The Villa Selvatico complex was begun in 1593 and completed in 1650

During World War I the villa hosted the King of Belgium, Albert I and was also theater of the first encounter between Umberto II of Italy and his wife Marie-Jose daughter of Albert I. A spectacular and striking exterior staircase of 140 steps rises from a dreamlike 19th century park to the splendid main floor entrance with stunning frescoes and the large hall has a magnificently decorated ceiling. The building complex includes also a small 10th century church still consecrated and in the park there is a direct access to the sea with docking on the channel of Battaglia which runs to both Padua and Chioggia (little Venice).

The Baroque villa has a floor area of 3,000 m2 and is divided into twenty suites with large salons with frescoed walls. An internal elevator serves the four floors. Below the grand stairway there is an area dating from the 7th century which gives access onto the park. There is a panoramic terrace of 1,700 m2 around the villa and an external elevator for twelve people which was built inside the hill that takes you from the main entrance to the villa.

At the bottom of the steps leading to the villa there is the building called the Barchessa which is former servants quarters and has been partially renovated and divided into a further fifteen suites. A private bridge, exclusive to the villa, gives access to the Brenta river and allows navigation by boat to Venice. Outside is a hothouse of around 250 m2 which has been completely renovated and has a glass domed roof, a 10th century church of 200 m2 completely renovated and a 200 m2 villa in the grounds in need of renovation

The Santa Elena Thermal Spa The Santa Elena Thermal Spa has a villa of 1,750 m2 dating from 1923 and is an excellent example of the period built in stone and based on Roman baths. The spa uses the thermal springs of the estate and is already divided into sauna rooms and treatment rooms. The spa uses the stone grottoes as sauna rooms with excellent effect and the algae of the estate’s lakes was used for the treatment of arthritis. The estate has the leasehold from the local council for 50 years however there is also the option to buy the spa outright.

Grounds Set in 11 hectares of parkland with five thermal lakes of 8,000 m2 and the possibility to construct natural swimming pools. The park has centuries old exotic trees and is surrounded by five thermal ponds of hot water known centuries ago by the Romans for its curative properties.

Location The imposing complex of Villa Selvatico is located on the brow of Mount St. Elena, in the region of Padua, approximately 30 km from Venice and has broad panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and Euganei Hills down to the Adriatic Sea. The international airport at Venice is 50 km, Verona 100 km and Bologna 90 km. Venice airport is reached by helicopter in 10 minutes.

Viewing Arrangements Viewing is strictly by appointment with the selling agents Pavilions of Splendour International Inc. Proof of funds is required for a viewing appointment. To make an appointment either email info@pavilionsofsplendourinternational.com Telephone: 0034 603 424 175 Skype: pavilionsofsplendour www.pavilionsofsplendourinternational.com