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OUR STORY...
Lucia Ana Vallera Luhan (also known as "Lucy"), a first generation Italian, born in Connecticut, was raised in a European household, where old traditional Italian values and customs prevailed including large family dinners, homemade pasta and wine making. She was married in 1965 to Dr. Jorge Luhan, and shortly thereafter moved to California. Lucia opened two restaurants and a catering business that have flourished for nearly 30 years.
In 1985, during one of her many travels to the land of her ancestry, Lucia discovered and fell in love what would eventually be known as Villa Lucia. She purchased the abandoned farmhouse, which was built in the 1400’s, and began renovations that make up this lovely bed and breakfast with ten bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and includes three separate apartments. Lucia managed to bring the property discretely into the modern age without tarnishing the rustic yet charming appeal of living in an old farmhouse. Many upgraded amenities have been added to make her 21st century guests feel more at home in their 15th century environment. Throughout the farmhouse and its property you will find the careful touch of Lucia’s hospitality and warmth.
Grandma Vallera and 3 Daughters
For 17 years, Lucia has provided an intercultural experience for friends and guests experiencing life at the B&B as well as her popular cooking school. A favorite cooking program takes place in November when Lucia and attendees make Villa Lucia's extra virgin olive oil while experiencing other culinary programs. Madonna dell'oliva oil can be purchased on the farm and, when available, at the family's restaurant, Luciana's, in Dana Point California. Lucia produced a video in 1982, "Pass the Pasta Please", which features her 70 year old mother making pasta by hand. It has been used nationally as an educational tool. In 2002, she produced her Villa Lucia video, showing activities at the farm as well as featuring her now 90 year old mother, making home made pasta as she continues to do weekly at Luciana's Ristorante. Video is available for purchase.
In 1996, after many years of cross-continental travel between the farmhouse and her home in Newport Beach, California, Lucia moved permanently to Italy. Her husband, Jorge, a practicing plastic surgeon in Southern California for 30 years, joined Lucia in 2001 and has since moved his practice to Montecatini Terme to be with her. Jorge can often be seen working as Lucia’s “sous-chef” in the kitchen!
We look forward to seeing you at Villa Lucia soon!
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