The strangest houses for sale in Italy

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Lucca, in a landscape of rare and breathtaking beauty, stands one of Tuscany’s most remarkable historic estates: an 18th-century villa that once belonged to Caroline Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon and Queen of Naples. Perfectly restored and set on approximately 6 hectares of land, this extraordinary property is now available for €20,000,000, combining historical grandeur with modern luxury.

Buying a home can often mean much more than simply choosing a place to live. In Italy, certain addresses have become true symbols of prestige and sophistication. Often referred to as trophy assets, these residences belong to a niche segment of the market where value is defined not just by square footage, but by status, heritage, and exclusivity.

The branded residences market – luxury homes created in partnership with global brands, largely from the hospitality sector – is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to the Global Branded Residence Survey 2025, the number of projects has surged from 169 in 2011 to 611 today, with forecasts predicting over 1,000 active schemes by 2030. In terms of housing units, the increase is even more remarkable: from just over 27,000 in 2011 to a projected 162,000 by 2030.

After an ambitious three-year regeneration project, the transformation of the former Hotel Britannia — a historic landmark overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Como — is now complete. What was once a traditional three-star property has been reborn as The Edition Lake Como, a sophisticated five-star destination that perfectly blends contemporary design with timeless Italian elegance.

Nestled in the rolling hills just a few kilometres from Lucca, this majestic noble residence dating back to the 1600s offers an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of Tuscan history. Surrounded by 65 hectares of land and framed by sweeping views that reach the towers of Lucca, the property embodies the perfect blend of heritage, privacy and understated luxury.

Milan is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s hottest destinations for wealthy investors and international buyers. Once known primarily as Italy’s fashion and financial capital, the city is now attracting a new wave of millionaires and entrepreneurs thanks to a favourable tax regime, quality of life, and booming real estate opportunities.

From historic castles to stunning Tuscan villas, Italy continues to captivate with its extraordinary real estate. idealista, Italy’s leading property portal renowned for technological innovation, has unveiled the ten most luxurious and expensive homes currently available on the market.