A Modern Danish Sculptor’s Fascination with a 15th-Century Tuscan Villa

By Thea Hawlin

When artist Eli Benveniste first encountered her future husband, Jørgen Haugen Sørensen, she found herself torn between falling in love with the artist himself or his remarkable home. In the 1980s, Benveniste was exploring the Tuscan town of Pietrasanta with a friend when she crossed paths with Sørensen, a Danish sculptor who, like iconic artists Michelangelo and Henry Moore, was attracted to the area’s marble quarries, stone workshops, and bronze foundries.

Sørensen extended an invitation for them to visit his residence, a 15th-century villa nestled in the Versilia hills between the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. The location instantly left a lasting impression, as the house offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside and the Ligurian Sea from its elevated position, just a short drive away from Pietrasanta. Benveniste remarks on its unique appeal, stating, “It’s not just a view of water— you can see the three islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, just off the coast of Porto Venere.” This four-bedroom property is currently listed for sale at €2.4 million.

Sørensen purchased Villa Simi in 1983 together with his first wife, Jette Mühlendorph Christensen, an art historian. At the time of acquisition, the property lacked a roof, and even a fig tree was growing inside the kitchen. Benveniste recalls, “It was in a very dilapidated state. They had just sold a completely restored house, and he felt like he had ruined this one, so he decided to make as few changes as possible. It takes a lot of courage and a keen eye to preserve things as they are.”

Thanks to Sørensen’s renovations and subtle interventions, such as reinforcing the stone floor with metal supports, the house retains its original spirit. Several rooms still display their untouched walls adorned with the soft remnants of their original frescoes.

The villa, constructed in the 15th century, was later acquired by the Simi family, who amassed their wealth through marble trade. In 1778, it underwent extensive renovations and expansions by the aristocratic Pisani family, resulting in an elegant “U” shape.

Alongside the bedrooms and two bathrooms, the property features a library and a chapel, which Sørensen transformed into his studio. The chapel also served as a space for entertainment. Benveniste recalls a particularly memorable occasion, saying, “Once we had 40 people sitting in there, with the food set up by the altar. I had to organize a kind of one-way system, and then we moved the tables to the side and danced. We’ve had countless dancing moments in that chapel!”

The villa is enveloped by lush gardens and paved terraces, both in the front with a sea view and at the back, seamlessly extending the interior space. Benveniste describes it as “a fun house that gives you a lot of freedom.” The layout allows for breakfast bathing in the morning sun, seeking shade on hot summer days, and enjoying cocktails while admiring stunning sunsets. For years, Benveniste worked in one of the annexes located in the lower garden near a circular stone pond adorned with lily pads and goldfish, creating her clay sculptures. Some of her pieces now decorate the garden walls. When Sørensen also started working in clay, the couple invested in an on-site kiln and frequently swapped studio spaces throughout the years.

Sørensen sadly passed away in 2021, and Benveniste is now prepared to move on, albeit not too far away. The house is adorned with sculptures by both Benveniste and Sørensen, prominently displayed in the grand entrance hall. The new owners will have the opportunity to purchase some of these artworks. She has already decided to leave several sculptures that have become intertwined with the identity of the house, including a ceramic piece by the pond and two reliefs by Sørensen on the villa’s exterior walls, alongside historic plaques like the property’s original coat of arms. Benveniste affirms, “[The house] will still bear the marks of the sculptors who resided here. I will make sure of that.”

Photography: Italy Sotheby’s International Realty