Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, a prominent figure in Qatar’s royal family, has made waves in the real estate market with his recent acquisition of Villa Certosa in Sardinia. This extravagant property, once owned by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has captivated attention due to its vast size and unique features. The purchase price of approximately €350 million (around $395 million) reflects an impressive reduction from its initial listing of €500 million.
Villa Certosa: A Costly Investment
Despite acquiring Villa Certosa at a lower price, the estate remains costly to maintain, with annual expenses reaching around €8 million. Major elements of these running costs include an electricity bill that can exceed €1.3 million yearly. The sprawling estate, larger than Vatican City and spanning about 120 hectares, requires extensive resources, including a private desalination plant to provide water throughout its vast grounds. The main residence, designed by Italian architect Gianni Gamondi, features around 4,500 square meters of living space, comprising 126 rooms and additional buildings that include guest quarters and greenhouses.
Enchanting Features and Amenities
Villa Certosa is renowned for its striking features introduced during Berlusconi’s ownership. The estate has a multitude of recreational facilities, including a private golf course, tennis courts, and an amphitheater, making it a perfect venue for both relaxation and entertainment. Notably, the property boasts seven swimming pools, including a specialized thalassotherapy area featuring interconnected seawater pools. The landscape is adorned with artificial lakes and a unique artificial volcano that can simulate an eruption, enhancing the property’s allure.
An Impressive Botanical Garden
In addition to luxurious amenities, Villa Certosa is a botanical haven. Its extensive gardens host rare plant species, showcasing varieties that include around 2,100 different succulents in a dedicated cactus amphitheater, and approximately 1,200 palm trees. With its picturesque landscapes, including a citrus grove and a Garden of Gethsemane filled with ancient olive trees, maintaining this property requires a dedicated team to care for both the gardens and the buildings across the estate.
From Private Residence to Luxury Resort
Rather than using Villa Certosa as a personal retreat, Sheikh Hamad plans to transform it into a luxury resort. This decision aligns with his company, Constellation Hotels, which already manages upscale properties throughout Europe. The transition from private residence to a high-end resort promises to open the estate to visitors, providing an opportunity to experience its architectural beauty and rich gardens without the significant financial investment required to purchase such an extraordinary property.
This acquisition not only reflects Sheikh Hamad’s status within the international luxury real estate market but also builds on his long-standing affection for the Sardinian coastline. His luxury superyacht, Al Mirqab, frequently graces the local waters, further cementing his ties to this stunning location. This iconic estate is set to become a testament to opulence, further enhancing its allure for both potential guests and fans of elite real estate.