Villa Orsi – Pieve di Compito

The current structure of the villa, which has been owned by the Orsi family for over two centuries, dates back to the mid-20th century, when a pre-existing building—of which no precise records remain—was expanded.

Its cubic shape appears to draw inspiration from traditional Lucchese villa designs. The estate also includes several rustic buildings, located alongside the villa in the upper part of the garden. Following a meticulous restoration, the property has been transformed into a farmhouse and agricultural estate. The large olive grove—featuring around 2,500 trees—produces high-quality organic olive oil for a select clientele.

The Garden

The garden dates back to the early 20th century. It is a countryside garden spread over multiple levels, blending seamlessly with the terraced crops of the estate. In the lower, cooler area, you’ll find camellias, a vegetable garden, and a nursery. Closer to the villa, there are boxwood hedges, bamboo, and magnificent potted lemon trees. Higher up, the vineyard leads the way to dry-stone walls enclosing olive groves.

The upper garden features sunny paths leading to the woods, enriched with lavender and rosemary, and completed by a collection of old fruit tree varieties and aromatic herb cultivations. Particularly striking are the specimens of Camellia japonica in front of the main building, offering a vibrant and scenic display. Among them is “Madame Pépin,” a beautiful 19th-century variety with medium to large double flowers in varying shades of pink and red, first bred by Mr. Pépin in Pisa. Another noteworthy specimen is “Paolina Maggi,” with medium-sized double flowers in white or ivory tones. This cultivar was created by the collector Count Onofrio Maggi at his villa “La Spina” in Erbusco (province of Brescia) and dedicated to his sister.

Below, along the perimeter wall, stands a splendid monumental espalier of various centuries-old camellia varieties—an outstanding example of using this botanical species for boundary planting. Among these are rare cultivars such as “Violacea Superba,” with large, semi-double, peony-shaped flowers in deep red (also known as Exuberans or Violacia), and “Drouard Gouillon,” with medium to large, semi-double flowers shaped like anemones or peonies, in milky white. This cultivar was raised from seed by Mr. Drouard Gouillon, president of the Veneto Horticultural Society around 1840.

Spectacular as well is the camellia grove near the rustic façade of an old farmhouse, where towering camellia trees create a breathtaking natural ensemble. Today, the garden is home to eighty large camellia specimens.

Open to visitors during the ‘Ancient Camellias of Lucchesia Exhibition’