The magnificent 1,225-acre property is almost as breathtaking as the house itself.

There are elaborate fountains, Renaissance sculptures, a chapel and even a giraffe.

Yes, this sale includes a real giraffe, as well as 12 zebras, 6 African antelopes, a shy Kudu antelope and some Andean llamas.

The ranch has 23,000 certified organic lemon trees and 1,000 olive trees imported from Italy, as well as a 51-acre exotic animal sanctuary, two shooting ranges, a greenhouse, a wine gazebo, and a private lake.

Also included, according to the listing, is a two-storey guesthouse, an art studio and gallery, dog kennels, an equestrian centre, a 2,200 sq ft garage, a 2,200 sq ft workshop, and a 2,100 sq ft staff triplex.

Let us not overlook the helipad either.

The property's first owner was Bruce Brown, producer of the classic surf movie Endless Summer, says Jody Neal of listing agent Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.

The property was originally built in 1979 and is now owned by Dick Marconi, a former race car driver, founder of the Marconi Motor Museum and creator/supplier of Herbalife health products.

When Marconi bought the house in 1994, he wanted to transform it into a unique Tuscan-style village.

Everything about this property has character. A lion-guarded entrance leads to a stone arch bridge that spans the so-called Lago Di Cigno ("Swan Lake").

The 5,048 sq ft residence boasts gates from Hearst Castle, a wine tasting room, a swimming pool with its own indoor kitchen, and a main suite with views of the lake.

This huge ranch also boasts a 2,000 sq ft art studio and a separate 2,175 sq ft art gallery with paintings by Marconi, lit by museum quality lighting.

One of the property's most stunning features is the on-site chapel, which houses a full-size replica of Michelangelo's sculpture La Pieta from the Vatican in Rome. The statue can be purchased separately.

After returning home from an African safari, the Marconi's were inspired to create their own exotic animal sanctuary.

Now, 51 acres of savannah life lie on the land.

As for the next owners, a combination of things will be sought: privacy, elbow room, a unique property, and an off-grid Italian villa that can be used as a family compound.

The Marconi's have their own opinions on who would be the ideal buyer, and who wouldn't.

"We're working with buyers who are individual families," says Neil." We don't want to turn it into a holiday resort. It's an heirloom property. We have had to turn down developers because we are looking for people who want the property to remain as it is."

There has been a lot of interest in the property and the home was under contract at one point; however, potential buyers pulled out because of their conditions.

In the meantime, Neil and the Marconi's will continue to wait for the family that is perfectly suited to embrace this rare and beautiful home.