Journalists covering the two auctions found it hard to find information about the sale or to access a web link.
“The auctioneers are more accustomed to selling off confiscated scooters and boats. They have never had to handle a half billion euro property. They need some expert advice,” said Princess Rita, 72, whose varied past includes working as a property agent and posing naked for Playboy – twice.
“But I’m at peace with it all. I feel things will turn out the way they are supposed to.”
The villa will be auctioned for a third time in June, with an asking price of €301m, another 20 per cent discount.
If successful, the proceeds will be split between the princess and three adult children from her late husband’s first marriage.
Over the centuries, a pantheon of illustrious characters has passed through the villa, including Tchaikovsky, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry James and Woody Allen, after he finished his 2012 film From Rome to Love.
Born Rita Carter in San Antonio, Texas, the princess worked as an actress in her youth, appearing in films and TV shows such as Fantasy Island, where her character was called Nurse Heavenly.
