What are the requirements that a luxury historical house must have?
We have discovered “two points of reference” that allow us to identify the fundamental characteristics of an old Italian villa
If we were to invest in a historic luxury property what requirements would we have to verify to be sure that we are facing real estate excellence?
Italy has a very rich heritage of prestigious and historic residences. Among castles, historic villas, old farmhouses and stately palaces, the map of luxury properties is dotted with thousands of buildings located in dream locations.
The cadastral law
First, we meet the cadastral law, (Dm 2 August 1969 modified by Dl of 21 November 2014 n. 175) where we can find the characteristics that luxury villas must possess.
The following categories belong to this area:
A/1 – Stately homes (LUXURY);
A/8 – Villas (LUXURY);
A/9 – Castles, notable buildings (LUXURY).
Here are some useful details that can help us to better understand if we are in front of a special house, referring to descriptions framed by the real estate legislation.
- Stately homes (A1) are located in areas of high quality with construction, technological and finishing characteristics, higher than that of residential buildings, also have a high surface area”.
- For villas (A8) instead, must be understood “those buildings characterized essentially by the presence of a park and/or garden, built in urban areas intended for such buildings or in areas of value with constructive characteristics and finishes, higher than the ordinary. They can also identify properties with typological and architectural characteristics relevant to the time of construction”.
- This category includes castles and eminent palaces (A9) which, because of their structure, the distribution of interior spaces and built-up volumes are not comparable with the type units of the other categories and normally constitute a single real estate unit. It is compatible with the allocation of category A/9 for other functionally independent units to be classified in the other categories.
Protocol of Certification Historical Residences
To give us a further hand there is the “Protocol of Certification Historical Residences“, the first classification system in the world on the quality standards of historic homes.
The Italian Register of Historic Homes of Excellence was born about 20 years ago, is responsible for surveying, classifying Italian historic homes for tourism and events. In this case, It can provide us guidelines to identify the minimum requirements that a luxury property must possess. Only after the official certifications, a property can be assigned with the prestigious Gold Crowns, each of which corresponds to selection criteria and number of different controls.
There are in fact two different levels of certification:
The Quality Mark and the Mark of Excellence.
The first is issued after passing 4 stages of verification and 50 Quality Checks, and is a prerequisite for all historic houses that want to apply for the assignment of the Golden Crown and the Double Golden Crown of Historic Residences.
The second is instead necessary to pass as many as 10 stages of verification and 150 Quality Controls, even more severe and rigorous, always under the supervision of the Technical Commission of Certification of the Italian Register of Historic Homes of Excellence.
In the archives of the Italian Register of Historic Residences of Excellence are kept data and information on over 8,000 historic residences, castles, villas and historic residences.
THE RANKING
The Certification Commission of Historical Residences carries out up to 150 different Quality Checks on thousands of classified structures (to date 8131), awarding the best castles and historic residences for tourism and events with the assignment of the prestigious Golden Crowns and the publication in the Golden Roll of Historic Residences.
3 Gold Crowns: AN IMPECCABLE HISTORIC HOUSE
150 Quality Controls exceeded
A unique and refined diamond that stands out for the constant search for perfection and the ability to transmit intact the spirit and philosophy of excellence of Residenze d’Epoca.
Maniacal attention to detail, timeless charm, impeccable quality standards and hospitality elevate this masterpiece of virtue to the rank of first choice.
2 Golden Crowns: EXCELLENT HISTORIC HOUSE
80 Quality controls exceeded
A rare and precious jewel where beauty, intimacy and exclusivity blend with a vocation: offering top-of-the-range services and experiences of a higher level.
An alchemy that transforms it into a reference point for the most refined palates, to whom it gives the privilege of feeling welcomed as “jewels laid on the pillow of hospitality“.
1 Golden Crown: HISTORIC HOUSE OF HIGH QUALITY
50 Quality Controls exceeded
A pearl of undisputed value able to stand out for passion, dedication and a strong personality.
The historical, artistic and cultural value, combined with a wise balance between character and quality standards of the first order, make it stand on top of the preferences of those looking for the best.
1 Silver Crown: HISTORIC HOUSE OF CHARACTER
Passed the Preliminary Fitness Assessment
A precious piece whose identity emerges in the care of the environments, in the authentic charm, in the level of services always up to expectations.
It deserves a special place in the list of favorite choices.
In the archives of the Italian Register of Historic Homes of Excellence are kept data and information on over 8,000 historic homes, castles, villas and historic residences that perform activities in the hospitality industry or events of high level.
The aim of the Italian Register of Historic Homes of Excellence is to protect, enhance and promote the historical and cultural heritage of our country through the quality certification of historic homes that offer the opportunity to book an exclusive stay, celebrate a memorable wedding or organize high-level meetings.
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