A unique, centuries-old country estate – a former Benedictine convent – with its own basilica is being auctioned off in Italy.
Villa Badia was previously on the market for €10 million (£8.75m), but will now be auctioned off between June 26 and 29 to the highest bidder – regardless of how low the final bid is.
The main property at Villa Badia, Piedmont, has 15 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, along with large entertaining and meeting rooms with period features.
On-site is a Romanesque basilica, which has national heritage status, and includes a crypt dating back to the 8th century, along with Renaissance frescoes and colourful mosaic floor.
The historic estate, a former Benedictine convent, is enclosed within a walled park, and surrounded by the Monferrato countryside in Piedmont, Italy. It is to be auctioned off with no reserve
The main property at Villa Badia has 15 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, plus entertaining and meeting rooms with period features
It sits adjacent to the stunning villa that, according to Charlie Smith, European advisor for Concierge Actions which is auctioning the property with no reserve, has 32,000 sq ft of floorspace.
Given that, by comparison, the floorspace of typical family homes around the world range from about 500 sq ft in Hong Kong, to over 2,000 sq ft in the United States and Australia, there is definitely no shortage of space.
And that is before the potential buyer factors in large cellars and ancillary buildings at the property.
Smith said: ‘ We are privileged to be representing such an important Italian country estate in Piedmont, a region known the world over for its truffle harvest.’
He added that while, ‘it is not unheard of for historic properties to include a small chapel within the grounds, a home with its own basilica is a truly unique offering.
‘Villa Badia has immense potential as a tourism venture.’
The stunning country estate has ‘immense potential as a tourism venture’ according to Concierge Auctions
It has its own stone Romanesque basilica which has national heritage status. It was founded in 722 by the Lombard king Liutprando
It is considered one of Piedmont’s most important medieval monuments, with plenty of arches and columns
The abbey is at the heart of the complex and is described as a ‘true gem’ with frescoes from the 1300s and 1400s
The church includes a crypt dating from the 8th Century, with a mosaic floor, above. It also has Gothic elements
Almost every part of the breathtaking basilica has something interesting to view, from its architecture to its decorative walls
The historic estate is a former Benedictine convent, originally developed as part of the Romanesque Abbey of Santa Giustina di Sezzadio
Dating back to the 11th century, this ancient, architecturally stunning complex has restored residential quarters preserving its original beauty and charm
With 32,000sq ft of floorspace, the villa is around 35 times larger than a typical English family home, says Concierge Auctions
One of the 15 bedrooms at Villa Badia in Piedmont which boasts high ceilings and an original parquet floor
This room has sweeping countryside views. The Piedmont region of Italy is known for its elegant cuisine and Barolo wine
Grand: majestic state rooms and master bedrooms lead off the villa’s main gallery. The complex is composed of a picturesque 3,100 sq m main villa
There is plenty of space to relax inside the property, which has an abundance of elegant, period features
Dining areas include this spacious room, perfect for hosting parties and entertaining large groups of visitors
Villa Badia was previously on the market for €10 million (£8.75m), but will now be auctioned off between June 26 and 29 to the highest bidder – regardless of how low the final bid is
Outside is just as impressive, as the property includes shaded courtyards, above, some of which are covered with creepers
The main villa has a large professional kitchen and there are also five ancillary apartments, which either overlook the parkland, abbey or the cloister
The property sits within nine hectares of grounds and includes a swimming pool, clay tennis court and small lake