

Service building/stables: two floors – approx. 2,900 square feet (270 square meters). The stables are located across from the main house, next to a courtyard and they were  converted into office and apartments.

The Grounds
A walnut grove, rows of poplar trees, and a large plot of arable land surround the entire compound, providing an effective barrier that guarantees total privacy from the neighboring buildings and streets. The property is  generously spread on 10 acres/420,000 square feet ( 39,000 square meters).There are two entrances to the property, both equipped with automated gates, one from via Giardini and the other from the small road, Chiesa San Giuliano, which leads to the back of the buildings. The long driveway leading up to the house is lined with graceful poplar trees. The lush grounds that surround the house provide a myriad of walking paths.

Location and accessibility
This well-located estate is in the suburban area of Modena, on a historically significant access road that is essential to the interregional and national connections.

Modena’s historic centre can be reached within minutes by car. The nearby ring road ( a few hundred meters from the property) connects the villa directly with Modena.

Features:

• 10 Acres of private walnut groves, poplar trees, agricultural land and myriad paths
• Main Villa : 8,700 square feet (808 square meters) on three floors of spacious living space
• The Chalet: 1,400 square feet (130 square meters) on two floors; wine cellar and ‘caveau’ underneath
• The East Side Building: 14,800 square feet (1.376 square meters) on two floors
• Service Buildings/Stables: 2,900 square feet (270 square meters)
• The frescoes on the main villa entrance’s hall were painted by Modena interior designer, Bruno Pedretti.  A late 18th century French chandelier hangs from the entrance’s ceilings
• Greenhouse
• Garage
• Built in the 19th century by a wealthy Modenese family
• Modena’s historic centre can be reached within minutes by car. The nearby ring road ( a few hundred meters from the property) connects the villa directly with Modena.
• Modena – the City of Arts, History, Cuisine ( Balsamic Vinegar) and Fast Cars ( Lamborghini, Maserati and Ferrari)
• Modena is in the heart of Italy’s most desirable destinations: Florence( 87 miles) , Venice (124 miles), Como ( 140 miles), Rome (250 miles)