Villa (Lucida) Mansi – history
Villa Lucida is located opposite one of the famous 17th century extraordinary architectural Lucchese palaces called “Villa Mansi”. Villa Mansi surrounded by exquisite gardens is one of the most magnificent estates in the area. Villa Mansi represents the culture and society of the ancient Aristocratic Republic during the Renaissance. The estate of Villa Lucida belonged to the wealthy famous Mansi family.
Fascinating legends are out about Villa Mansi and the exceptional beautiful Lucida Mansi. The 17th-century stunning Lucchese noblewoman Lucida was young and married to the old and very wealthy Gaspare Mansi. Their marriage was the subject of much gossip due to significant age differences, Lucida’s extreme beauty, and her rather racy reputation. Lucida Mansi vainness let her make a pact with the devil to secure her beauty for another 30 years in return for her soul. A famous Lucchese legend is part of Villa Lucida.
Van Esch family
Villa Lucida (formerly known as Villa Luisa) has been owned by the Dutch Van Esch family since 2004. Family and friends spend many beautiful moments in Tuscany. The love for Italy is deep in the family veins. Daughter Marjolein and her English/Australian partner Chris have taken over the villa – after the modernization in 2020 and 2021. The couple have met in Tanzania – East Africa. With a safari company, a tented camp and NGO community work for underprivileged groups, part of the life of Marjolein and Chris still takes place in Tanzania. Although the villa is characteristically Tuscan and filled with beautiful Italian features, you can’t miss the worldwide influences of this travel-loving couple.
