Villa Cenami, previously known as Villa di Conca, took its current shape in the 18th century when the Cittadella Family enlarged a modest country house, originally built in 1100 and used as a pilgrims hostel on the way to and from Rome.
Today we see Villa di Conca after a major refurbishment in 1800 by the Mazzarosa Family. Several elements, such as the stone courtyard, the stone windows frames and the overall elevation (four stories high) recall the classical lucchese country-side manor style of 17th and 18th centuries.
In the 19th century the Cenami family inherited the Villa and its estate. Since then called Villa Cenami, it remains at the centre of a vast agricultural estate. The property is home to a large olive grove. Each October the olives are harvested and Villa Cenami presses and bottles it’s own olive oil. The oil is then distributed throughout the family with a large quantity set aside for purchase by our guests. Now that is truly boutique olive oil!
Older in its style and build is instead the Romanic Chapel, whose original complex dates to the 12th century. The Villa was once used as a monastery and as such the chapel was an important part of the property. The church was dedicated to San Lorenzo, and is known today as San Lorenzo di Conca Sotto, remaining the eldest building in the surrounding area. The chapel still stand adjacent to the apartments and was furbished in 2007 for the baptism of the current owners’ great grandson.
Although previously a summer home for the family, the current owners, Count and Countess Cenami, have chosen to stay year round in the main Villa. Driving through the main gates and taking in the view as you cross in front of the main Villa you can see why they would choose to make it their permanent residence.