5 Priceless Italian Villas

Portofino is one of the crown jewels of the Italian Riviera, and this pastel sea-view villa is enshrouded in vines and bushes, with a peek at Praggi Bay below, the estate consists of five separate structures, a main house, an apartment house, and three guest houses for a total square footage of around 15,000 square feet.

Italy, with all its history and historical attendance to style, has produced some truly stunning properties over the years, but the prices of the most ravishing villas can usually only be obtained on request.  These are advertised Italian Villas and Palazzos for sale with unadvertised prices.  Continue to see Venice, Rome, Lucca, Sorrento villas...

Venice is the gold standard.  The impressive palazzos line the canal and contrast with the waters below.  The city is still remarkable for it's lack of autos and the breathtaking houses. Dating from the 14th century, this palazzo apartment on the Grand Canal has views of San Marco and fabulously detailed interiors.

"The Royal Villa of Marlia," located in the Tuscan town of Lucca, is 118,400 square feet—and has two centuries of history. Classical gardens grace the 40 acre property and include a temple to the pagan "god of the forest." Inside, there are seemingly countless rooms full of old-world detailing and the regal aire of worn formality.

This gorgeous cliffside mansion is in Sorrento, south of Naples. The nine-bedroom property was built on the ruins of a Roman residence from the 1st century and the gardens are awash in Greek and Roman sculpture and intricate stonework, covered in a weathered patina. The chic interiors, with polished marble and daring color choices, are the product of a recent renovation.

Located north of Rome, the resort community of Porto Santo Stefano occupies a peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean. This 18,000-square-foot villa boasts sweeping views of the sea and Elba Island, where Napoleon spent 300 days in exile.  This is a remarkable villa, with its modern design, large swimming pool, grassy terraces, and 13 bedrooms.  Sotheby's listings.