Villa Certosa, Silvio Berlusconi’s lavish Sardinian retreat, notorious for hosting his “bunga bunga” parties, has now been listed on the luxury real estate market. Estimated at around €500 million, the property ranks among the most expensive private residences in the world.
According to local newspaper La Nuova Sardegna, negotiations are underway, though Berlusconi’s holding company, Fininvest, has emphasised that while “various expressions of interest” are being reviewed, no deal has yet been finalised.
Now owned by Berlusconi’s five children following his death in 2023, the estate is being marketed by Sotheby’s International Realty in collaboration with Knight Castle Real Estate. Originally acquired in 1980 and once known as Villa Monastero, the luxury estate hosted a long list of celebrities and world leaders — including Vladimir Putin, George W. Bush, and Tony Blair.
Located along the exclusive Costa Smeralda coastline, the residence blends Mediterranean design with modern comforts, offering numerous bedrooms and reception areas. Its elevated setting provides privacy and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, with large terraces and open-air dining areas ideal for Sardinia’s climate.
The villa features sprawling terraced gardens with cacti and faux megaliths, multiple swimming pools with panoramic sea views, private beach access, and guest bungalows set around an artificial volcano. Standout elements include a private sea grotto with direct boat access, a Poseidon-inspired pool, a Roman-style amphitheatre, state-of-the-art wine cellars featuring a collection of rare vintages, helipad facilities and a secure underground bunker designed to withstand nuclear threats.
The estate is equipped with advanced security systems, climate-controlled storage, and full staff accommodations to support large-scale gatherings. Luxury elements include custom-designed interiors, imported marble surfaces, and carefully landscaped grounds boasting rare Mediterranean plants nurtured over decades.
In 2004, the property was designated by government decree as an “alternative location of maximum security for the safety of the Prime Minister,” granting it state secrecy protections despite investigations into possible environmental violations.
Rumours about a potential sale of the residence first appeared in 2010 and 2015 – both Berlusconi publicly denied. Since his passing, speculation has emerged about interest from high-profile buyers, including the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and the Four Seasons hotel group – though neither has been confirmed.
Although Villa Certosa carries a controversial past, real estate experts anticipate strong international interest, with many seeing its history as enhancing both its distinct character and its investment appeal. The residence now ranks among the most remarkable luxury real estate listings to appear in the Mediterranean this year.
