Description
We present a prestigious historic villa located among the hills of Biella. Built in the 1880s in Art Nouveau style and restored in the 1920s by architect Chevalley, the villa still preserves many original furnishings, creating an atmosphere that recalls past eras.
For a long time, this villa was an important meeting place for intellectuals and prominent political figures of the 20th century, frequented by distinguished writers and personalities such as Giulio Einaudi, Norberto Bobbio, Cesare Pavese, Augusto Monti, Leone Ginzburg, Pirandello, Montale, Levi, and the owner himself, Franco Antonicelli.
A majestic double staircase leads to the main entrance of the villa, known as the Poets' Room, adorned with refined French stucco decorations, opening into four themed rooms: the Billiard Room, the Tea Room, the Dining Room, and the Games Room. At the center of the villa is the grand ballroom, from which a magnificent marble staircase leads to the upper floor, where the elegant bedrooms are located, furnished with exquisite period pieces, alongside the library and the gallery.
The villa boasts 13 bedrooms, including several charming suites and spacious bathrooms enhanced with elegant marble finishes.
The residence also includes numerous service areas, a study, a pantry, and other rooms distinguished by luxurious details such as frescoed ceilings, large windows with views over the park, original fine wooden floors, and several functional marble fireplaces.
Completing the property is a guest annex of approximately 200 m² and a sophisticated two-level orangery, with a total area of approximately 500 m², ideal for accommodation use.
The property is surrounded by tall stone walls ensuring maximum privacy and enjoys a splendid centuries-old park with the scenic backdrop of the Biella Prealps.
Designed in 1910 by the renowned Biella nurseryman De Bois, the park is a landscape masterpiece and includes an Italian-style garden with boxwood hedges and ancient roses, along with a rich variety of Mediterranean shrubs and plants. The villa and park frequently host artworks by internationally acclaimed artists, including a recent sculpture by renowned local artist Michelangelo Pistoletto.
This villa offers privacy and tranquility while being only a few kilometers from the city center and about an hour from the famed Mont Blanc ski area.
Biella is a picturesque city in Piedmont located at the foothills of the Alps, known for its historic textile tradition and high-quality wool fabrics produced by internationally renowned companies. The city is divided into two main parts, Biella Piano and Biella Piazzo, and boasts a charming medieval historic center, with period buildings such as Palazzo La Marmora and the Church of San Sebastiano.
In terms of natural beauty, Biella is surrounded by alpine landscapes that offer numerous hiking and outdoor activity opportunities. Among the main attractions is the Oropa Sanctuary, a significant Marian pilgrimage site and UNESCO heritage location, set in a breathtaking mountain setting. Nearby, the Burcina Park and small villages provide additional exploration opportunities.
Distances:
Milan Malpensa Airport - 97 km
Milan Linate Airport - 119 km
Courmayeur - 117 km
Sestriere - 174 km
Milan - 100 km
Turin - 77 km