A masterpiece by renowned architects Gio Ponti and Pier Giulio Magistretti finally finds new owners after decades of deliberate exclusivity
In the heart of Milan, where Via De Marchi meets the city’s architectural legacy, stands Villa Ci—a remarkable residential complex that has quietly captivated the luxury real estate market for decades. After years of strategic unavailability, this architectural masterpiece has finally changed hands in a deal worth approximately €50 million.
The Eccentric Guardian
For over a decade, Villa Ci remained largely uninhabited under the stewardship of Corrado Minucci, an engineer and journalist who transformed property viewings into an art form. Those familiar with Minucci describe a man who took particular pleasure in hosting potential buyers—from Middle Eastern royalty to fashion moguls and finance titans—only to ultimately decline every offer.
His ritual was consistent: elaborate tours showcasing the building’s pedigree, from its designs by legendary architects Gio Ponti and Pier Giulio Magistretti to its lush gardens and discrete terraces, even the wartime air raid shelter. Each presentation concluded with the same sly question: “So, what’s it worth to you?” Regardless of the response, Minucci’s answer remained unchanged: “It’s not right for you.”
Those who knew him insist it had become a pastime rather than serious business. The property remained virtually empty except for Minucci’s residence on the sixth floor, his housekeeper on the seventh, and a ground-floor study.
Architectural Heritage
Villa Ci’s story begins nearly a century ago when the current Via De Marchi didn’t exist. The area was defined by the Naviglio canal system, and Via Turati bore the name Via Principe Umberto, leading to what was then Piazza Fiume (now Repubblica), home to the original Central Station.
The 1933 regulatory plan established the continuation along Via dei Giardini, permitting the construction of what planning documents described as a “comb of buildings with terraces and courtyards.” Enter Francesco Plodari, a quintessential Lombard entrepreneur and tool manufacturer from Magenta, whose name still graces the local stadium from his successful tenure as Novara’s president.
Plodari secured the building permits and commissioned his friends Ponti and Magistretti for the project. Every detail—from staircases to chandeliers, doors to handles—bears the signature of master craftsmen. Construction began in 1939, and remarkably, the building currently operates without heritage protection constraints.
A Living Laboratory
Over the decades, Villa Ci earned recognition in international tourist guides, celebrated not only for its architectural merit but for its unique biodiversity. The complex became an urban oasis, featuring rare bird species nesting among magnolias and citrus trees, alongside exotic ducks including “Indian runners” and “Carolinas” that drew curious passersby.
Today, visitors still press their phones against the gates to capture glimpses of this urban sanctuary. Marissa, Minucci’s loyal caretaker of 30 years and designated heir, continues tending to the cedars, lemons, grapefruits, and bitter oranges. Her devotion to the gardens remains unwavering: “The plants need care!”
New Custodians
The property’s new owners are the Nassimiha family, prominent figures in Milan’s Persian Jewish community originally from Mashad, Iran. Active in diamond trading, the family has deep roots in Milan’s cultural landscape, notably founding Noam—the first religious association in Italy to construct a new synagogue in the past century, located on Via Montecuccoli.
The Nassimiahs’ interest in Villa Ci dates back to 2016, when they first approached Minucci. Now, having successfully navigated what legal advisor Barbara de Muro of LCA studio describes as a “complex operation” involving negotiations, inheritance disputes, and historical considerations, they plan to restore the property for eventual sale while preserving its architectural integrity.
Market Implications
The Villa Ci transaction represents more than a luxury real estate deal—it signals the transfer of Milan’s architectural heritage to new custodians committed to preservation. In a market where prime central properties with unified ownership are increasingly rare, the €50 million valuation reflects both the building’s intrinsic worth and its potential as a restored masterpiece.
As de Muro characterizes it, Villa Ci was “a hidden and unexpressed jewel.” Under new ownership, this architectural treasure may finally realize its full potential while maintaining the vision of its original creators and the biodiversity legacy of its most devoted guardian.
Source: Corriere Milano