Santa Gemma | 16-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Lucca Capannori

Thirty-two guests arrive at Santa Gemma expecting a large country house. What they discover instead is a masterclass in how historical Tuscany converges with contemporary comfort, positioned just 11km from the medieval walls of Lucca and surrounded by olive terraces that stretch toward distant mountains. This 17th-century villa, restored with meticulous attention to original character, transforms group holidays and milestone celebrations into something altogether more memorable than standard luxury villa rental in Lucca Tuscany.

Inside Santa Gemma

Santa Gemma sleeps 32 guests across 16 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, divided between the main villa and a purpose-built two-storey annexe completed in 2022. The main house alone contains 11 air-conditioned bedrooms across two floors, each thoughtfully proportioned and appointed with the kind of detail that suggests the owners genuinely anticipated every conceivable guest need.

The ground floor operates as the villa’s communal heart. An expansive living room anchors one end—sofas arranged around a fireplace, satellite television offering English-language channels, and French doors that dissolve the boundary between interior and the formal gardens beyond. The dining room commands its own generous space with a substantial table suitable for the entire group, while a professional kitchen runs the full depth of the building: dual dishwashers, two separate ovens, dual stovetops, commercial-grade refrigeration and freezer units, blender, coffee maker, and every other implement required to orchestrate meals for 32 people. A separate study with desk, printer and copier occupies the north wing, practical for guests managing business during their stay. Two guest bathrooms—one fully accessible—serve the ground floor, alongside a dedicated laundry room and pantry.

The first floor distributes five distinct bedroom suites across the upper level. One accessible bedroom measures 20 square metres with a double/twin bed (180x190cm) and open shower room, connected via interior door to the main suite beyond. That suite expands to 60 square metres with a lower-level living area, sofa-bed, mini-bar, wardrobe with safe, and bathroom featuring both bath and hand-held shower. An open-tread staircase ascends to a partially mezzanine-level bedroom with king-size bed (200x190cm), desk, mini-bar and en suite shower room. Three additional 60-square-metre suites follow the same blueprint—living area with sofa-bed and mini-bar on the lower level, bathroom with full-size bath and shower, then the open-tread ascent to a mezzanine bedroom with king-size bed, desk, mini-bar and private shower room. A fifth suite, accessed via hallway steps, measures 60 square metres with living area and sofa-bed, but features a smaller en suite mezzanine bedroom with twin beds (115cm wide) rather than a king-size configuration.

The second floor accommodates six additional bedrooms. One 25-square-metre bedroom offers a double/twin bed (180x190cm) and en suite bathroom with small bath, shower and WC. The hallway expands into a secondary sitting area here, providing breathing room between sleeping quarters. Two substantial 40-square-metre bedrooms command premium positions—one with king-size bed (200x190cm), private balcony with garden views, walk-in wardrobe and study desk; the second with matching king-size bed, full bathroom with separate shower cubicle. Two further 20-24 square metre bedrooms complete this floor, each with double/twin beds and sharing a family bathroom featuring a corner bath with overhead shower, WC and dual wash basins.

The 2022 annexe adds five bedrooms across its first floor: two chambers with shared bathroom and three junior suites with en suite facilities. The ground floor contains a professional kitchen and a 80-seat dining hall ideal for celebrations or large group meals, plus a gym and jacuzzi—amenities that elevate the property from rental accommodation to genuine wellness retreat.

Throughout the villa, mini-bars stock each bedroom, while robes, slippers, hairdryers and safes appear as standard. Wi-Fi blankets the entire property. Mosquito nets protect against warm-weather insects. Air-conditioning cools all bedrooms, while fireplaces and central heating serve colder months. A luggage lift eliminates the burden of hauling suitcases up multiple flights—particularly valuable when accommodating elderly guests or families with young children.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds reveal themselves gradually. Immediately adjacent to the kitchen, an al-fresco dining terrace catches afternoon sun and evening coolness in equal measure, with a functional barbecue positioned nearby for informal meals. Wander deeper and the formal gardens—originally designed in the 19th century and meticulously maintained—open into stone-walled spaces featuring a central fountain, mature lemon and grapefruit trees heavy with fruit depending on season, and ribboned pathways connecting smaller seating alcoves where single guests or couples vanish for quiet reading hours.

The swimming pool (14 metres long, 6 metres wide, 1.4 metres deep) anchors the garden’s recreational zone, enclosed by traditional stone walls with jasmine and roses trained across every boundary. The pool operates approximately April through October, with heating available by advance request—valuable during shoulder-season months when Mediterranean sun lacks year-round intensity. The pool surround is fully fenced, a genuine consideration for properties hosting families with young children.

An outdoor fitness area sits apart from the main gardens, equipped for cardio and strength training without relocating to the annexe gym. Lawns suitable for croquet or casual games spread across the property, while garden toys enable younger guests to occupy themselves independently. A dedicated reception room serves as venue space for meetings or private events (charged separately).

Views dominate every outdoor moment: olive groves terraced across the landscape, vineyards in ordered rows, and the Apuan Alps mass along the northern horizon. The sensory experience extends beyond visual—you’ll notice the persistent hum of cicadas from June onward, the scent of basil and rosemary drifting from the herb garden, and the quality of light at dusk that explains why Renaissance artists gravitated toward this region.

Location: Lucca and the Surrounding Area

Lucca itself merits a full day’s exploration. This Renaissance-era city maintains complete medieval walls (4.2km of walkable fortifications) that encircle the historic centre—a 45-minute circuit on foot, or 20 minutes by bicycle, revealing the cathedral with its volto santo sculpture, the Guinigi Tower with its rooftop garden 45 metres above street level, and piazzas lined with gelaterie and authentic restaurants serving tortellini di carne and other traditional Lucchese specialities. The town hosts a substantial farmers’ market several times weekly at Piazza Anfiteatro, where locals purchase produce from surrounding agricultural areas.

Pisa (30km south) offers considerably more than its famous Leaning Tower. The riverside district along the Arno buzzes with galleries, wine bars and trattorias, while the Cathedral complex rivals Florence’s in architectural ambition. Vinci (40km east), Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, occupies a hilltop village where the modest family home museum draws art history enthusiasts, and local restaurants serve wild boar and locally-foraged mushrooms.

Collodi (10km south)—actually a frazione within Pescia—hosts Pinocchio Park, an immersive theme park based on Carlo Lorenzini’s beloved story, essentially mandatory for family groups. Montecatini Terme (20km south) functions as the Tuscan spa capital, with Belle Époque bathhouses and upscale boutiques concentrated around the thermal springs; many properties offer day-pass access to guest facilities.

Beach culture lies within reach. Viareggio (42km southwest) stretches for 10km of sandy shoreline backed by Belle Époque promenades, with established beach clubs offering loungers, umbrellas, and lunch service. Forte dei Marmi (50km southwest) caters to a wealthier demographic, with premium beach clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. For serious coastal exploration, the Cinque Terre National Park (90km northwest, accessed via La Spezia) comprises five UNESCO-listed villages clinging to cliffsides—a full day’s commitment but visually extraordinary.

Outdoor enthusiasts access the Padule di Fucecchio wetlands (30km south) for birdwatching and nature photography. The Apuan Alps (approximately 60km north) offer hiking trails ranging from moderate day walks to serious alpine routes, with marble quarries creating surreal white scars across mountainsides. Cycling routes crisscross the region—the province of Lucca hosts the Lucca-Viareggio greenway, a 20km traffic-free path through farmland.

For accommodation planning, explore our luxury villas in Lucca and our full collection in Italy. For destination inspiration, read our Tuscany travel guide.

Seasonal considerations matter significantly. April-May brings manageable temperatures (16-22°C), wildflower meadows, and thinner tourist crowds than summer. June-August peaks at 28-32°C with full tourist saturation—accommodation books solid and queues for major attractions lengthen substantially. September remains warm (24-28°C) with departing crowds, making it arguably the ideal window for group travel. October introduces morning fog and sporadic rainfall but maintains pleasant midday temperatures and produces outstanding light for photography.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families gathering for milestone celebrations find Santa Gemma exceptionally well-suited. Three-generation groups—grandparents, adult children with spouses, grandchildren—can occupy separate bedroom suites without feeling crowded, reconvening for group meals in the substantial dining room. The accessible first-floor bedroom enables elderly family members to participate fully without navigating multiple staircases.

Corporate retreats and leadership teams utilise the study, meeting room and catering kitchen effectively. The property’s size accommodates 20-30 professionals without feeling like a hotel.

Wedding groups benefit from the romantic attached chapel, the expansive formal gardens suitable for ceremony and reception, the 80-seat dining hall in the annexe, and guest accommodation all in a single location. The limonaia (historic lemon house) transforms into an evening bar or dancing venue.

Friend groups—particularly international clusters who gather annually—appreciate the abundance of private seating areas, multiple kitchen access enabling collaborative cooking, and the pool as a central gathering point. Group costs distribute efficiently across 32 people.

Couples seeking a romantic setting will find the property overwhelming; it functions optimally with sustained occupancy approaching 20+ guests.

Practical Information

Santa Gemma accommodates 32 guests maximum across 16 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms. The property operates year-round, though the swimming pool typically functions April through October (heating available seasonally by advance arrangement).

The nearest airport is Florence Amerigo Vespucci (approximately 90km east, roughly 75 minutes by car). Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (60km south, approximately 55 minutes by car) offers competitive alternative access. Transfers can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas.

A supermarket operates within walking distance through the adjacent residential village. The main villa kitchen supports full catering operations; professional chefs can be engaged separately. Maid service and breakfast come included in the rental rate. Wine-tasting experiences can be organised through local producers. Cooking classes utilising the property’s professional kitchen are available, with local instructors teaching traditional Tuscan techniques.

Wi-Fi, heating, air-conditioning, pool use (seasonal), and all utilities are included. Bed linens and towels arrive fresh. Check-in typically occurs 16:00 with flexibility available on request. A luggage lift eliminates the physical burden of unpacking across multiple floors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Gemma

How many guests does Santa Gemma sleep?

Santa Gemma sleeps 32 guests in full-villa configuration across 16 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms. The main house accommodates 22 guests (11 bedrooms) should you prefer a more intimate gathering with the annexe remaining closed. Sofa-beds in five first-floor suites provide additional flexibility for families with young children requiring shared accommodation.

What is the nearest airport to Santa Gemma in Lucca?

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport sits approximately 90km southeast, requiring roughly 75 minutes by car. Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (60km south, 55 minutes drive) provides a closer alternative. Both airports offer international connections. Excellence Luxury Villas arranges private transfers on request.

What is the best time of year to rent Santa Gemma?

April through May offers perfect weather (16-22°C) with manageable tourist volumes and spring wildflowers. September remains outstanding—temperatures hover between 24-28°C with far fewer visitors than summer and exceptional light for photography. June-August peaks at 28-32°C but brings congested attractions and full accommodation. October introduces occasional rainfall but maintains pleasant conditions and produces the season’s finest landscape photography light.

Is Santa Gemma suitable for families with children?

Yes, with strong reservations. The property includes a fully-fenced swimming pool (1.4 metres deep, safe for supervised swimming), adjacent Pinocchio Park (10km distant, ideal for ages 4-10), sandy beaches at Viareggio (42km, 50-minute drive), and family restaurants throughout Lucca. However, the villa’s scale and multiple staircases require constant supervision of young children. A ground-floor accessible bedroom enables grandparent participation. Garden toys, DVD player and games provide indoor entertainment during inclement weather.

What is included in the rental price at Santa Gemma?

The rental includes utilities (electricity, heating, air-conditioning), Wi-Fi internet throughout, pool use (seasonal, April-October, with heating available by advance request), cleaning and fresh linens/towels, maid service, and daily breakfast. Catering can be arranged separately with private chefs. Wine-tasting experiences and cooking classes are available at additional cost through local providers.

What restaurants and shops are near Santa Gemma?

Within walking distance through the adjacent village: a supermarket and several modest neighbourhood restaurants. Lucca (11km, 15-minute drive) hosts established restaurants including Buca di Sant’Antonio (traditional Lucchese cuisine), markets at Piazza Anfiteatro, and boutique shops. Viareggio (42km) concentrates beach-club dining. Fine dining opportunities exist in Pisa and Florence for evening expeditions. Local wine estates conduct tastings 20-40km away.