The bond with the present-day family began between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the family's great-grandfather bought the villa directly from the Trebiliani, starting a tradition of care and love for this place that continues to this day. It is thanks to this passing down through generations, and to subsequent meticulous restoration work, that Villa Hugo retains its original character intact. The authentic frescoes, historic floors and characteristic medieval beams have been carefully preserved, offering today a perfect balance between the charm of the past and contemporary comfort, keeping its architectural identity and its bond with the Tuscan countryside fully intact.

Discover the timeless charm of Villa Hugo.

The villa's walls still hold original elements that tell its long story today: 18th-century frescoes, historic floors, large medieval beams and architectural details typical of Lucchese residences of the period. A distinctive feature of the villa is the historic “mandolata”. A characteristic element of rural Tuscan architecture, the mandolata is a perforated brick wall laid in a chequerboard pattern. Historically used in barns to ensure proper air circulation and protect the harvest, and present in the villa as a fresco, it has been restored and used as a decorative element that enhances the area's typical architecture, preserving the visual dialogue with the surrounding landscape.

Between 1944 and 1945, Villa Hugo was chosen as the headquarters of the American armed forces during operations along the Gothic Line, one of the most important strategic fronts of the war in Italy. The property's commanding position, close to the main communication routes and to the gates of Lucca, made the villa a key logistical point during the liberation of Tuscany. Among the units involved in the liberation of Tuscany was also the celebrated 92nd Infantry Division “Buffalo Soldiers”, one of the most significant African American divisions in the US Army, made up predominantly of African American soldiers, which operated in the area during the decisive phases of the liberation of Lucca.

The villa's restoration, carried out with the aim of preserving its original character, followed a sustainability-conscious approach. The estate adopts state-of-the-art eco-friendly energy systems, including an efficient photovoltaic system and a wood-fired heating system. This is complemented by careful day-to-day management, with meticulous waste sorting. A choice that reduces environmental impact, in full respect of the landscape and the centuries-old history of the residence.
What's more, the large surrounding garden is a true hymn to Tuscan biodiversity, rich in species that guests can discover and appreciate during their stay:
In the organic orchard, nature expresses itself in all its generosity through an extraordinary variety of fruit trees: from classic apple, pear, peach, cherry and plum trees, to lemon, orange, citron and pomegranate trees that scent the air with every bloom. Walking through the estate, you'll also come across apricot, kiwi, hazelnut, persimmon, medlar, fig, chestnut and strawberry-tree specimens, along with the area's characteristic olive trees.

Enriching this ecosystem further is a lush corner dedicated to aromatic herbs — including rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, lavender, basil, oregano, mint and bay — entirely at guests' disposal, to rediscover the authentic flavours and aromas used in local cuisine.

The olive groves surrounding Villa Hugo produce an own-grown extra virgin olive oil, obtained through harvesting and cold pressing. Analysis certifies an exceptionally high-quality product, with extremely low acidity (0.18%) and peroxide values well within excellence parameters, a sign of freshness and careful processing. From an organoleptic standpoint, it stands out for its balanced, clean profile: light fruity notes, a delicate bitterness and a measured pungency that enhances its structure without being overpowering. It is an elegant oil, designed to bring out the best in simple dishes and authentic ingredients. Compared with other areas of Tuscany — where the oil can be more intense, rustic or pronounced (as in the hillier areas of Chianti or the Maremma) — oil from the Lucchesia is distinguished by greater finesse and balance. Here, the milder microclimate and the nature of the land contribute to a softer, more harmonious aromatic profile, particularly appreciated by those seeking elegance rather than bold flavour. A product that authentically represents the estate's philosophy: understated quality, a strong sense of place and respect for the raw ingredient.