Villa Masini, Eclectic villa in Montevarchi, Italy.

Villa Masini is a three-story rectangular building with decorative facades situated on a large fenced property at Via del Pestello 22-24. The grounds are surrounded by Italian gardens and numerous cement sculptures that shape and adorn the outdoor spaces.

Angiolo Masini, owner of the La Familiare hat factory, commissioned the villa in 1924 as a home honouring his second wife, who died before the work ended. His friend Giuseppe Petrini drew up the project, but it was signed by architect Luigi Zumkeller, with disputes over the corner turret. The Failli firm finished the building in 1927 and it was certified habitable on 13 June 1928.

The villa's name recalls Angiolo Masini, the hat-factory owner of La Familiare who commissioned it in 1924 in memory of his second wife, who died before the work ended. Inside, the decoration continues with plastic works by Elio Galassi and Pietro Guerri, paintings by Emilio Vasarri and woodwork by the Tassini firm of Montevarchi.

The property sits on a large fenced plot with the main entrance marked by an iron gate featuring floral designs. Visitors should plan ahead to arrange access to the building and gardens, as this remains a private residence.

The property served as a filming location for Roberto Benigni's Oscar-winning film 'Life is Beautiful' during the 1990s. This connection helped the villa become part of one of modern Italian cinema's most celebrated works.