This unique custom-designed Italian villa was the vision of an artistic Englishman transported to the Mediterranean climate of Chico. He challenged his architect to recreate a favorite stone-built ancient palace on a livable scale, but keeping its best features. His wish list was granted with a cascade of roofs, a tower with spiral staircase, a formal pool with fountain and waterfall, plenty of arches and pillars, a grand dining/entertaining hall, and a unique upstairs open terrace joining the two wings. The house flows in “intimacy gradients,” providing many places to gather but allowing separate quiet and private spaces as well. With an abundance of windows, the “wings of light” allow light from both sides, and most rooms open to the outside. The kitchen features cherrywood cabinets, island with bar sink, and bar/counter where guests can converse with the cook. It is open to the family room, which also offers sliding doors to the courtyard. Office, crafts room and tower art studio invite new uses with new owners. Outside, a gazebo, a wisteria-covered pergola with swing, and several patios welcome lingering and frame the pool, fountain, splash pool that graces the central courtyard. Steps away, Lindo Channel Greenway beckons, with the occasional deer and wildlife along walking paths to Bidwell Park. Enjoy a magnificent Chico landmark home that’s full of character, tucked away in a surprising location.