Location and Surrounding Area. Villa Latina is a magnificent estate covering more than 600 hectares and was recognised as a Natural Monument in 2007. The ruins of the medieval village on the property, the English-style gardens and ancient woodlands have been lovingly restored by a team of international landscape designers to recreate an idyllic paradise of rambling roses, trailing wisteria, wild flowers and ferns. The overall impression is one of seemingly untouched, natural beauty with prevailing romanticism as a backdrop. The gardens were designed by, among others, Lauro Marchetti and Dan Pearson and the property has featured in House and Garden magazine.
By car, Torrecchia Vecchia is about an hour and half south of the wonders of central Rome. Rome is a city dripping with history; from the wonders of Michelangelo's artwork in the Sistine Chapel to the Colosseum and Imperial Forum, there is so much to see and do. The city was relatively undamaged during the Second World war and as such, the centre remains essentially renaissance and baroque in character. Not to be missed is a coffee in the famous Piazza Navona and the quintessential Campo de' Fiori with its statue of the philosopher and mathematician Giordano Bruno in the centre. The nearby Pantheon is perhaps one of Ancient Rome's best preserved buildings and the dome remains today, even after 2000 years, the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The magnificent Spanish Steps link Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinità dei Monti Church at the top. The Spanish Steps were immortalized in the 1953 film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck and it is still a place where lovers sit and gaze at the beauty of the surrounding buildings and maybe make a private wish at the stunning Barcaccia Fountain below. The Steps, as the locals call them, also featured in the 1999 film version of The Talented Mr Ripley starring Matt Damon. And as if that wasn't enough, the English poet John Keats lived and died in the house on the corner at the bottom of the steps and the building has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and works.
Another beautiful place that's well worth a visit is the Gardens of Ninfa, which were designed by Lauro Marchetti, the same original curator as Villa Latina. Once again, the gardens were created around the ruins of the medieval town of Ninfa and, according to the New York Times, are one of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in the world. You'll need to check opening times before visiting.
The beaches around Anzio today offer long sandy beaches, safe swimming and plenty of beach bars, a far cry from the bloodshed during the Battle of Anzio during the Second World War.
Villa Latina is 45 km from Rome's Ciampino international airport and 80 km from Fiumicino international airport. Central Rome is 70 km from the villa, The Gardens of Ninfa are 16 km away and the beaches are 30 km from the property.
The Property. The accommodation at Villa Latina is spread out between the main villa and a charming guest house. The elegant villa is a superb renovation of a 17th century granary. This beautiful, old building was completely transformed by the celebrated architect Gae Aulenti and today the whole property sleeps up to 14 guests; eight guests in four double bedrooms in the main villa and six guests in three double bedrooms in the guest house.
Main Villa. The villa offers three floors of elegant accommodation. The top floor is given over to the master bedroom, which features a king size bed, fireplace, panoramic windows on three sides, a spacious dressing room and an en suite bathroom with a bathtub, walk-in shower and hydromassage functions. There is also a door to the mezzanine studio plus a large living room with a fireplace and a high, wood-beamed ceiling.
The remaining three bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, are on the ground floor. There are two double bedrooms with a king size bed and a twin room. You'll find two sitting rooms, one with a bar and the other with a TV plus a laundry room on the ground floor. There are stairs and a handy lift connecting all three floors.
The lower floor is dedicated to the pleasures of eating delicious Italian food. The formal dining room features a table long enough to seat 30 guests or otherwise you can choose to eat your meals al fresco under the shady pergola via a set of French windows leading to the furnished outdoor living and dining area. To complete the lower floor, there is a kitchen and a breakfast room with doors leading out to a terrace with a gorgeous fountain. The staff quarters and a professional kitchen are also on the lower floor.
Guest House. This lovely guest house offers a king size bedroom with a dressing room and en suite bathroom, a queen size bedroom with dressing room plus private bathroom and another queen size bedroom with a bathroom and day bed. There is a large sitting room with a conservatory area and French doors lead out to the terrace. The large kitchen is fully equipped with everything you might need and there is plenty of space for informal meals in the kitchen or adjoining dining area. On the lower level you'll find a huge library/recreation space with a movie screen plus a well-stocked wine cellar. The caretaker's apartment is at the bottom of the front steps.
Despite the stunning accommodation, much of your time here will probably be spent outside in the gardens and woodlands. Take a walk over to the romantic ruins of the 16th century Santa Maria of Torrecchia Chapel, which was commissioned by Cardinal Borghese as the place of worship for the 350 workers at that time.
Main villa
Guest House
| * Please note: the included amenities may vary according to final agreement, make sure to check your contract for complete list. |
