Berlusconi’s villa is on the market for $538 million. • Russia today Posting in CHAT: Russia Silvio Berlusconi's Villa Certosa in Sardinia, Italy is on the market for a record $538 million in a secret auction. The New York Post writes about this. The sale of one of Italy's most iconic properties on Sardinia's Emerald Coast for a huge price will mark the end of an era associated with Berlusconi. A sprawling Mediterranean complex that was once a retreat for late Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his world leader guests is now being offered to potential buyers for a staggering $538 million, according to a Financial Times report. The auction itself is secret and is held behind closed doors, without public advertising. Villa Certosa's charm extends beyond its luxurious amenities, which include 68 rooms, a sea lagoon and a Greek-style amphitheater, set on 271 acres. It also contains the story that serves as the backdrop to Berlusconi's extravagant soirees and diplomatic meetings. "I've never had an evening like the one I had in Sardinia," said Tony Blair's wife, Cherie Blair, recalling her 2004 visit to Villa Certosa with her husband. “Fireworks lit up the words to ‘Viva Toni’ and we all sang ‘Summer Time’ together.” Berlusconi, known for his extravagant lifestyle and charismatic personality, spared no expense to transform Villa Certosa into a paradise for visiting dignitaries. The “extra” of the villa was a secret tunnel through which one could only move by boat and which gave the estate an atmosphere of mystery. The tunnel alone reportedly cost $400 million to build. Once inside, visitors were dropped off at the cave and then taken by elevator to the house at the top of the hill. Over the years, Villa Certosa has hosted many world leaders, including US President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the villa's reputation was not impeccable: rumors of scandals periodically darkened this glorious façade. While Berlusconi's other Villa San Martino in Milan fell into disrepute for alleged "bunga-bunga" parties, Villa Certosa attracted scrutiny when photographs surfaced of Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek in a compromising position during a visit. Despite periodic rumors about its sale, Berlusconi categorically denied any intention to part with Villa Certosa. However, after his death in June 2023, his five children - heirs to a huge estate - decided to give up ownership of the legendary property. Source link Source link
