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La Valera di Arese
La Valera in Arese is a mid-18th century villa with a
completely enclosed park, situated just 5 km from Milan, in
what once was and in certain ways still is typical Lombard
countryside between the province’s chief town and the lakes.
Though it now belongs to the Milanese belt, it maintains the
appeal and flavour of times gone by, along with the peace
and privacy that make guests instantly forget the
neighbouring city.
The Villa comprises a central structure surrounded by
greenhouses and cottages.
The heart of the Villa presents a typical H-shaped layout
limited on one side and surrounding a large internal
cloister in gravel with porticos and antique vases filled
with lemon shrubs.
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The wing facing south is designed for receptions and this is
where the many 18th century halls stand overlooking the
Italian garden.
This wing boasts four extensive lawns bordered by box trees
and Ticino gravel, a fountain that creates special water
effects and antique vases filled with citrus trees.
A precious green tunnel formed with hornbeams runs along the
southern wing. A Moorish style Coffee House with pebble
mosaics stands to its west. |
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The 100 m long tunnel is centrally interrupted by an
imposing gate supported by four statued columns; it
shows the way to the park, the result of the
century-long labour of gardeners. Extensive lawns,
little hills and rare ancient trees are the park’s
pride.
A wide grassy path runs entirely through this cool
shady oasis, the perfect place to relax. Its
considerable dimensions, over ten hectares, offer
walks and pleasant stops in a magnificent setting
rich in visual perspectives and sudden colour
contrasts created by the variety of trees. |
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The lemon-house stands next to the park and the Italian
garden. This ancient country-style building was once the
winter shelter for lemon plants, which are now protected in
winter in modern greenhouses.
It is an exceptionally bright place with its fifty meter
length, high ceilings with original chestnut beams,
fireplaces and numberless windows facing south. Entirely
overlooking the garden, the lemon-house has today been
converted into a cool and restful dining-hall.
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