Say buongiorno to this unfinished home in Lafayette, Indiana.
Nearly 20 years ago, a local lover of Italian architecture saw fit to build himself a massive villa on a wooded stretch of Lafayette. The anonymous owner’s palatial dream is only partially finished, but it just went on sale for $1.5 million, Realtor.com reported.
An aerial view of the nearly 12,000 square foot estate. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
The property spans 17 acres and includes a pond. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
Marble detailing throughout the half-built villa was imported from Italy. Nate Dale with New Adventure ProductionsListing agent Susan Pounders called the $1.5 million listing price “a bargain,” given the work that has gone into the half-completed concrete structure.
The down-on-his-luck owner began construction on his dream home in 2009, Pounders told The Post.
He brought in crews from overseas to build the whimsical tiled roof and imported many of the windows, trim, marble accents, tiles and statues from Italy.
Archways, ornate columns and wrought iron entrances add to the strange grandeur of the home. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
The large entrance hall. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
The owner brought in crews from overseas to complete the roof. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
The rear of the property. Nate Dale with New Adventure ProductionsThe three-story steel and concrete estate spans nearly 12,000 square feet, according to the listing. The exterior bears old-world touches, including marble tile cladding, handcrafted marble columns and wrought iron accents. The entrance to the home is greeted with sweeping archways.
All materials in the property are included in the sale, so the future owner will save big on lumber and scaffolding.
Pounder told The Post that the owner had “life-changing events” that put his plans on hold, but his dream is to see the stunning property completed by the next buyer.
A tiled fireplace. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
The owner’s whimsical vision for the home is evident, even in its half-built state. Nate Dale with New Adventure Productions
On-site materials come with the $1.5 million sale, according to the listing. Nate Dale with New Adventure ProductionsThe listing advertises the home’s “endless potential” with future possibilities far beyond its current trajectory as a luxury private residence, suggesting a second life as a boutique hotel or a wedding venue.
While the property might attract another Lafayette local, it might have trouble competing with the area’s budget-friendly housing market. Lafayette’s median sale price in May was $232,500, according to Redfin.
