This exceptional property is owned by the Counts Tasca d’Almerita, who also own the Regaleali vineyards, producers of one of the oldest and most well known wines in Italy. The villa, situated on the outskirts of Palermo, was originally built in the XV century as a hunting lodge, but between the end of the XVI and the beginning of the XVII century it was transformed into an aristocratic mansion situated at the city gates. Many famous guests have been hosted by the Counts of Tasca d'Almerita, among them Goethe, Kaiser Willhelm II, and Queen Margherita of Savoia. In 1881 the Count invited Richard Wagner for a prolonged visit, and while walking through the winding paths of the garden he was inspired to compose Parsifal. From that time there have always been two swans called Tristan and Isolde that glide across the lake.
The impressive pale pink villa is surrounded by a luxuriant and romantic garden and an additional 8 hectares of park, making it particularly quiet and private. Featuring winding paths, the lake; a neo-classical gazebo, a small temple, a private chapel, sculptures and exotic plants, it is a magical place to wander or relax in the shade. A stunning free-form swimming pool, set amongst the plants, is situated in the garden at the front of the house.
The villa has recently been restored throughout and the rooms are decorated with antique furniture and paintings, Venetian glass chandeliers, Persian carpets, frescoes and beautiful majolica tile floors of the XVIII century. All the bathrooms have been recently refurbished. Guests here will have the privilege of experiencing a true Sicilian aristocratic atmosphere whilst enjoying every modern comfort. Amenities include wireless internet connection, satellite TV and DVD, a semi-grand piano and a billiard room. Marquise Anna Tasca Lanza is a well known and author of cookbooks published in both Italy and America. A cooking course with her can be arranged on request. Guided tours within Sicily can also be arranged on request.
Interior photos are available at our office and can be e-mailed to interested clients.
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| Accommodation Details |
Ground Floor
Large billiard room with vaulted ceilings. Wood panelled bar with armchairs and sofas. Red bedroom decorated with antique furniture and paintings, private lobby, two large single beds and bathroom with bathtub. Large green bedroom decorated with antique furniture and paintings, with two large single beds and bathroom with bathtub and shower. Library. Large professional kitchen. Separate staff accommodation.
First Floor
Main living room, which overlooks both terrace and garden, has ceiling and wall frescos portraying idyllic landscapes plus antique furniture and marble statues. Television lounge. Piano room, with frescoed walls and ceiling depicting Arcadian gardens. Green living room with magnificent 18th century Majolica tiled floor, displaying scenes of pastoral life. Yellow sitting room again with 18th century tiled floor, frescoed walls and ceiling, all portraying idyllic pastoral landscapes. Dining room, which boasts an oval table capable of seating up to 18 guests. Small kitchen for quick and easy preparations, used as an aid for table service. The pink bedroom. This, the largest bedroom of the house, is furnished with unique antique tiled floor, antique furniture and paintings. Bathroom with separate toilet and a king-size bathtub and shower. Beautiful frescoed honeymoon suite with double bed, private dressing room, bathroom with bathtub and separate toilet.
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| Staff |
Bilingual hostess, cook, butler, gardener, 2 maids, chauffeur.
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| Distances |
Palermo airport 30 minutes drive
Historic centre of Palermo 10 minutes drive
Beach at Mondello 20 minutes drive
Regaleali can be reached by car or by train (1 ½ hours)
Le Madonie Golf Club is situated between the mountains of the Madonie National Park and the gulf of Cefalú. It can be reached in 30 minutes by car.
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