Located in the historic village of Calcara, within the municipality of Valsamoggia in the province of Bologna, Villa Nicolaj is an elegant aristocratic estate where heritage, authenticity and development potential come together in a truly distinctive setting.

Dating back to the late 18th century and built upon an earlier noble residence, the villa was conceived as a refined retreat for intellectual leisure—“Ut in otia tuta recedam” (meaning “a place to retreat into peaceful leisure”). It later became a prestigious residence of the Turrini Rossi family, one of the most prominent aristocratic families of Bologna. A notable historical detail is that the poet Ugo Foscolo stayed at the villa in May 1799, an episode still remembered by a plaque on the façade.

Perfectly positioned within a well-connected village setting, the estate offers both accessibility and a sense of privacy, surrounded by greenery while remaining close to key destinations. Bologna International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away, as are the renowned Ferrari and Lamborghini headquarters, while the Bologna Golf Club can be reached in just 15 minutes. The location combines convenience with an authentic Italian lifestyle.

The entire property extends over approximately 81,276 square meters (20 acres) and includes three buildings totaling around 2,180 square meters. In addition to the main villa of approximately 1,205 square meters, the estate features a substantial farmhouse of 538 square meters and a former stable of 368 square meters, both offering generous volumes and clear potential for conversion into additional residential, guest, or hospitality spaces. A smaller historic icehouse of 56 square meters further enriches the character of the property. All buildings are set within a private park and garden of approximately 3.5 hectares, defined by mature trees and a refined natural landscape.

The estate is accessed through a striking 150-meter tree-lined avenue of Lombardy poplars that runs through the property and leads to the villa, which sits prominently at its center, creating a grand and highly scenic arrival experience.

The main villa presents an elegant rectangular layout oriented along an East–West axis, with approximate dimensions of 36 by 15 meters. The structure is arranged with a central body developed over three main floors, in addition to attic and under-roof spaces, and two lateral wings on the East and West sides developed over two floors.

The ground floor is characterized by spacious reception salons, along with service areas, bathrooms, and kitchen spaces. The upper floors currently accommodate eleven bedrooms, with additional open areas that allow for the creation of at least four further bedrooms. The attic and under-roof spaces provide further potential for conversion, allowing for a meaningful increase in overall living capacity.

The villa retains its noble neoclassical character, expressed through a harmonious façade with a central pediment and lateral wings. Inside, the spaces are organized around two remarkable frescoed loggias depicting historical landscapes and battle scenes that reflect the estate’s aristocratic heritage. Generous volumes, natural light, and original architectural elements offer an exceptional foundation for a bespoke restoration.

The property requires renovation, presenting a significant opportunity to restore and elevate a historic estate of considerable scale and character. With its additional buildings, expansion potential, and strategic location, Villa Nicolaj is ideally suited for the creation of a prestigious private residence or a refined hospitality project of international appeal.<