Own a da Vinci masterpiece: Italian villa decorated by Leonardo goes on sale in Tuscany (and at £4.6million, it's cheaper than his paintings)

  • Italian fortress painted by the Italian art master in the 16th century has gone on sale - and it's a bargain
  • Listed for between $7.3m (£4.6m) to $14.6m (£9.3m), the property overlooks the Mediterranean Sea in Tuscany
  • Da Vinci designed the walls surrounding the four-storey estate while working as a military engineer in 1502

By Katie Amey for MailOnline

Published: 05:24 EST, 1 July 2015 | Updated: 06:56 EST, 1 July 2015

An Italian fortress painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century has gone on sale - and, by definition, it's a bargain.

Perched on top of a cliff, the property overlooks the Mediterranean Sea in Tuscany, Livorno, Italy, about 56 miles from Florence, where the painter stayed while he worked in 1502.

Da Vinci designed the great walls surrounding the historic estate and gardens while working as a military engineer and, later, in the 19th century Napoleon's sister, Princess Elisa Bonaparte, became the owner.

Compared to da Vinci's famous masterpieces, this villa is a steal, with agents listing it for between $7.3m (£4.6m) to $14.6m (£9.3m).

It was built as a fort for the defence of the city in the mid-1400s and the prestigious four-storey home comes with traditional Italian features such as terracotta flooring, two terraces with sea views and copper eaves.

There is also a second kitchen and dining area on the top floor which would have been traditionally used by staff. 

Earlier this year a long-lost Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece thought to be worth £90million and discovered in a bank vault was finally returned to Italy.

The painting of Renaissance socialite Isabella d’Este, attributed by experts to da Vinci, was seized by police after being found in a bank vault in Switzerland in 2013.

An Italian fortress painted by artist Leonardo da Vinci has gone on sale in Tuscany - and it's a bargain

An Italian fortress painted by artist Leonardo da Vinci has gone on sale in Tuscany - and it's a bargain

Agents have given the listing a price guide between $7.3m (£4.6m) to $14.6m (£9.3m), which is far cheaper than to purchase his art

Agents have given the listing a price guide between $7.3m (£4.6m) to $14.6m (£9.3m), which is far cheaper than to purchase his art

The home, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, also comes with two sea-view terraces on two separate levels

The home, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, also comes with two sea-view terraces on two separate levels

The luxury four-storey home is perched on top of a cliff, offering breathtaking views from many of the bedroom windows

The luxury four-storey home is perched on top of a cliff, offering breathtaking views from many of the bedroom windows

Da Vinci painted the walls which surround the estate and garden when he lived and worked there as a military engineer in 1502

Da Vinci painted the walls which surround the estate and garden when he lived and worked there as a military engineer in 1502

Inside the opulent home, which was once owned by Napoleon's sister, Elisa Bonaparte, there is a magnificent dining room

Inside the opulent home, which was once owned by Napoleon's sister, Elisa Bonaparte, there is a magnificent dining room

Steeped in history! The home was first built as a fort for the defence of the city in the mid 14th century

Steeped in history! The home was first built as a fort for the defence of the city in the mid 14th century

An outdoor terrace, complete with a staircase leading down to the cliffs below, overlooks a stunning sea vista

An outdoor terrace, complete with a staircase leading down to the cliffs below, overlooks a stunning sea vista

There are plenty of classic Italian touches, such as as terracotta flooring, copper eaves and painted shutters

There are plenty of classic Italian touches, such as as terracotta flooring, copper eaves and painted shutters

A second bedroom likewise offers sweeping sea views and is smartly appointed with paintings and wooden furniture

A second bedroom likewise offers sweeping sea views and is smartly appointed with paintings and wooden furniture

An aerial view shows the house surrounded by fortress walls, situated next to several other homes outside of the enclosure

An aerial view shows the house surrounded by fortress walls, situated next to several other homes outside of the enclosure

Prospective buyers will also receive a picturesque courtyard, complete with walkways, a well and vine-covered walls

Prospective buyers will also receive a picturesque courtyard, complete with walkways, a well and vine-covered walls

Inside the home, there is also a more casual dining area, as well as two kitchens which would have been used by staff

Inside the home, there is also a more casual dining area, as well as two kitchens which would have been used by staff

Although there is no direct sea access from the villa, the rocky coastline can be admired from the terraces and lawns

Although there is no direct sea access from the villa, the rocky coastline can be admired from the terraces and lawns

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