An abandoned 16th-century monastery in Italy was transformed into a $5 million mansion with sprawling gardens — take a look

Elana KleinMay 13, 2023, 19:53 IST

The mansion's exterior.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

Holly Lueders and Venetia Sacret Young turned a 16th-century monastery into an elegant mansion.
The 26-acre property had been abandoned for decades before the duo bought it in 2006.

A 16th-century Italian monastery is on the market for more than $5 million after it was converted into a home by a mother-and-daughter duo from New York.

Ariel view of the estate.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

After they bought the property in 2006, they learned it was designed by renowned Renaissance architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.

The underground cantina.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

San Francesco, which was built in 1522, operated as a monastery until 1910, housing monks devoted to Saint Francis.

Living and dining area.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

In 1911, the building was devastated by a fire and left abandoned for decades.

A small room with vaulted ceilings.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

"Inside, we have endeavored to change as little as possible so as to keep the magical solemnity of the building," they wrote on their website.

A bedroom with an archway.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

The vibrant drawing room is just one area of the property conducive to relaxation.

A seating area.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

One of the bathrooms is home to an abstract mural that looks like a cloudy, blue sky.

The bathroom with the mural on the ceiling.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

While working on the property, they said they were surprised by the lengthy protocol associated with renovating historic properties and obtaining permits in Italy.

A small room with a bookcase and a mural.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

While they awaited approval on their permits, they devoted themselves to the house's surrounding greenery, creating what Sacret Young called a "wild, rambling, and romantic" garden.

Part of the garden.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

While they awaited approval on their permits, they devoted themselves to the house's surrounding greenery, creating what Sacret Young called a "wild, rambling, and romantic" garden.

The property also now features a saltwater lap pool.

The pool and some of the garden.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

Large windows ensure residents can experience the garden's beauty from inside the house.

A staircase and window in the house.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

The carefully curated landscape looks even more impressive through a bird's-eye view.

The land surrounding the house.Max Lisi for Knight Frank

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An abandoned 16th-century monastery in Italy was transformed into a $5 million mansion with sprawling gardens &mdash; take a look

A 16th-century Italian monastery is on the market for more than $5 million after it was converted into a home by a mother-and-daughter duo from New York.

After they bought the property in 2006, they learned it was designed by renowned Renaissance architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.

San Francesco, which was built in 1522, operated as a monastery until 1910, housing monks devoted to Saint Francis.

In 1911, the building was devastated by a fire and left abandoned for decades.

"Inside, we have endeavored to change as little as possible so as to keep the magical solemnity of the building," they wrote on their website.

The vibrant drawing room is just one area of the property conducive to relaxation.

One of the bathrooms is home to an abstract mural that looks like a cloudy, blue sky.

While working on the property, they said they were surprised by the lengthy protocol associated with renovating historic properties and obtaining permits in Italy.

While they awaited approval on their permits, they devoted themselves to the house's surrounding greenery, creating what Sacret Young called a "wild, rambling, and romantic" garden.

The property also now features a saltwater lap pool.

Large windows ensure residents can experience the garden's beauty from inside the house.

The carefully curated landscape looks even more impressive through a bird's-eye view.

An abandoned 16th-century monastery in Italy was transformed into a $5 million mansion with sprawling gardens — take a look