Villa Gioiosa, Lucca

Villa Gioiosa is a distinguished stately home situated on Viale Giosuè Carducci in Lucca. The construction of this elegant residence commenced in September 1915, following an application by architect Lelio Menesini on behalf of the original owner, Lorenzo Sarti. Positioned along the ring road in San Concordio, the villa was designed to be accompanied by a fenced garden. By December 1917, a west-side garage was added, featuring a terrace with cast pillars and an iron railing, designed to match the villa’s style for architectural harmony.

Villa Gioiosa changed hands multiple times before becoming a private teaching institute, a role it still holds. This shift led to modifications like removing partitions, adding an elevator shaft, and enclosing space between the villa and garage. A dance studio was created by partially demolishing the garage’s east side and adding a short staircase to connect the floors.

Villa Gioiosa is a two-story building with a cellar, nearly rectangular in layout. Its main facade faces Viale Carducci, while the others open onto the garden. The central entrance features a wooden door with a carved leaf motif and the initial “S,” honoring Lorenzo Sarti. Flanking it are two windows, all adorned with architraves of geometric and phytomorphic motifs. Decorative frames with leaf patterns and water lilies connect the windows. On the east side, a stained-glass veranda with wrought iron detailing sits beneath a first-floor terrace.

Inside, the villa showcases exquisite stuccoes on the corridor walls and ceilings of the various rooms, each displaying unique geometric and floral motifs. The grand staircase, a two-flight design with marble steps, is complemented by a wrought iron railing featuring intricate geometric patterns. These artistic and structural elements contribute to the villa’s historical and architectural significance, making it a remarkable example of early 20th-century residential design in Lucca.