The Mona Lisa, housed in the Louvre Museum since the early 1800s, may be the most recognizable and iconic work of art in history. But, not everyone knows details about the mysterious woman pictured or that the 16th-century painting is also named La Gioconda. That’s because Tuscan noblewoman Lisa del Giocondo was the subject. Her husband, Francesco del Giocondo, commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to paint a portrait of his wife during the Italian Renaissance. The cultural and artistic impact this simple request has had could never have been anticipated back then.
While you’ll probably never be able to purchase the painting, a special home connected to the couple just listed near Florence. Dating back to 1300, the estate belonged to Francesco’s family and all these years later it’s on the market seeking €18 million.
Spanning roughly 66 acres, the compound is a vision of Italian countryside beauty. Its gardens, architecture, and grand rooms all captivate, looking like a painting itself or the backdrop of a Vogue-worthy wedding. The focal point is a 30,138-square-foot main villa, which has changed names with different owners and was called Villa Antinori di Monte Aguglioni when it passed from the Giocondo family to the Antinori family. Among its storied spaces, you’ll even find a private chapel brought to life in the 1600s.
There are numerous other destinations to map out such as the caretaker’s house, buildings for agricultural use, a forest for wandering, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. The gardens have their own prestige. Famed English architect Cecil Pinsent designed the intricate, park-like garden leading up to the villa with roses, tall cypress trees, and overall perfect symmetry.
If Italy is calling you, Sara Castriota Scanderbeg of Italy Sotheby’s International Realty holds the expensive listing. And, to see other incredible properties for sale around the world, click here.