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So many things in life are too special for anyone to put a price on them - but some dreams can be bought... if you can afford them. Couture legend Valentino and his partner's Tuscan getaway is up for sale; let us give you a quick tour.

One of the newest properties on this expensive block - an "important country estate" in the heart of Tuscany (of which a considerable share, all 11 hectares, is included), nested in the hills of Cetona in the Siena area. Peeking at upmarket properties is one of our favourite spectator sports but this is something of a Haute Couture special of a Cribs episode; the owners of this dainty property are none other than Giancarlo Giammetti and his famous partner in crime Valentino Garavani. You would presume such a pair would have superior tastes and anyone familiar with Matt Tyrnauer's brilliant documentary would have realised the extent of that statement.

 

Sotheby's Italian estates site casually mentions the 11 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms; the sauna, gym and pool; the secondary houses for entertainment purposes, may it be Swiss or Turkish; the 11 hectares of grounds complete with the mandatory grottoes and 200-seat amphitheatre. Did you say humble?

Why would anyone ever part from such an idyllic-sounding piece of dream? It makes a lot more sense if you consider the extent and variety of the Valentino estate, from the many extravagant little pied-à-terres to his very own castle just outside Paris; would any less do for such a prime example of fashion royalty?

Need more convincing? Think of the house's past and heritage: we don't necessarily mean the fact it was built back in the 18th century but rather that it has welcomed quite a few A-listers over the years, from Sophia Loren to Julia Roberts and Scarlett Johansson. Others will appreciate its connection with iconic interior designer Renzo Mongiardino, a discreet legend who had been dubbed by some the greatest designer of the 20th century. With a film set background his work was full of the magic fitting for such a grand property. A fellow designer once called him an alchemist, a transformer of common materials into noble ones, a brilliant manipulator of emotion through design, and reckoned that "you feel, upon entering one of his fantastic rooms, like a spectator accidentally pushed onto a stage set prepared for a moment of Puccini or Verdi,''

Intrigued by the price on request? Rumour has it nothing short of €18 million will do but then who can put a price on a private grotto?

(Further details on Sotheby's Venice Estates.)

 

Aurelie Bellavigna

 

Source: The Times

Photo credits: Sotheby's

TAGS: home property luxury property valentino garavani giancarlo giammetti matt tyrnauer valentino the last emperor tuscan villa tuscan property luxury villa renzo mongiardino sophia loren julia roberts scarlett johansson sotheby's