In Villefranche-sur-Mer, this lovely home is one that has a rich history, a unique culture and a long list of past owners both famous, admirable and exceptionally wealthy. I am sad to be leaving a place like Leopolda. Her name was Blanche Zelia Josephine Delacroix, though she is more commonly referred to as Caroline Lacroix. We are truly grateful and hope to return someday…I’ve always dreamed of Italy, this far exceeded our dream trip and was the best ever. Sitting in the midst of its own, private 25-acre estate, it is also a hilltop property that looks out over Montalcino and is an idyllic example of a Tuscan hideaway. Swipe or click to enlarge.The Russian billionaire businessman Mikhail Prokhorov made several attempts to purchase Villa Leopolda via Belgian real estate entrepreneur Ignace Meuwissen. The property is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen.The service was immaculate and very friendly. It was during the reign of King Leopold II of Belgium when this glorious estate was first created. It was registered in France because of a very interesting reason. When Safra passed, the house went to his wife, who attempted to sell the home in 2008 shortly after she inherited it. They lived in Monaco, not far from the home, and used it for their elaborate parties and excess. In 1915, his successor, Albert I of Belgium, transformed the estate into a … The Agnellis then sold the villa to Dorothy J. Killam in 1963, and she lived there until she died in 1965.EDMOND AND LILY SAFRA | ©Globe Photos/zumapress.com via Alamy.comDespite owning a penthouse apartment just 10 miles away in Monaco, Lebanese-born Brazilian banker Edmond Safra and his wife Lily purchased La Leopolda in 1987 to add to their portfolio of properties. Villa Leopolda is located near San Donato in Collina, only 14 km southeast of Florence. With a total area of 400m2, Villa Leopolda has already starred in many famous TV Shows and also in a …

The staff was the best company. Villa Leopolda invokes the style of the Belle Époque and it is registered as a French monument. Your attention to detail, welcoming personalities, and amazing food has made us feel at home.

It was then taken over by family upon his death, sat abandoned for many years, and no one is quite sure who the current owner of the house really is. It was the American architect and interior decorator Ogden Codman, Jr. (1863 – 1951), who designed the stunning neo-Palladian villa that stands majestically on the site today. EDMOND AND LILY SAFRA | … Dorothy Killam lived in the home until she died in 1965, worth more than $93 million.The house remained quite still until it became owner by Edmond Safra, a Swiss Banker, and his wife in 1987. Thanks for your help.Thank you all for taking such great care of us! They exceeded my expectations. Tulips were flown in from Holland, famous chef Roger Verge of the Moulin de Mougins arranged the food and the music was provided by Safra's favorite musicians, the Brazilian band leader Sergio Mendes, who had flown in from California with his entire orchestra, and pianist David Wood who had flown in from the UK with his quartet. He purchased the dozen existing structures that comprised the property and set about creating his vision with its amazing architecture, stunning vista, and lavishly landscaped gardens. Our stay was heavenly yet too short…A writer once defined “life” as the “art of creating memories.” Our family cannot thank you enough for what has been the experience of a lifetime. Codman began work in 1929, and it was completed two years later. Sitting on a spectacular 25-acre estate and boasting stunning views of the hills of Montalcino, Villa Leopolda is a true gem of Tuscany's countryside.This remarkable property has been recently restored and tastefully furnished with a fine selection of antiques and exquisite upholstery. We know that the house is one built for the lover of a sitting queen outside the knowledge of his wife. The architecture is incredible throughout the house, the fragrant gardens, the breathtaking views and the waist expanding culinary delight all contributed to a perfect stay! We’ve been to Tuscany several times now, but have never passed such a relaxing and rejuvenating time here. The party was described by author John Fairchild as the "ultimate in conspicuous consumption.” Security for Safra at the villa was provided by a team of former Israeli commando soldiers.FILM STILL THE RED SHOES | ©The Criterion CollectionSee film and image footage of Villa La Leopolda. The King gifted this estate to his beloved mistress. It was used in the 1948 movie The home was used again in the amazingly well-made Alfred Hitchcock film Finally, it’s not very well-known that this home is considered a historical monument. The flame-haired heroine climbs the steps to the villa thinking that she's been invited to dinner. A French court ruled against Prokhorov in November 2012 with Safra subsequently announcing that she would donate his deposit to various global charities.In the 1948 film 'The Red Shoes,” La Leopolda was used as the setting for lead character Lermontov's villa. It is an ideal distance for day trips to the cities of Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Lucca, Pisa, Assisi and Urbino.